Wednesday 3 July 2013

More on that pesky free speech...

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Apparently expressing the beliefs of mainstream christianisty, islam and judaism is now illegal:

Mr Miano has recently been out preaching in Wimbledon. He very much enjoys biblical evangelism, speaking about spiritual growth, personal holiness and the person and work of Jesus Christ. On Monday, his theme was sexual immorality - all forms (1Thess 4:1-12). He talked about sin - heterosexual and homosexual - without discrimination. As he was preaching, a lady heard him say that homosexuality was a sin, and promptly summoned the police, who duly arrived.

Mr Miano was then arrested for violating Section 5 of the Public Order Act: he was accused of using homophobic speech likely to cause anxiety, distress, alarm or insult.

Now I don't think that homosexuality is any sort of sin but I do know that free speech means others should be able to express that view. And I also know that many christians, muslims and jews consider homosexuality to be a sin.

But there's something about sinners - at least if you're a christian:

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Luke 6:37
The suppression of free speech is an act of judgement as plainly as is the stoning of adulterers or the casting out of people we choose to label 'sinner'.

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2 comments:

Umbongo said...

I suspect that had Mr Miano been Mr Al-Miano and speaking from a Moslem perspective (and saying much the same thing), it is probable that the police would have either ignored the complaint or arrested the complainant. More likely, the complaint would not have been made.

Anonymous said...

Regarding sin - I do not think that your idea of what is or is not a sin is relevant; surely the definition of sin is solely in the judgment of God?

That is why we are exhorted to judge not; whichever religion you may belong to (or not), judgement is, ultimately, the preserve of God. Which is why freedom of speech is so important; speak, and be damned - offence cannot be given, it can only be taken.