Word is coming through that the British parliament is set to approve a bill rendering all criticism of warfare a criminal offence. The move comes shortly after the recent ban imposed on Pope Benedict XVI from entering the United Kingdom due to his presence “not being conducive to the public good”.
Under the new law, which is expected to be given Royal assent, any and all mention of peace, reconciliation and pacifism could land the accused with a custodial sentence of more than twenty years followed by automatic deportation upon completion.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s spokesman has told the press that all Labour MPs are behind the bill as well as having cross bench support from the Liberal Democrats and some Conservatives. The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is said to be aiming to get the bill passed as quickly as possible in time for the up-coming review of Britain’s role in the war in Iraq.
However, critics have complained that the possible new law goes against the very values and foundations of democracy and free speech. A UKIP parliamentarian who asked to remain anonymous said in an interview this morning:
“Democracy means differences and debate. It’s a very sad day when the UK bans an unsavoury but elected spiritual leader and outlaws the criticism of war. Pope Benedict might serve no other purpose but to offend with his words of peace but we still have a duty to let those we deem extreme have their say and that includes the general population as a whole.”
Foreign Secretary David Miliband told the BBC’s Hardtalk: “The home secretary made a decision on an individual case as she is required to do.”
Many newspapers have also supported the bill with The Guardian and The Independent among those most corroboratory. The Guardian’s ‘comment is free’ section has been filled with messages in agreement with the government’s plans. The chairman of the ‘Socialists for Equality’ group, which has connections to the Labour Party said:
“This is a wonderful new era for war, violence and freedom of speech. As has been said before, we are not allowed to cry ‘fire’ in a crowded cinema so why should people be allowed to incite peace with such barbaric messages of hope?”
Small protests have been planned by pacifists in a number of major British cities. They are expected to come in the form of mass sit-downs and tea parties on major roads and in cathedral squares.
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You are very funny! I almost thought this was true until I read the final sentences and saw it listed under satire. Here where I live, it is illegal to cry about or oppose Obama. It is considered a treasonous act of Anti-American racism.
I am stumbling this–it is mot excellent. Hope it gives you a traffic blast:)
Thank you Bobby for your kind words and the stumble. It seems Obama will have a long honeymoon period with the media and much of the American public.