But I also support people's right to say what they think. Here is an example:
A SYDNEY artist whose anti-burka mural has infuriated left-wing and Islamic activists is vowing that the provocative artwork will stay in place despite death threats, abuse, a string of vandalism attacks, a violent weekend protest and a police request to remove it.
The people who threaten to firebomb Sergio Redegalli's mural are the threat to public safety. If instead, we convert the mural into a threat to public safety (because someone might turn violent) then we've given in the bullies.
To remind you - back in 1927, the British Indian government decided it could ban some speech because various groups threatened to be violent otherwise. Both India and Pakistan haven't gotten that law (IPC 295A) off their books, and are still plagued by the bad law.
PTI reports:
A case was filed against former Test cricketer Ravi Shastri in a local court here for allegedly hurting the religious feelings of Hindus by reportedly eating beef during the India-South Africa Test match in Johannesburg.
[...]
The complainant alleged that Shastri has hurt the feelings of Hindus by reportedly eating beef in full knowledge and by commenting, "though I know that I am a Brahmin, I can't stop myself from eating the dish (billtang)."
The law applied was 295A. My being offended by something cannot turn that something into a crime. 295A in essence said - if you're offended by something enough to become violent, that something is a crime.
PS: The right way to deal with it - Sadhvi Ritambhara was due to speak at a Hindu temple in Mahwah, NJ. She is notorious for some rather bloodthirsty anti-Muslim rabble-rousing in India; a local Muslim organization pointed this out to the temple managers; and the temple cancelled her appearance at the temple. S.R.'s meeting was held at a nearby hotel; but I am told that the temple did not permit even a "redirect" sign on their property, to send people to the new venue. This is the appropriate use of the right of private property. ("Say what you like, but on your own dime." - I need to say this for those who ask - what about Ritambhara's freedom of speech?)
Suppose the temple management did not respond gracefully, then violence is not the answer. You make your case, and educate the community. Even just keeping a cool dignity will win some people over.
