Elizabeth Wright, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said McConnell's comments had 'crossed the line'.
She added: 'People have the right to hold opinions and express their views.
'But when words cross the line between a legitimate expression of religious views, and become distressing and threatening, the CPS will prosecute offenders if our legal test is met.
'In this case, by repeatedly referring to the female victim as "this gentleman" and "a man in woman’s clothing", using a microphone in a public place, McConnell’s comments crossed the line between a legitimate expression of his religious views, to become a distressing and threatening personal attack.'
Meanwhile, in Leeds:
Members of the public and local businesses in Leeds raised concerns of hate speech from people who try to convert others to religion in the city centre.
It led to the Labour-run local council teaming up with West Yorkshire Police to issue a new code of conduct and tell preachers they are committed to respecting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) Article 10 rights to freedom of expression of all, but 'recognise that this is a qualified right and may be limited to prevent disorder or crime.'
And it seems the definition of 'disorder and crime' is now expanded to include being told something you don't want to hear.
And let's be clear here - this is a legitimate freedom of speech question, and not in any way equitable to the people approached by police, usually for their own safety, shouting anti-monarchist rhetoric in the middle of a crowd of mourners lining the late Queen's funeral cortege.
I see no contradiction between the two, and at any other time, don't believe the police should move in on them, either.
One hopes this also applies to Moslem preachers.
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember the good old days when the CPS actually prosecuted crimes like theft and assault? Those were the days!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Wright would do well to remember that the CPS can only prosecute on the evidence presented to them by the police. No matter how embarrassed or distressed someone is as a result of the words of someone else, if a police officer doesn’t initiate proceedings nothing can happen.
ReplyDeleteSuch people as those mentioned in this article should be reminded that they can start a private criminal prosecution if they feel offended.
I would rather see the police directing their efforts against the types of crime that the public they serve deem a priority than becoming a slave of minority professional victims.
"One hopes this also applies to Moslem preachers."
ReplyDeleteSure... 🤣
"Anyone remember the good old days when the CPS actually prosecuted crimes like theft and assault? "
Well, perhaps the renewed Home Office under Suella will force them back into doing their job?
"Such people as those mentioned in this article should be reminded that they can start a private criminal prosecution if they feel offended."
Let them crowdfund it...