Is it right to ban the SDL march?

talkback poll results — By on 03/02/2012 12:28 pm

Leaders from Scottish political parties have united in their call upon Glasgow City Council to refuse the far-right organisation, the Scottish Defence League (SDL), permission to march later this month. MSP HumzaYousaf, said: “I am a firm believer in free speech – regardless of how unsavoury it may be. However it is imperative freedom of speech is not at the expense of public safety. The SDL must not be given free rein on our streets to peddle their toxic hatred.”

But who should be allowed to protest and march on our streets? Over the last few years we’ve seen anti-capitalist protests, pro-Palestinian marches and annual Orange Order parades – all of which have caused contention, offense and even violence – do we really have the right to pick and choose who should have a voice on our streets?

Is it right to ban the SDL march?

 

And please tell us why?

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3 Comments

  1. Norman Tinlin says:
    03/02/2012 at 7:18 pm

    This is a country of free speech and the march should be allowed no matter what police resources are required. If the students and unions can march (I would personally have them banned from marching) why not the SDL or any other extreme organisation.

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  2. Alexis says:
    06/02/2012 at 2:04 pm

    Freedom of speech should not be a cover to allow people to incite hatred or violence whether on the streets, in print or on websites. Those who would riot against this country (that they are living in) and burn flags shouldn’t be allowed to do so either. We cannot portray ourselves as a tolerant multiracial country and yet allow groups to hold meetings or marches when they clearly reprent themselves as anything but tolerant and accepting of every one who lives in our country. I dont care where you started of life if you live her – then live her and dont abuse the freedom to speak.

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  3. bob says:
    06/02/2012 at 2:26 pm

    Banning anything only makes it more popular – remember bagpipes were once banned in Scotland!

    Let them have their march and we can decide for ourselves what we think of their agenda – I’m pretty sure the vast majority of people will be repulsed by their ideas.

    I am also keen that people get to see the extreme Unionist viewpoint of these types of groups before we go to vote in the 2014 referendum.

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