Interesting article. I'm afraid the US isn't far behind.
It surely isn´t. What kind of freedom is it when you are not allowed to drink a beer on the (public) beach, or aren´t allowed to smoke even in bars, restaurants? Buckle up, it´s the law, ok, I get this since it´s not a big thing and it serves you as well as the society both. But where does it end?
Recently, a minister friend of mine from England was visiting, and attended church with us. We heard a very good sermon, but afterward my friend informed me that, while he agreed with the sermon, he would have been arrested for giving that sermon in England. My guess is that England is NOT very free.
Just to test the issue of England's freedom, publicly express the opinion that Islam is an evil religion of hate. Another good test would be to try and find your local gun shop and buy yourself a handgun for protection.