Posted on 11/29/2001 9:48:43 PM PST by Lurker
EU considers plans to outlaw racism
By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard in Brussels (Filed: 29/11/2001)
RACISM and xenophobia would become serious crimes in Britain for the first time, carrying a prison sentence of two years or more, under new proposals put forward by Brussels yesterday.
Holocaust denial or "trivialisation" of Nazi atrocities would be banned, along with and participation in any group that promotes race hate. The plans, drafted by the European Commission, define racism and xenophobia as aversion to individuals based on "race, colour, descent, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin".
Ordinary crimes would carry heavier penalities if they are motivated in any way by racism or xenophobia, or if the culprit is carrying out "professional activity", such as a police officer. Some of the crimes listed are, broadly speaking, offences under British law already, such as public incitement to violence.
But the list also a covers a wide range of activities that sometimes fall into the sphere of protected political speech, such as "public insults" of minority groups, "public condoning of war crimes", and "public dissemination of tracts, pictures, or other material containing expressions of racism of xenophobia" - including material posted on far-Right internet websites.
It was not clear yesterday how the law would affect radical Islamic groups that openly promote anti-Semitic and anti-Christian views. Nor was it clear how it would apply to political parties opposed to mass immigration, such as Austria's Freedom Party, Belgium's Vlaams Blok, and the Danish People's Party, all of which have become serious political forces.
The law could potentially cover many stand-up comedians, and even Anne Robinson, who, during an appearance on BBC television this year, described the Welsh as "irritating". The proposals, which will require the unanimous backing of all 15 states, are aimed at ending the patchwork of different laws across the European Union and establishing a common definition that can be used by all judges. The commission appears to have adopted the most restrictive code - Germany's - as the basis for the rest of the EU. Leonello Gabrici, the Commission's judicial spokesman, denied that there was any intention of curbing political expression. "This totally respects free speech. It will be up to judges to decide where the balance lies" he said. The United Kingdom Independence Party said yesterday that it could be targeted by the new rules, noting that the Oxford English Dictionary definition of xenophobia is "a morbid fear of foreigners or foreign countries".
Nigel Farage MEP, the party's chairman, said: "I'm morbidly xenophobic about this new country called the European Union, so if that is covered by this law then I'm most certainly xenophobic and I could be extradited anywhere. So I'm going to make sure my overnight bag is packed and ready."
Orwell Award of the week.
Yeah. I can't wait to see another sanctimoniously hypocritical Guardian or Independent article bemoaning the erosion of terrorists' rights in the US after this. I know there'll be dozens published before one peep is made against this one.
You lost me somewhat here, my friend. I agree with your statement, but I'm wondering why you addressed it to me, unless you misunderstand where I'm coming from.
Yeah, they don't last too long anyway. They're easy prey for the enemies whom they're so worried about protecting.
Just as an aside, I was talking to my wife about these tribunals and I said that if Europe was against them then the US ought to do them just to pi$$ Europe off.
Didn't you hear? Americans are a 300,000,000 part collective satan, and the source of any and all evil which may or may not have afflicted any part of humanity at any time in Earth's history. As such, we are not entitled to any of the God-given rights or dignities that other groups must be shown.
Also it should be noted that most white males from any country, especially those who have amassed any form of personal wealth, are usually lumped in with us lowly Americans.
Just thought you should know.
Folks, the nuts are running the asylem. It'll be about ten minutes before Churches are banned from criticizing the homosexual lifestyle.
That's where we're headed. That's an ominious stage in the progression towards total socialist control. And what Europe does we do about two to five years later.
You may not like religion, but let me say this. Mark my word, when churches come under fire, this is not going to be any place to live. The government agencies that carry out the witch hunts will be very dangerous indeed.
The course of events has just taken a sick and wicked turn towards oppression of the worst kind.
This is going to kill a lot of good jokes.
This gets my vote for logical disconnect of the week.
Japan ratified it on July 14th of the same year.
So much for treaties, eh? And bravo to the President for turning down the present-day batch of these BS 'treaties' and 'accords'.
Germany? Most restrictive?
German Law allows Dance clubs, bars, and restaurants to discriminate against anyone they wish.
These "private clubs" can prohibit entry by blacks, Americans, Turks,( a large turkish immigrant population in germany) Polish, or any other "non-aryans" if they wish.
They are protected from prosecution by German Law. It is considered "freedom of association".
If this is the standard for anti-racist europe, there is no standard.
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