Terrorism Bill

[Grunty]

Comentators on the Terrorism Bill often suggest that comedians and others could be subject to prosecution. These comments sometimes come from persons of apparent intelligence who seem capable of rational comment.

However much I read section 1 of the Bill, http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/077/06077.1-4.html#jE002 I cannot see how comedians could be accused of encouraging terrorist acts. Are there comedians who do so, or otherwise how are these remarks justified? If they do encourage such acts, would their prosecution not be deserved?

[WaldoMcFroog]

It's not the terrorism bill that comedians have been concerned about, but the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill.

The fear is that the Bill could mean that comedians were unable to poke fun at religions, or point out inconsistencies of a religion, which they regard as a serious breach of their rights to free speech. Rowan Atkinson, a high profile opponent of the Bill has often lampooned religions in his act. The objective is to be funny, but also to make serious points abou them, for instance, making points about the fatwa issued against Salman Rushdie.

There's a good article from him here:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1834800,00.html

[undercovers]

i have also never heard any commentator concerned with the prosecution of comedians under the Terrorism Act - though if they are really bad could it be an option... maybe ... ??? :)

ON an aside - i was stopped under the police powers of the Terrorism act and asked what i was up to and what was in my bag when the Labour party were in town (brighton) - i was only walking by the sea in my own town near my house grumble ... civil liberties ... grumble