Literally the Thought Police

Sometimes you read article and you have to double check to make sure you didn't read on The Onion. I came across a story like that today, in which a teenager has been arrested for calling Scientology a "cult." Story from The Guardian.

A teenager is facing prosecution for using the word "cult" to describe the Church of Scientology.

The unnamed 15-year-old was served the summons by City of London police when he took part in a peaceful demonstration opposite the London headquarters of the controversial religion.

Officers confiscated a placard with the word "cult" on it from the youth, who is under 18, and a case file has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

A date has not yet been set for him to appear in court.

The decision to issue the summons has angered human rights activists and support groups for the victims of cults.

The incident happened during a protest against the Church of Scientology on May 10.

Demonstrators from the anti-Scientology group, Anonymous, who were outside the church's £23m headquarters near St Paul's cathedral, were banned by police from describing Scientology as a cult by police because it was "abusive and insulting".

Writing on an anti-Scientology website, the teenager facing court said: "I brought a sign to the May 10th protest that said: 'Scientology is not a religion, it is a dangerous cult.'

"'Within five minutes of arriving I was told by a member of the police that I was not allowed to use that word, and that the final decision would be made by the inspector."

The City of London Police more than resemble a complete disgrace. They thought it was a worthwhile use of their time to arrest a demonstrator because he held up a sign that called Scientology a cult. First of all, don't they have crimes to investigate. Secondly, it should be done of their business whether somebody think Scientology is a cult. These police aren't protecting or serving, they're attacking freedom of conscience. This prosecution should be dropped immediately, and whoever decided to push this case should be fired and ridiculed.

Why do I care about the story? First this is a blatant violation of freedom of speech, something that should be a basic principle of Western civilization. Secondly, this can and will be used against people protesting against Islamist groups. This was already tried by the Midlands Police who tried to get a TV station prosecuted for a truthful documentary (Undercover Mosque). Luckily, the case was found to have no merit. Many in Great Britain and the European Union want any speech that criticizes Islam outlawed. And I'm afraid, they'll be able to do it.

(Hat Tip: TigerHawk)