Slashdot Mirror
UK Man Arrested For Offensive Joke Posted On Facebook
An anonymous reader writes "A tasteless joke posted on Facebook saw a man arrested in the UK under section 127 of the Communications Act, for sending a public electronic communication which is 'grossly offensive'. Matthew Wood, 20, of Eaves Lane, Chorley, UK will appear before Chorley Magistrates' Court on Monday."
It is a sick joke but a smack in the mouth would be a more appropriate response...
I love stacking my barbecues in the shed at the end of summer - you can't beat a bit of grill on grill action.
no. This is not analogous to publicly questioning religion. Although it may be similar to making highly offensive (to believers) remarks in a crowded mosque. This 'joke' was posted on a facebook page dedicated to the search for (now the body) of this little girl. The intention could not be to convey anything other than offense. You could not expect the vast majority of the audience reading it to appreciate any intended 'humour'.
Do I think it should be illegal to go into a mosque and loudly, grossly defame the Islamic belief and culture. Yes. It would be dangerous (why it is dangerous is a different matter). Do I think it should be illegal to publicly express your disbelief, another belief, your reasons for not liking the belief.... No. If the guy who wrote this wrote it on his own wall, who cares. If he publicly stated he didn't care about the girl's wellfare. Again, he'd just have a very small very strange bunch of friends at the end of the day. But by targeting those who would be most offended, he has performed a criminal act. Government don't decide on what can be said and what can not. The legal system (including a jury of peers) does decide on how it was said, and if it was intended as an expression, or intended simply to grossly offend. Again, I see this as 'right'.
Because you can - or because you should?