DOPEY Diane Abbott has called for ISIS supporters to have a right to Freedom of Speech.
Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary voiced concerns in the Commons today over threats to freedom of speech by a lack of clarity in the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill.
Abbott said: “On the question of expressing an opinion, the Home Office said in its notes on the Bill that it is not making it an unlawful act to hold a private view in support of a terrorist organisation.”
“The Home Office also says that operational experience has shown there is a gap around individuals who make statements expressing their own support for terrorist organisations but who stop short of expressly inviting others to do so.”
“The Home Secretary will expect we will press this point in committee because we would say the gap between having a personal opinion and inciting other unlawful acts is not an anomaly, it is an important principle in protecting freedom of speech.”
“We’re in danger in this legislation of confusing bad thoughts with bad deeds, but we hope to clarify this issue as the Bill goes through the House.”
What do you make of her comments? Should terrorist sympathisers have a right to free speech? Comment below.