Friday 30 July 2010

Ed Miliband Supports Marriage Equality

The final piece of the puzzle falls into place. Ed Miliband has, in a Twitter message to me, confirmed his support for marriage equality.

"@JaeKay Got asked abt this today &made clear I support principle of gay marriage. Need to consult on how to implement."

That is now all five Labour leader candidates on board the marriage equality bus.

UPDATE: Here's earwicga's actual question and answer earlier.
If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

@DMiliband Comes Out In Support Of Marriage Equality

David Miliband has undergone a Damascene conversion, and today came out in support of equal marriage, becoming the fourth (of five) Labour leader candidate to support it. His brother Ed Miliband remains the only hold out. Please rate up my question to him on Yoosk in the hopes of encouraging him to join the equality club.

In other news, Angela Eagle (Labour MP) supports anti-marriage Penny Wong and Elton John first besmirches straight marriage (by divorcing) then says no to gay marriage. Nice guy.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Thursday 29 July 2010

Want Marriage Equality? You'll Need To Fight For It!!

With the Coalition Government now in place, there is a chance for marriage equality to become a reality. But it's not going to come to us without effort, as this week's events have shown. We are going to need to fight for it.

Other countries take the issue more seriously and have dedicated organisations fighting for it. But that takes time to set up, and money. And I don't think it's necessary in our situation. But with large organisations like Stonewall failing to take up the fight, it's down to small organisations, and us individuals, to form what @LawrenceMills called "a rag tag pressure group".

So I thought my contribution would be a few resources. You can see the links on the right hand side of my site to a few posts and websites for more information on the ins and outs of marriage equality. But simply knowing what's what isn't going to solve the problem. You, and I, are going to need to send some letters, bug some people, to get the message out there. Even a letter to a virulent opponent at least get's the ideas floating in their head, increases their activities to oppose it and brings out the more reluctant supporters to counter them.

In the spirit of this, I've made a couple of templates of letters to make it easier for everyone. They WILL contain mistakes so feel free to edit them or add to them. I make no claims to their perfection but hope they will make sending a letter simple.

The first is for MSPs, as the situation in Scotland is a little different to down here in England and Wales, which can be found here: Letter to MSP

The other letter is intended for MPs at Westminster but can be used for anyone really with some amendments: Letter to MPs and others.

Use WriteToThem to get the contact details of your representatives at various levels. If you think Stonewall's failure to pursue this issue is something to be ashamed of write to them here. Lynne Featherstone seems to be the Minister spearheading the current consultation. She can be contacted via featherstonel@parliament.uk, I contacted her a few weeks ago.

Write a blog? Why not make a post or cross post one of mine (with a link back of course ;) )? It'll help get the message out to a wider audience.

See a news story relevant to it? Leave a positive comment. I know it takes up a few minutes, but every positive comment helps remind people that there is a call for it.

All this too much for you? Then just sign in to Your Freedom and rate my suggestion 5 stars.

Get a move on. The window of opportunity may be short, the time to act is NOW. Don't think others will do it for you, Stonewall serves as an example that sometimes LGBT activists don't do what is right. Copy and paste a letter to your MP now.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Tories Serious About Cuts? Not In Shepway.

Following on from the revelation that Shepway Lib Dems cost you less, we have the Shepway Tories appalling response to a Liberal Democrat motion for a cut in the councillors allowances. The Folkestone Herald reports:

District councillors have refused to take a cut in their allowances - despite the idea potentially saving civic centre jobs.

Members of Shepway District Council met last week where the motion of chopping 10 per cent off their £3,867 basic allowance was discussed.

It was estimated the reduction in expenses, which also included special responsibility allowances, would free up around £40,000 in the budget - more than the salary of a number of frontline council staff.

But the motion, which was put forward by the Liberal Democrats and backed by People First, was defeated by the majority Conservative administration.

Outraged Lib Dem leader Lynne Beaumont said "I'm absolutely disgusted as this cut in allowances could save a job on the council

One councillor who refused the change said she worked hard for her money - well, so do the people who work for the Shepway District Council

We are facing tough times ahead when we will no doubt have to lose job, yet the Tory leadership clearly felt their expenses were more important than the jobs of the people who work here at the council."
They'll be happy to cut other people's wages but not their own. Sad, but true.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Why Religious Civil Partnerships Are An Insult

As I said last month, religious civil partnerships are muddlesome. However following on from today's release of information on yesterday's civil partnership consultation, it looks like the Government is very committed to introducing them whatever people tell them in the consultation.

Well let's look at why that's pretty insulting.

So who has been asking for religious civil partnerships? Well, of course, religious people and those who support their rights (supposedly although, as far as I can see, it's more from Labour MPs and Lords than any cry from the general population). Now last I checked the reason Labour didn't support marriage equality was on religious grounds. Gordon Brown said:

So the provision of ‘marriage’ as opposed to the provision of same-sex or heterosexual civil unions, is intimately bound up with questions of religious freedom."

So I'm sorry if I'm a little sceptical of their motives. Personally I think what is a matter of religious freedom is that religious organisations and religious individuals have no choice over what sort of civil ceremony is carried out as part of their religious ceremony. Even if civil partnerships are allowed religious readings, music and symbols, the religious organisations can't carry out a marriage ceremony on their premises. So this isn't about giving anyone religious freedom. It's about the Government getting the LGBT "community", and those who support it, to shut up.

What problem does this solve? Civil marriages are NOT allowed to have these readings, music etc. So why should LGBT people get that special right (I support everyone getting it, don't get me wrong just not one group over another)? These are scraps thrown at us by the Tories who don't want us to get equality and by our own Lib Dem Minister's who have no reason to argue.

The introduction of religious civil partnerships would be an insult to the following:

1) to transgender people who have to put up with continuing discrimination whilst we take baby steps towards equality. It's okay though, next year we'll have the results of a Government review of transgender rights. I predict they won't equalise marriage but create a situation where one institution (marriage or civil partnerships) transfers automatically to the other when someone changes their gender. That'll end another pressing reason for equality. Another way to shut us all up.
2) to religious organisations who want to perform same sex marriage on their premises. They still won't be able to do anything more than a commitment ceremony. What laughs!
3) to heterosexual people. Those who are just spiritual but not religious can't have civil marriages with religious texts etc. That's discrimination in favour of LGBT people. It's unfair and unjust.
4) to LGB people who must accept their second class status being reinforced rather than equalised.

So sorry if I'm not settling for religious civil partnerships. They don't solve equality issues, they don't solve religious freedom issues, they don't solve international recognition issues and they throw transgender rights under a bus. What an insult.


If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Monday 26 July 2010

Penny Wong Is Very Wrong

Australian Senator Penny Wong has come out against marriage equality. I guess this was a Labor party effort to back up the new Prime Minister's stance. I can imagine the meeting. "Well you know, if we get a lesbian to say she doesn't support it, all the activists out there will go 'Oh well, that's okay then', PENNY COME HERE!"

It appears to have backfired. She originally said:
"On the issue of marriage I think the reality is there is a cultural, religious, historical view around that which we have to respect. The party's position is very clear that this is an institution that is between a man and a woman."

Which of course is silly. Women, Asians and gays wouldn't have got into the Senate in the past for "cultral, religious, histroical" reasons. Perhaps she would like us to return to that? No I thought not.

In the article above Queerty found this statement from 2006

"I hope there will come a time when this country can look back and wonder why some in this place and some in this government were so frightened of and antagonistic to certain types of relationships. I look to a day, to paraphrase a great man, when we not only judge people by the content of their character but also where we judge their relationships by markers such as respect, commitment, love and security and not by the gender of their partners. I look to a day when government policy and articulation is not so mired in prejudice that it can address these issues fairly. One thing I do know is that that will only come under a Labor government." (Emphasis ours.)"
Oh Penny, I think the game is up. Of course she came back with some statement about discrimination which made no sense.

I find this more often than I'd like. The other day I was having a Twitter battle with Chris Bryant, who told me off for questioning his LGBT rights stances. I'm still awaiting his reply to explain why he failed to stand up and even MENTION marriage equality during the Civil Partnership Bill debates. In fact all I found from him was a strong defence of the party line, whilst he threw LGBT rights under a bus.

Never, ever trust a politician who can't even stand up for their own rights because how will they ever have the guts to stand up for yours?

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Sunday 25 July 2010

Quick Update

Whilst I'll try to keep up my usual output, I must warn you my mother-in-law-if-marriage-was-legal is down to visit and thus I'm slightly distracted. But in the meantime:

The Lesbian and Gay Foundation is meeting with Lynne Featherstone on Tuesday 27th July regarding marriage equality. I urge you to give them you're opinions here.

Hypnotic has a rather awesome post on Kentish politics: Red Kent and Kent Blues.


Most importantly.... there's a new Godzilla movie in the works! Gojira!!


If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Saturday 24 July 2010

Relevant Groups To Discuss Marriage Equality At Home Office

The Government consultation on the future of civil partnerships, where I hope marriage equality will be on the agenda, looks set to begin consultation with relevant groups meeting on Tuesday 27th July. Whilst I'm never pleased at seeing Government consulting with unelected, non-representative private groups, I suppose this can be said to be a step forward in the debate.

Changing Attitude, an Anglican LGBT group, report:

Changing Attitude, LGCM, Stonewall, LGB Consortium, Lesbian and Gay Foundation and Outrage have been invited by Lynne Featherstone MP, the Minister for Equalities, to a discussion at the Home Office on Tuesday 27th July. With Jeremy Timm, the chair of trustees, I will be representing CA.

This is part of the coalition government’s commitment to talk to those with a key interest in what the next stage should be for civil partnerships. This now includes, in the government’s careful phrasing, that “…some religious organisations can allow same-sex couples the opportunity to register their relationship in a religious setting if they wish to do so.”

Let's keep an eye out for more announcements...

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

It's Okay To Be Homophobic If You're Gay!! (says Daily Mail)

One of my favourite Bill Bailey stand up shows was "Part Troll". In that, he made this memorable remark:

There’s this one celebrity, Rosie O’Donnell, a talk show host, and she said this: “I don’t know anything about Afghanistan, but I know it’s full of terrorists, speaking as a mother.” So what is this "speaking as a mother" then? Is that a euphemism for "talking out of my arse"? "Suspending rational thought for a moment"? As a rational human being, Al-Qaeda are a loose association of psychopathic zealots who could be rounded up with a sustained police investigation. But speaking as a parent, they’re all eight foot tall, they’ve got lasers under their moustaches, a huge eye in their foreheads and the only way to kill them is to NUKE every country that hasn’t sent us a Christmas card in the the last 20 years!! Speaking as a mother.

My mind drifted back to this joke when I first saw the title of Andrew Pierce's piece for the Daily Mail yesterday; "Why I, as a gay man, abhor these TV queens"

Instantly I knew where this was going. It's a common issue.

When I was young, at school, I was blessed with the fact I am naturally "straight acting". I hate that phrase, as I'm not acting. It's just me! It meant I was able to choose the time and place where I came out. But there was a boy in the year below me, who was not so "lucky". He was as camp as Christmas. From swaying hips to a rucksack that resembled a handbag, he was a walking stereotype. And at our all boys school, he suffered for it. I never stood up for him against the whispered comments behind his back or worse. I never engaged in it myself of course but I was a cowardly 14 year old. Now that I am a man, I am not prepared to allow that sort of bullying to be perpetuated around me without comment any more. Andrew Pierce's piece is just that sort of bullying and someone has to call him out on it.

If Andrew Pierce had written a sober article about prejudice within the selection process for new presenters that favour camp gay presenters over others, or perhaps over the prejudice that allows people to see one gay man acting one way and then assume that is how all gay men act, I'd have some respect for him.

But no if you read it, the crux of the article is basically "I don't like camp gay men because they reflect badly upon me".

"Carr and his queeny TV cohorts merely reinforce outdated prejudices of gay men as simpering, soppy, superficial cissies."

Here's a shock for you Mr Pierce. There really are naturally camp people out there. Those outdated prejudices are just that. Prejudices. They are not to be pandered to, or encouraged. They are to be defeated through education.

What Mr Pierce fails to mention are all the bland, run of the mill, just darn ordinary gay men on the television. Alistair Appleton. Scott Mills. the late Kristian Digby, Anthony Crank and Simon Amstell. That's just presenters there for you.

We will not defeat homophobia by throwing camp men back into the closet, removing them from the television or pretending they don't exist. I don't judge straight people based on football hooligans, the guys down the pub who swear every other word or tell a vulgar misogynist, racist or homophobic joke for fun. So why is acceptable to judge homosexuality on the actions of a few, that aren't actually that bad in the first place?

Who is it that suffers the homophobic abuse? Is it the straight acting, beer drinking men like me? No. It's the camp guys. They are on the front line. And rather than abandoning them there, and hiding behind your own self image whilst screaming "I'm not like them", a real man would stand beside them in solidarity and defend their right to be the individuals they wish to be.

My first boyfriend's nickname in his hometown was Queenie. I remember being terribly embarrassed when he turned up outside my school one day leaning theatrically on a rainbow umbrella (there were definitely some questions to be answered the next day on that one!). I almost died. As we walked into town that day a group of people started throwing stones at him and calling him a "dirty queer". And that's when I realised that I shouldn't be embarrassed by him. I should be proud that he had the balls to be who he felt he was in a world that still hated him. I learnt a lesson there, and so did the people throwing the stones (their lesson was attacking a giant's boyfriend is probably one of the silliest things someone can do with their free time).

Andrew Pierce ends the article with:

"It’s time to put the girly, shrill, absurdly camp and frequently crude caricatures back in the closet. It’s time to let the spirit of John Inman and Larry Grayson rest in peace."

Well I end mine saying that complaining about camp guys is even more stereotypical and shrill than they could ever be. And it's cowardly and self-hating too. It's time we got past worrying about "acting" and just started being ourselves, be that camp or butch and accepting others for who they are. Wouldn't that make for a far more interesting world?

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Friday 23 July 2010

What Have I Done This Month To Get Marriage Equality?

In between a sofa delivery and a nice cafe breakfast I've spent the morning reading the Civil Partnership Bill debates from 2004. This was a major mistake, leading me only to see the deceitful nature of Labour's claims to be a force fighting for LGBT equality. I shan't discuss it further as I am truly angry, but suggest you do take a look at the debates if you so wish.

So let's focus on the positive, what have I personally done this month to advance the cause for equality. Sure, there's only so much one person can do but I think it illustrates what can be achieved if we all do a little to fight for it. Together we can make a difference.

1) Your Freedom submission. On the 1st of July I entered the first request on the new Government website announced by Nick Clegg in support of marriage equality. The request stands at 194 ratings and has an average rating of 4.5 which is actually fairly high for the site.

2) Letter writing. I've written letters this month to Lynne Featherstone, David Miliband and Ed Miliband. These letters were written seeking clarification of their expressed views on marriage equality. Only Lynne Featherstone, a Minister, had the courtesy to reply (and understanding the Miliband's may have been busy with the leadership fight I directed the letters to their campaign offices for a reply but still nothing). Her reply was merely an acknowledgement that she had heard my views but hey, it's a start.

3) Questioning. It was I who asked the question and received the reply from Simon Hughes about marriage equality that made various news stories a couple of days later.

I also asked a question of Ed Miliband via a Labour Uncut interview, and received his less than inspiring reply.

I've also asked David Miliband a question via Yoosk. I'd be grateful if you were to click that link and rate it up in order for it to be asked next month during their "Yoosk hustings".

Personally I think that's a fair bit for a one man mini-campaign! I shan't be slowing down and plan to double my efforts in August to get this issue out there. I'm not expecting any amazing legislative action. I'm just trying to get the idea into MPs heads that civil partnerships are not equality. If we can win that battle, I think we can eventually win the war.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Thursday 22 July 2010

WWII: Fails all round.

History is complicated. It's difficult to use it as a message as whatever you say can be misinterpreted. Even with that in mind David Cameron's comments were misjudged.

"I think it is important in life to speak as it is and the fact is that we are a very effective partner of the US but we are the junior partner," he said.

"We were the junior partner in 1940 when we were fighting the Nazis."

Let's get the real historical mistake out the way first. 1940 was a complicated year. The fall of the Western European Government's, the Battle of Britain, the Invasion of Greece, and the beginnings of the North African theatre (to name just a few events!). But in no way we a "junior partner" in the war at that point. After the Fall of France, it was us, the Dominions, our Empire and the few brave souls in the "Free" forces of Europe left. The USA may have been helping us materially, but it was not in a partnership with us at that point. That didn't come until the end of 1941 and only then because Hitler declared war on the USA (not the other way round!).

The "junior partner" comment rankles. And even if 1940 was a slip, it's still controversial. However it's only controversial because of the image we have built up of our country during the war (more on that in a minute) and because of the strains in the special relationship that have come about in the last decade. Let's be brutally honest with ourselves. We have a lot to be proud of regarding our contribution to the victory in Europe. Without us, I would argue, the war would have perhaps been unwinnable and, certainly, much longer. But by the end of 1944, and definitely in 1945, we were becoming an irrelevancy as the two great superpowers of the later 20th century arose from their slumbers. We, and France, were afforded influence only as a courtesy, and because of the USA's need for allies for the future. Let's not beat around the bush there. We were very much the grateful, junior partner.

So David Cameron's comments were factually incorrect, misjudged but do contain a kernel of honesty about our position with regards to the USA.

I suppose David Miliband thought he could play for some political points after Cameron's gaffe. Alas, he also displayed (probably because of the Twitter character limit) a wanton disregard for historical fact.

1940 was "our finest hour". We stood alone against fascism. How can a British PM get that wrong? Its a slight not a slip.

I think the millions of people who fought on our behalf from many countries around the world, after the fall of France in 1940, would have something to say about the "we stood alone" myth. This myth arose thanks to Churchill's inspiring speeches during that dark time of our history. It also comes from an arrogance that we display towards the former empire which we seem to have so quickly forgotten.

Let's be clear, there were many countries with us in those dark days. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, etc. etc. Their blood was spilt for us, and OUR freedom. To so quickly make ourselves into martyrs is an insult to the memory of those brave people who came to our aid for no other reason than the bonds of Empire (some more willingly than others, we must admit!).

We did not stand alone. Isn't that the more inspiring story? Through familial ties and imperial loyalties we managed to pull through and together, the free democratic dominions,  the United Kingdom and the soon to be free imperial possessions faced down the gravest military threat the world has ever known and kept them from our shores long enough to allow events to turn in our favour.

You know, David Cameron's slip was regrettable. But Miliband's slight against those who gave their lives on our behalf is perhaps the more insulting slip.

Let this be a lesson. Using a conflict, that brought so much pain and misery to millions, to make a political point is probably a mistake.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Wednesday 21 July 2010

20th July Parliamentary Dealings Relevant To Marriage Equality

Chris Bryant had a very failly moment yesterday, again reminding us why having quotas for specific groups in Parliament might not get the results you'd hope for. Mr Bryant is a homosexual, but doesn't appear to understand even the most basic of issues relevant to the LGBT community. Here's a question he asked yesterday:

"And I should say that the people of the Rhondda remember Churchill's period in relation to the Tonypandy riots. However, the Lord Chancellor has responsibility for marriage law, and he will know that the law forbids civil weddings from including religious readings or music, even though many people who are not able to get married in church or who do not want to do so would like to have such readings. The Government say that they will allow that for civil partnerships, but not for civil weddings. Can we not have a little more equality for heterosexuals?"

A little more equality for heterosexuals? That'd be great! But civil partnerships aren't open to them and civil marriage isn't open to LGBT people so whether they can or can't have religious readings might be jumping the gun a little. Let's have actual equality please.

Nick Herbert's answer leaves me with a very bitter taste in my mouth:

"I am answering this question because I am the only one in the village. [Laughter.] I apologise to the hon. Gentleman for the fact that his question was transferred. The Equality Act 2010 removed the express prohibition on civil partnership registrations taking place on religious premises. In response to that amendment of the law, the Government are committed to talking to those with a key interest in how to take this forward. That will include consideration of whether civil partnerships should be allowed to include religious readings, music and symbols, and the implications for marriage will have to be considered as part of that."

Hilarious! Did you see what he did there? He said he was the only one in the village! You know, like that TV series.. *sigh* But the answer leaves us no clearer as to what this consultation they have planned actually means. What do they plan to do? It's a consultation without portfolio.

And in a written question from, our friend, Chris Bryant, we get:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will bring forward proposals to amend the law to allow religious music and readings at civil weddings and civil partnerships.

Lynne Featherstone answers, possibly grumpily given he keeps asking these silly, badly thought out questions:

Civil partnership and civil marriage registrations are entirely secular in nature and prohibited from taking place on religious premises or containing any religious language, or religious music.

An amendment made during the passage of the Equality Act 2010 removed the express prohibition on civil partnership registrations taking place on religious premises. In response to this amendment, the Government committed to talking to those with a key interest in this issue about what the next stage should be for civil partnerships. This will include consideration of whether civil partnerships should be allowed to include religious readings, music and symbols. This commitment was made clear in the Government's published document 'Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality', published on 16 June 2010.

We will begin this exercise before the summer parliamentary recess.

Well at least we now know there is a timetable developing, if not in place.

Confused? You will be...

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Federal Conference To Debate Marriage Equality

According to a comment on Lib Dem Voice:

Dave Page: LGBT Lib Dems have had confirmation today that our Marriage Without Borders policy motion has been accepted for debate at Federal Conference this autumn on the Tuesday morning. This means that equal marriage should finally become official Liberal Democrat party policy, rather than something promoted by our Leader.

We would encourage all voting reps to support this motion, and everybody else to pester their voting reps to do so

Good news indeed.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Ed Miliband's "We'll Deign To Give You Rights" Argument

"Q (from Jae): Following Ed Balls and Diane Abbott announcing their support for marriage equality, will he retract his comments about there not being enough people calling for it and come out in support of LGBT equality?

A. My position on this is pretty simple, which is that we did a consultation in the run up to the manifesto, and it wasn’t raised with me as an issue. But obviously if it’s something that is felt to be an important issue, I understand absolutely the reasons for that, and then it’s something we should definitely look at. And I’m very happy to say that and I completely understand and sympathise with the wish for equality in this area."

This is what Ed Miliband says (in answer to a question I asked, yes I am the phantom marriage equality question asker) in a previously released but now deleted interview on Labour Uncut

Isn't Ed Miliband wonderful? If we ask him to "give us marriage rights", he will listen. From his mighty throne, he may well even deign to give us those rights once he's had a "look at" it.

Can no one see how insulting this sort of thing is? It's more insulting than those who oppose marriage equality openly. At least they are honest and straightforward. He, instead, feels that giving equality to LGBTs is something he can ponder on. To me, it's deeply offensive.

Should we ponder if different "races" should be able to intermarry? Shall we wonder if women should have the right to vote? No we shouldn't. All citizens should be equal before the law. If you don't understand that, you don't deserve to be leader of the Labour party.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Ed Miliband On Marriage Equality...

More on this tomorrow with links and comment...

"Q (from Jae): Following Ed Balls and Diane Abbott announcing their support for marriage equality, will he retract his comments about there not being enough people calling for it and come out in support of LGBT equality?

A. My position on this is pretty simple, which is that we did a consultation in the run up to the manifesto, and it wasn’t raised with me as an issue. But obviously if it’s something that is felt to be an important issue, I understand absolutely the reasons for that, and then it’s something we should definitely look at. And I’m very happy to say that and I completely understand and sympathise with the wish for equality in this area."

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Scientology Never Learns

As Scientologist's complaints about a councillor's comments on Twitter have forced him to face a disciplinary, I thought I'd take the time to just remind people of some resources where they can find out more about the sort of practices Scientology gets up to. (FYI John Dixon's "crime" was to tweet: “I didn’t know the Scientologists had a church on Tottenham Court Road. Just hurried past in case the stupid rubs off.”)

Operation Clambake is the centre of discussion for ex-members and those interested/concerned by Scientology.

Xenu TV for awesome news from a former Scientologist.

Tory Magoo's Youtube Channel, a "recent" escapee, she helped greatly during Project Chanology.

Let's be clear, Scientology is not any more worthy of criticism than most religions. BUT... that doesn't mean we should give them any slack either. I've not been!

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Equal Marriage: Civil AND Religious

The coverage of Simon Hughes response to my question about marriage equality has been welcome. However both his response and the coverage still leave me with concerns.

What I want is for the Government to make the marriage laws in this country gender neutral. That is all I ask. They must not give in to the temptation (as they have on so many Marriage Acts of the past) to fiddle around and make new rules here and there covering where and when a marriage can be carried out.

Let's see how the Daily Mail reported his comments:

However, they would not apply to ceremonies in church - only those in a register office or other licensed venue

The Government has NO place telling registered religious places of worship who they can and can't marry. That should be up to the religious bodies. They have this right of refusal as it stands. They can refuse to marry people who's lifestyles don't fit their belief system (such as the Catholic church and divorcee's). There are religious denominations, such as the Society of Friends, who support marriage equality and wish to marry members. This shouldn't be proscribed just because the big religions and the reactionaries want to put a spanner in the works of equality.

If religious marriage equality was proscribed, it would be affront to the religious freedoms of individuals and organisations.

Of course, this is all very presumptuous to suggest that any legislation will be presented any time soon. But I think it's important we have this discussion now, rather than later.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Monday 19 July 2010

Individual Activism CAN Pay Off

I asked a question via Yoosk to Simon Hughes regarding marriage equality. He answered it via Youtube.

The contents of his reply have now made the Telegraph and Pink News.

A good example that if you keep pressing and keep asking the right questions, they can be picked up and reported on.

Of course I'm still not happy about what he says about religious marriage (of course churches won't be forced to carry out marriages they don't want to, they have the right to refuse as the law stands now and any suggestion otherwise is idiotic scaremongering). But it's a start!

Keep fighting for what you believe in. There is hope!

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

More Ex-Gay Nonsense

I've no problem with organisations and individuals attempting to "help" those who, voluntarily, wish to try and "change their sexuality". I'm a great believer in individual freedom.

But that doesn't mean I believe it is possible, that I think it is ethical and it doesn't mean I won't moan about "ex-gay therapy" whenever I have the opportunity. Today's video of two victims of an ex-gay therapist comes via Queerty.



If you want to know more about the weird practices and strange beliefs of ex gay therapists check out Ex-Gay Watch or Truth Wins Out.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Marriage Equality: More Good News

Following on from the happy news that Ed Balls and Diane Abbott (both Labour leadership contenders) support marriage equality here in the UK, Andy Burnham (another candidate) has confirmed he has already stated support for it last month (and in an admirably strongly worded way).

Is this the most pressing issue to face the country right now? Of course not. Does it mean it's irrelevant? Of course not. Every MP who states support for marriage equality is another step closer to getting it.

This only highlights the poor choice of words used and the evasive way both of the Miliband brothers have handled this issue. It's time they declared their stances once and for all.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Sunday 18 July 2010

Burka ban ruled out by immigration minister

Despite my misgivings about the Coalition, I have to say they keep saying a lot of nice things about civil liberties (except on the 28 day detention extension, which makes me quite angry). Damian Green has made clear the Government's stance on any proposed ban of the burqa:

“I stand personally on the feeling that telling people what they can and can’t wear, if they’re just walking down the street, is a rather un-British thing to do,” he said. “We’re a tolerant and mutually respectful society.

“There are times, clearly, when you’ve got to be able to identify yourself, and people have got to be able to see your face, but I think it’s very unlikely and it would be undesirable for the British Parliament to try and pass a law dictating what people wore.

Amen to that.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

64% Oppose Pope Visit: Unscientific Poll 1

17 people (which I shall now consider a very representative sample of the UK population with no bias whatsoever [if the Daily Mail can do it, so can I!]) answered the question:

WILL YOU BE PROTESTING THE POPE'S VISIT?

5 people, 29%, said they'd be there protesting.
6 people, 35%, said they'd support the protests but not be there in person.
2 people, 11%, didn't care about it.
4 people, 23%, said they thought it would be wrong to protest the Pope's state visit.

So a clear majority of self-selecting passers-by oppose the state visit. Less than one in four random folks think it'd be wrong to protest it. I think the message is clear: blog polls are useless but fun! ;)

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Saturday 17 July 2010

Simon Hughes on full marriage equality

Simon Hughes MP (Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats) has responded, via Youtube, to my Yoosk question on, you guessed it, marriage equality.



Whilst it's a bit of muddle he does confirm that he understands the difference between civil partnerships and marriage and that he does want us to work towards marriage equality. Good times!

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

First They Came For The Burqa...

This week has seen renewed efforts to ban the burqa both in our country and in France (a country I can see from the end of my road!).

Whilst the British story is more of a legislative joke, the tone of Philip Hollobone MP is pretty offensive. As a MP he doesn't really have the right to pick and choose which constituents he will meet and talk to just because of what they are wearing. We must stand up and point out the ridiculous nature of the suggestion he wants to ban people from wearing an item of clothing and won't even talk to someone wearing it! Is he saying it is okay for religious symbols and clothing to be banned? Will he now stand up for Government bodies who ban crucifixes? I don't think so.

In France, the National Assembly has vote to ban the burqa. Whilst this is not the final stage of the process, it is incredibly disappointing that a country founded on the concept of liberty would try to stop people choosing what they can and can't wear.

Now I understand the issues behind the burqa are intensely complicated. But dealing with them by banning the burqa is, as Liberal Vision says, about as sensible as banning black eyes to stop domestic violence.

Government should not be telling it's citizens how to live their lives. That is the basic foundation of liberty.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Friday 16 July 2010

Civil Partnerships and Marriage: What's The Difference?

Here is a question I find repeated, in various formulations, by a variety of people. So here's a handy-dandy list for quick reference to avoid repeating myself!

***EDIT 07/04/2012***

Excellent video here with a couple of examples of differences played out with Lego!



***END EDIT***

Gender

The most obvious difference in law is gender. A marriage is a partnership between a man and a woman. A civil partnership is one between two people of the same sex. This all sounds pretty reasonable until you consider the implications. Gender, in a legal sense to avoid arguments, is NOT set in stone. People can, and do, change their gender.

So if you have a married couple, and the "man" in that couple transitions into becoming a female, that couple would automatically have their marriage dissolved regardless of whether they wished it to be or not. They will lose accrued pension rights and other financial benefits and need to get a civil partnership if they wish to again be legally recognised as a couple... and the benefits will need to start to be gained FROM SCRATCH again.

This is my number one reason for campaigning for marriage (and civil partnership) equality. Transgendered people, and their partners, are unfairly discriminated against by the "separate but equal" way we are currently doing things in this country.

International recognition

Marriage differs from country to country, but, generally, only by a small amount and in most countries they will be recognised on an, for all intents and purposes, equal footing. Civil partnerships are far more complicated. Obviously civil partnerships won't be recognised at all in countries that don't recognise same sex relationships. Not much we can do about that. But in those countries which do, civil partnerships can be recognised in all sorts of annoying ways.

For example, will Argentina recognise a UK civil partnership as marriage? It's not so, why would they? Some countries with equal marriage do recognise civil partnerships as marriage, some don't. Some have civil unions as well as marriage and may well recognise civil partnerships as a civil union instead (and those civil unions might be even less equal to marriage than our civil partnerships). Can you guarantee that, if you go to a foreign country and fall ill, they will recognise your civil partner as such and allow them to speak on your behalf? No you can't.

And when someone is married in, say, Canada, when they arrive here they are not treated as a married couple but as civil partners. How is that fair? How is that acceptable?

It's a muddle. An international confusion. If we have equal marriage those other countries with equal marriage will automatically accept things and those that don't will "downgrade" them like we do to their own civil unions. And hopefully one day we'll get them to accept equal marriage too.

Separate but Equal

I'm going to be honest. If you're a gay couple, who doesn't travel much and who doesn't give a damn for transgender rights (shame on you), then civil partnerships are a bloody good approximation to marriage. But that is all. An approximation. They are different.

This is a mental thing, a personal thing if you will. I cannot argue for this in a legal sense. This is all about my feelings. How can I stand in front of my heterosexual family and friends and take vows to love and honour my boyfriend, when I know that it's not the same law that will govern my relationship as governs theirs? I cannot bring myself to do it. I don't want to play at marriage, pretend to be a husband, be recognised under a special law just for the gays. I want to be equal. I want to be able to say that my love is no different to love they have for their dearest one. How can I, when the Government doesn't recognise them as the same?

We all know separate but equal is not equal. One doesn't expect to have use a "gay water fountain" so why should we accept a "gay civil partnership"?

Discrimination

Civil partnerships are discrimination as ruled by the judge in Wilkinson v Kitzinger.

The Nitty Gritty

Here's the stuff that's dull and boring and not really a reason to fight against but still indicative of the difference in law.

Civil partnerships do not have to be consummated. Really, they don't! A marriage does. It's a legal requirement. So civil partnerships actually are not about "love" in it's most primal, physical sense (hey I think that might be a positive!). They thus give us special rights that heterosexuals don't have. Again, unfair.

Religious freedom

The Government has decided that religions cannot legally marry who they wish to. That is wrong. See here for more

But being different is fun!

Not if your transgendered it's not! And also, that's a very short term idea of different. Look at the bigger picture. .

I'm sure there are other reasons, but I think this is enough to show that civil partnerships are not equal. And that equal marriage is what is needed now. Why do countries who have civil unions not just leave it at that? Why do they move on to marriage equality? Because they understand marriage and civil unions are different. Separate but NOT equal. Soon, I hope, we in this country will realise that too.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Thursday 15 July 2010

Marriage Equality: Good News

It's time for some positive marriage equality news!

On the home front, two Labour leadership contenders, Ed Balls and Diane Abbott, have come out in support of marriage equality. Although Abbott clarified she has always supported marriage equality:

"I have always supported gay marriage and made that case when civil partnerships were first discussed. Despite what may now be reported, it wasn’t New Labour that first proposed civil partnerships but Ken Livingstone in his first administration. I supported it then, way before New Labour had the bravery to put this issue into legislation."

Given the rather offensive responses of the Miliband's on the issue, who managed to combine New Labour evasiveness with a politicians urge not to rock the boat quite neatly, it's good to see two candidates declaring their support on the matter. Whatever the reasons, and despite their other policies, it's a positive development in the battle to get marriage equality on to the political agenda, be it in the short term or long term.

And across the ocean in Argentina (I'm not going to boo and hiss for once at the mention of that country's name), marriage equality has been approved by both legislative houses and now needs only a rubber stamp from the President to become law. This will make Argentina the 10th country in the world to bring in marriage equality, and the very first in Latin America. It serves as an example to us all, that despite fierce Church opposition, decent countries can still make sensible decisions. Let it be a lesson for our country!

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Gay Muslims

Here's a different perspective on homosexuality (one we are hearing more and more from). Give it a read. What's it like to be both a practicing Muslim and a homosexual? It sounds like it's deeply conflicted:

Khalid says that as a British Muslim, he feels gay men have yet to find answers to some very difficult questions: "If it is wrong to be gay, should we force ourselves into heterosexual marriages?

"And in doing so, should we lie to the women we get married to? Or should we go for marriages of convenience with lesbians? Or, should we just remain celibate?" he asked.

Of course, from my secular perspective, his initial premise that homosexuality is wrong is, in itself, wrong. So I don't even understand the questions he then poses. But those are issues that come from his faith perspective so valid to him.

Of course more interesting to me is their perspective on equality:

In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that those who dare to come out and seek long term same-sex relationships are sometimes not content with the idea of civil partnerships.

They desire religious recognition of their union, with some reportedly taking the daring step of entering into nikkahs (Muslim marriage contracts).

Different organisations are trying to tackle the taboo
Mr Qureshi said he was aware of couples who had opted for such nikkahs but stressed that these were performed by imams in absolute secrecy.

Muslim gay activist Ibrahim Ismail has been working on sexual health issues for many years.

He said: "Some of their families and friends may even attend these nikkahs, but they would never publicly admit it for fear of being ostracised by mainstream Muslims.

"They are very much invisible."

Yet another sign of religious freedom being curtailed by civil partnerships and forcing practicing Muslims to get non-legally binding religious ceremonies. (Although I concede their privacy issues may well be affected if the nikkahs became legal)

All very interesting.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Tuesday 13 July 2010

An Open Letter To David Miliband @DMiliband

Dear whom it may concern,

In the last week David Miliband has made two rather offensive remarks regarding marriage equality, one on Pink News and the other on Labour Uncut, which I think need clarifying. I'll quote the most recent one below:


Question removed at request of asker. See previous article. 


A. I think that religious bodies are allowed to actually. Actually, I was asked this last week by Pink News. The last civil partnership I went to, from two friends, full of…replete with all of the devotion, commitment, lifelong commitment that’s associated with marriage and that puts civil partnerships on a par with marriage. As it happens I haven’t had raised with me this issue and whether or not the particular issue, raising it as some people do. I haven’t got a closed mind about it. But I think we should celebrate what civil partnership is which is, finally, equality for gay people."

It was disingenuous of him to state religious bodies can perform a same sex marriage. This is of course not possible due to Section 11(c) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 which clearly states marriage can only be between those of different genders. This also calls out the lie that civil partnerships are "equality" for "gay people". They are not, and no amount of rather unscientific (and may I add insulting) personal anecdotes about how "wonderful" they are is going to change that. Civil partnerships are an affront to religious freedom and personal liberty.

I'm also concerned at the complete lack of understanding he appears to show at the damaging effect this "separate but equal" situation has on transgendered people who must divorce or dissolve their civil partnership if one transitions and then remarry or get a civil partnership as appropriate to their new gender(s), LOSING their accrued benefits in the process. Again it shows either a wilful ignorance to play to the intolerant crowd or an insulting lack of knowledge on the rights of LGBTs in this country. I'd highlight this with a quote from his interview in Pink News:

"One reader wanted to ask about the law which forces trans men and women to divorce their spouses in order to be legally recognised in their new gender.

Mr Miliband is at first confused but after his train apparently exits a tunnel he is back on the line with a confident answer.

"My opinion is that we should respect the wishes of the couple and that parliament shouldn't interfere," he says."

Exactly what does this mean? He thinks civil partnerships are acceptable but then suggests he supports transgender rights a statement which conflicts with what he just said about civil partnerships.

I would appreciate a clarification of his position, without falling back on ridiculous arguments from his personal experiences, as soon as possible.

Kind Regards

Jason

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

David Miliband Doesn't Know When To Stop

Last week we had David Miliband's ridiculous (and I'm paraphrasing for effect) "my friends and I think civil partnerships are equal so they must be" response to a marriage equality question.

Well, instead of moving on from this rather insulting and offensive line of thought, he has gone and done it again! Personal anecdotes, whilst giving a warm and fuzzy feeling to the stupid I'm sure, aren't going to convince the sensible that separate = equality.

Question removed at request of asker, see link above.

A. I think that religious bodies are allowed to actually. Actually, I was asked this last week by Pink News. The last civil partnership I went to, from two friends, full of…replete with all of the devotion, commitment, lifelong commitment that’s associated with marriage and that puts civil partnerships on a par with marriage. As it happens I haven’t had raised with me this issue and whether or not the particular issue, raising it as some people do. I haven’t got a closed mind about it. But I think we should celebrate what civil partnership is which is, finally, equality for gay people.
Religious bodies are NOT allowed to carry out a same sex marriage Mr Miliband, your Government introduced civil partnerships NOT marriage. The Government needs to get it's nose out of both the sex lives of it's citizens and the practices a religious body is allowed to carry out on it's premises. Sadly, Labour continues to spread disinformation about what it introduced and is becoming ever more morally repugnant (to me anyway!).

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

The Persecution Of Christians

Let's face it, Christianity has been getting a very bad name (nowhere more so than on this blog). The abuse meted out to others in the name of Christianity can anger even the most meek. But it's easy to forget that in some countries Christians themselves are a persecuted minority.

When I was studying theology at school, I remember attending a conference where a Pakistani Christian man was speaking. He had been severely wounded in his homeland by an automatic firearm, used on him by religious extremists who had already killed his family. His face still bore the scars.

If I, as a liberal who believes strongly in peace and human rights, am to have any credibility it would be remiss of me to pretend Christians, like just about every grouping, aren't discriminated and persecuted against in some countries.

So I can't help but agree with Warren Throckmorton's most recent blog post calling for common cause between those of us fighting for the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people and the persecuted communities of Christians, such as those in Afghanistan. They might not stand up for us, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't stand up for them.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Africa's Last Taboo

Last night Channel 4 aired"Dispatches: Africa's Last Taboo" by Sorious Samura (see it here, if you're in the UK). It was a surprisingly indepth look at homosexuality in Africa with focus on Kenya, Uganda and Malawi (the home of the arrested "married" gay couple).

It was a compelling documentary with Samura interviewing both the victims and perpetrators of homophobia and get very frank answers from both. I've never before seen the subject dealt with so openly and directly and it made for a very enlightening film. 

The fact of the matter is: the churches are fueling murderous rage with lies and Bible quotes. The Bible quotes I can stand but the anti-West rhetoric that claims homosexuality is a form of "economic colonialism" and the anti-scientific nonsense ("Who will all the women marry if all the men become gay?" and "No male dog lusts after another male dog") was too much to bear considering the consequences for LGBT individuals. 
Worse, whilst outside the court where the Malawi couple had been sentenced, Samura was doing a lament to camera about the downward spiral of human rights in Africa. With each negative comment the crowd behind enthusiastically nodded or cheered. That was a statement all of it's own. 

Whilst the clerics in Africa claim homosexuality is "not African", it was pointed out a lot of the church's funding and support comes from abroad too. American fundamentalists might be fighting against civil rights back in the USA. But in Africa they are supporting the state murder of homosexuals. And that should be roundly condemned. 

Check out Dr. Warren Throckmorton, who has been quick to point out those connections (especially on his wonderful blog). Behind the Mask is also a great news and discussion resource. 

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Monday 12 July 2010

Response to Your Freedom, Friday 9th July 2010



If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Standing Up For Homophobes

Anti-gay preacher arrested for 'homophobic' election leaflets. That's the headline of a story today on Pink News. His crime? To write an election leaflet that was insulting.

According to the Colchester Daily Gazette, it condemned gays and lesbians and said they should be jailed.

Mr Shaw was arrested on June 11th on suspicion of inciting hatred, specifically homophobia. He was released on bail without charge until the middle of next month.

"Inciting hatred"? A bit like this:

Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

This is the teaching of Judaism and Christianity. And really this Paul Shaw is actually seeking less than what his religion would require. Are we to start locking people up merely for what they believe, and attempting to encourage others to believe?

If he was inciting VIOLENCE then I'd support him being locked up. Inciting violence is always wrong, whatever the case. But he wasn't. He was inciting hatred. Hatred is, in my opinion, morally wrong and something we should work against. But we cannot legislate against it. If we did, our prisons would soon be full.

Freedom of speech must be paramount, the right to speak freely where not inciting violence is one that should be cherished. Even if some stupid idiots use it to speak from some dark place within themselves, or from a religious text such as the Bible. We must defeat them with the power and quality of our arguments, not make them martyrs by silencing them for holding incredibly backward views.

I'd argue people such as Westboro Baptist Church do us a favour by being so ridiculously hateful that it renders their arguments invalid. Let the homophobes be hoisted by their own petards.

It's the insidious homophobia demonstrated in things such as this video from the Catholic Church we must really fight against.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Opposing The Death Penalty

Am I the only person who is scared by the fact that we must convince people that the death penalty is wrong? Are people so willing to trust those "in power" as to allow them the ability to murder citizens?

Why mention it? Well, this CiF piece in the Guardian wants us to look again at the arguments against it so we are prepared against those calling for it's return.

I have often been taken aback at the fact people are even willing to allow for miscarriages of justice and "wrongful" executions as "collateral damage". The bloodlust among many people seems almost insatiable.

Let's stop calling it the death penalty. Stop calling it capital punishment. These are euphemisms. What it is is STATE MURDER. And we MUST defend against that, for giving the state that much power over citizens would be utter folly.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Saturday 10 July 2010

The Secular Defence League

The English Defence League describes itself thus:

"We, the English Defence League, are a grass roots social movement who represent every walk of life, every race, every creed and every colour; from the working class to middle England. Our unity and diversity is our strength.

We have members that represent our culturally rich, “patriotic” and nation-loving populace. People who can see the threat of “Islamism” for what it is: a vile and virulent ideology based on 7th century barbarity, intolerance, hatred, subjugation and war."About page

Protest The Pope says this on it's front page:

"If you believe, as we do, that the Pope should not come to the UK without hearing from the millions of people who reject his harsh, intolerant views and the practices and policies of the Vatican State please get involved."

So the question must be: what's the difference? The English Defence League dislikes Islam. Protest the Pope dislikes the Pope and the Catholicism he represents. Yet, and I speak very generally here, whilst the EDL are (probably quite rightly) seen as a nationalistic, racist, prejudiced right wing grouping, the Protest the Pope movement is seen, by many liberals and lefties, as a valid movement of legitimate protest against a backward ideology.

You might think that displays my own prejudices. But it doesn't. Unlike many lefties and liberals, I'm not very keen on either Islam or Catholicism (or most any sort of organised religion). I like to be consistent. I'm even consistent on the fact that I see all three sides in the EDL argument (the Muslims, the EDL and the anti-fascists) as pretty much in the wrong and wish they'd all shut up. I'm an individualist. If someone wants to build a mosque and it's approved by the planning department let it be, or argue against it. But don't intimidate people just because of their religion. On the other hand those who wish to defend against such protests should do so without violence and in a legal manner.

So was my post on the Pope's visit really consistent? How can I oppose the protests of the EDL against Islamic institutions, yet support protests against the central institution of Catholicism (the Pope himself!)?

Perhaps I was wrong. Either I was wrong on the grounds that such a protest movement would be more ethical than the EDL's. Or, more likely, I was wrong that the cost wasn't a factor. Perhaps it is one. A mosque might not get public money. It's a private venture. Really private ventures should be private matters. The Pope's visit, however, is not a private matter, but he will be conducting private Catholic business whilst we pay for him to do so. That is, probably what irks me.

And that's consistent with my dislike of the Government banning those with "controversial" views. There's no problem to me with them visiting this country. We're not paying for their visit. But for the Pope we are.

So I take back my last post. It is about the money. The money is the most important factor. And thus I bring balance back to my beliefs. *phew*

What do you think? Is there a discernible difference between protesting the Pope because of his beliefs and the EDL marches protesting against Islam? Are the EDL actually on to something? Am I completely wrong? Feel free to discuss.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist