This, about the Sexual Orientation Regulations, made me really sad. All the examples the opponents of the bill gave, like hoteliers liable to prosecution for refusing a double room to a gay couple, were things that I thought "But that's what I would want to happen!". I think I may be a lefty pinko liberal.
On the other hand, this, about a new random radio station launching in Oxford, sounds quite interesting
On the other hand, this, about a new random radio station launching in Oxford, sounds quite interesting
no subject
Date: January 9th, 2007 03:55 pm (UTC)From:I think it would be reasonable to ask that you demonstrate that the violent elements of the activity are consensual and within the law
This is, of course, quite reasonable. It would be bizarre for there to be a law to force people to allow others to use their property for breaking the law.
I don't think that gives them the right to prevent you from doing it in a hireable hall they run.
What, then, do you think should happen when we have got to this stage? Should I be permitted to call the authorities and have them allow me to gain entry to the premises by force?
By the way, I picked this example as it is does not involve religion but does involve an activity that many people do have a prejudice against.
no subject
Date: January 9th, 2007 04:09 pm (UTC)From:No, I'd go for a more administrative solution! I think you should have the right to make a complaint to the authorities and have the hall management prosecuted for refusing to provide you with a service they have previously advertised. I assume this would be punishable by a fine or something of that nature and an order to allow you to hire the premises
no subject
Date: January 9th, 2007 04:21 pm (UTC)From:It's the "order" that I wonder about, as that would essentially be using the threat of violence to force people to support an activity of which they disapprove (if they don't comply they will have their money taken or will be arrested and jailed). Do you think that at all immoral?
no subject
Date: January 9th, 2007 04:26 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: January 9th, 2007 09:35 pm (UTC)From:In the end it will come down to force, for if the state insists that I must use the room and the owners try to prevent me, perhaps with a sit-down strike, then physical force would be required for me to be able to continue. This would make all parties villainous in my opinion.
no subject
Date: January 9th, 2007 09:52 pm (UTC)From:True. My sympathies would be much more with you and the state than the refuseniks though given this set up.
no subject
Date: January 9th, 2007 10:04 pm (UTC)From: