Pat Condell

[DanaC]

I was slightly irritated by his asertions that we've had Muslims refusing to do various bits of their jobs because of their 'precious faith'. We have also had Christians refusing to do various things because of their faith; and also insisting on doing inappropriate things because of their faith.

The problem isn't Islam, the problem is faith/religion. The difference being that we are nominally a Christian country so we don't get so het up when it's a Christian refusing to treat a homosexual/do the paperwork for an adoption by a homosexual couple. And if a Christian is being disciplined by their workplace for, for instance, insisting on giving religous advice to atheist parents of sick children, the tone of the news reports is on the shoddy treatment of said Christian, rather than the right of the parents not to have christianity rammed down their throats at an emotionally difficult time.

I have no love of Saudi Arabia. I agree with some of what this man says about that country and about the ludicrous nature of any complaint made by them about 'human rights'. But much of what he says is just Islamophobic and bigotted shit. There is an argument to say that Moslems are being denied religious freedom, in ways that would have Christians marching in the streets if it was applied to them. France is talking about banning the veil ffs. However much I despise that article of dress, it is as wrong to say they shouldn't be able to wear it, as it would be to say Hassidic Jews should be legally prevented from wearing gloves or that Sikhs should have to cut their hair.