SIR – The T&A supports the calls for a proposed EDL demonstration in Bradford to be banned.
I am not a member of the EDL, and think that the demonstration would be a mistake, but I deplore your employment of the term “race hate protest” (T&A, July 27).
The EDL claims it has no “racial” views, and simply opposes militant Islamism. Islam is not a race. EDL’s literature claims to welcome all races.
A ban would stifle free expression of opinion, despite the weasel words of local politicians.
It is not an offence to be against militant Islam. Once we start banning opinions (unless designed to promote violence), then we lose everything which is special about being British.
However, I hope the EDL will decide for itself not to demonstrate in Bradford.
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