Peter Tatchell: Insulting

'Insults are unpleasant, but should they be a crime? In 1994 I organised a small peaceful protest against Hizb ut-Tahrir. Members of this Islamist group had endorsed the killing of Jews, gays, apostates and women who have sex outside marriage. I displayed placards that documented the persecution of gay people by Islamist fanatics.
'I was arrested and charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 with behaviour that was deemed insulting and likely to cause distress. I fought the charges and won, but not before spending many hours in police cells and standing trial.
'This experience convinced me that Section 5 is open to abuse by over- zealous police and prosecutors. That’s why I am supporting today’s launch of the Reform Section 5 campaign. 'Spearheaded by David Davis, the Tory MP, it brings together an alliance that includes those who would otherwise be foes, such as the Christian Institute and the National Secular Society.
'We’ve sunk our differences to defend free speech. The open exchange of ideas — including unpalatable, even offensive ones — is the hallmark of a free, democratic society. The Section 5 ban on insults is a menace to liberty...'

Peter Tatchell writing for The Times' Thunderer.
The full version of this article can also be read on Peter Tatchell's website.

• Reform Section 5 campaign.