Freedom

Of thought, of speech, of expression.

They'll all be a thing of the past in the UK if someone doesn't stop this lot.

In January of this year the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 came into force in England, part of which deals with the possession of extreme pornographic images. Such images are now illegal to possess even if the act depicted isn't, but only if they are deemed to show something for sexual arousal. Even if nobody involved in the act itself or picture taking or viewing is harmed, even if everybody involved gave their informed consent. On the whole, this is something that stinks of Thought Police a mile off.
More info here: Backlash.

Now something similar is about to go through in Scotland, see here: CAAN.

If that weren't bad enough, some bright spark has now proposed a Bill for *writings*, check it here: Coroners and Justice Bill.
This seems to have come on the back of Darryn Walker being cleared of charges brought under the Obscene Publications Act (info here). Mr Walker lost his job nevertheless, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to have any form of redress. It's useful to note that the arguments given in favour of the relevant parts of the CJIA 2008 were based on the fact that the material that would be criminalised was already illegal under the OPA. This is not true as the new Act has no such text. In essence, if someone goes to trial, their chances of acquittal would stand on the Jury not being a bunch of NotW readers who think such material is disgusting.

Now, I know all this is about pornographic material (and extreme pornography at that), and that we all have different views about what constitutes pornography and even more whether it's a bad or a good thing. However, the central issues here are freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and human rights.

Please act and make your voice heard, while you still have a chance.