Hating the Haters

England wants to take Canada's lead in efforts to limit freedom of expression: Certain members of its government want new hate speech laws that will primarily protect Muslims. Link. Excerpts:

Controversial plans to make incitement to religious hatred illegal have been unveiled by the government.

The new offence gives equal protection to all faiths. Jews and Sikhs are already covered by race hate laws.

Critics say the reintroduced plans - which cover words or behaviour intended or likely to stir up religious hatred - will stifle free speech.

Ministers insist the new law would not affect "criticism, commentary or ridicule of faiths." . . .

Home Office Minister Paul Goggins said: "It is about protecting the believer, not the belief." . . .

[Goggin also said]: "This will be a line in the sand which indicates to people a line beyond which they cannot go...

"People of all backgrounds and faiths have a right to live free from hatred, racism and extremism."

We love that last quote. It'll probably make its way into one of Justice Kennedy's opinions. Right to live free from hatred? The government will have its hands full protecting that right.

Which is probably just fine with the government.