‘Religions Are Fairy Stories’: British Atheist Pledges to Defy Police Order to Take Down Anti-Faith Window Sign
- Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:10pm by
Billy Hallowell
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John Richards and his atheist window sign (Image Credit: Boston Standard)
Freedom of speech and religion are important ideals here in America — sentiments that are continuously at the forefront of public debate. And as atheists and theists engage in ongoing, localized battles on the domestic front, it’s a subject that deserves to regularly be revisited.
But it’s not just America that struggles to strike a balance on these issues. Take, for instance, a drama that is unfolding in England over an atheist’s window sign that has been banned and his refusal to abide by police orders to take it down.
The poster, which reads, “religions are fairy stories for adults,” was proudly displayed in John Richards’ window — that is, until police told him he wasn’t allowed to post it. In fact, Richards was even reportedly told that he could be arrested if the sign continued to be displayed at his home.
See, in England, the Public Order Act forbids citizens from causing anyone “harassment, alarm or distress.“ Such a general violation is considered when someone ”uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting.” In this case, the atheist’s anti-faith sign falls into the latter category.
Richards, though, isn’t backing down. According to the Boston Standard, he claims that he will continue to hang the poster and that the police are violating his free speech by invoking the Public Order Act.
“The police said I could be arrested if somebody complained and said they were insulted, but the sign was up two years ago and nobody responded or smashed the window,” Richards said. “I am an atheist and I feel people are being misled by religion. I wanted to show people that if they thought they were alone there was at least one other person who thought that.”
There’s no news yet on how authorities will react, but the so-called constriction of free-speech has groups like the National Secular Society speaking out. What do you think — are the police (and the government) constricting Richards’ free speech?
Take the poll, below:
(H/T: New Humanist)
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Comments (83)
Cagey1
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 5:12pmI am a Christian and I do not find this man’s sign insulting. It is only his opinion though I do not agree with it, I am tough enough to read his opinion without falling apart. He feels sad for people like me who believe in GOD. People of faith, like me, feel sad for him because he does not believe in GOD.
Report Post »xCalix
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 6:39pmtypical bitter atheist :/
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on June 20, 2012 at 3:53amI have a slightly different view that is significant to me. I do not believe IN God…I believe God. Opinion only..perhaps you will say ‘well that is what I meant’ (meaning you). Words mean something.
Report Post »Just like “Freedom OF religion” not “Freedom FROM religion”.
From Virginia
Posted on June 24, 2012 at 11:34pmAmen, Brother. Too bad our atheist brothers in this country react like a vampire to holy water when they happen to see a cross.
Report Post »chanman12345
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 5:07pmAs a christian the government is taking away his free speech even if i 100% disagree with the sign
Report Post »AllLost
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:37pmI just went through company anti-harassment training. In the training they told me that it was illegal to offend someone…not harass, but offend! When I argued they said companies have been successfully sued over someone being offended.
If you cannot stand in the arena of ideas it is time to change your mind. GET OFF MY LAWN!!
Report Post »Joe Bonham
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 5:21pmI received similar training – I think the point is a company can be sued for harboring a “hostile work environment”. So while its not *illegal* for you or I to exercise free speech, the companies we work for can be sued for something we say to a coworker or customer while at work.
Report Post »Cagey1
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 5:25pmCompanies are being successfully sued for offending people! Hollywood should be broke then. There are many things in the world that offend me. I just try to stay away from them. I remember a Carl’s Jr.’s ad campaign with Paris Hilton provocatively crawling across a car. I was offended because it was soft porn. What did I do? I stopped buying Carl’s Jr. food and I still do not by it.
Report Post »ShyMan
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:22pmThis what leftist governments do. They ruin it even for their own.
Report Post »Macrobat
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:12pmUnfortunately, to be strictly honest, this should be a two part question. The man is fully aware of the law, and has been made aware of the consequences for his actions. Is it a violation of his free speech by American standards? Yes. But he is NOT an American and he is not IN America – so he needs to comply with the law. These cretins the world over cannot keep voting the type of morons into office that would pass these laws, then whine when they have said law enforced AGAINST them.
Report Post »Mandors
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:08pmIt’s polls like this that remind me why I come to this site.
We can loath the message, and yet defend the right to voice it.
Report Post »Joe Bonham
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 5:23pmYes, the poll results do restore some of my faith in the Blazers.
However… who were the 12 idiots who voted “no way!”…????
Report Post »Dougral Supports Israel
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:43pmHe should be allowed to keep his sign up. Free speech is more important then protecting people from having bruised feelings. I don’t agree with his viewpoint but his right to express himself is just as God-given as mine.
Report Post »Hollywood
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:06pmHe is RIGHT.of course re his belief that Religions ARE fairy stories. Of course TRUE Christianity is NOt a religion, so does not fall into this category. He should get the DVD the Daniel project, watch it, then give comments if he thinks Christianity falls into this category. If he does, THEN he is a FOOL! I pray he is not, since we ALL stand without excuse!
Report Post »Maranatha
txjb
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:11pmYou’re right hollywood , 100 %.
Report Post »v15
Posted on June 20, 2012 at 2:39amHollywood is so excited about the end of the world rivaled only by her excitement to watch people “burn in hell”. Seriously, settle down, stop judging other people, and worry about yourself.
Report Post »RougeFastFingers
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:27pmLooking at his picture he’s going to find out fairly soon how wrong he is.
It will be fun to watch, ‘er..ah…well God, I thought you were a fairy story, I’M SORRY!’
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:37pmYou may not agree, but he has the right to display and speak his opinion. I mean, that same God did give us free will… no?
Report Post »DWilliams08
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:00pmPerhaps you will be there to watch it. You can then explain your authority to adjudicate in God’s stead.
Report Post »SovereignSoul
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:01pmSo, you will take delight in his pain and suffering if he’s wrong. That is an interesting “Christian” outlook.
Report Post »Hollywood
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 4:10pmI take no comfort in the fact he may well die, not knowing Christ! I too, as you, were once in the same state of unbelief, until we repented and believed the GOOD NEWS
Report Post »Maranatha
mapgirl10
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:14pmCan’t we just ignore the ignorant and let them think they have power!
Report Post »JRook
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:30pmGiven that the vast majority of individuals who claim to be religious never actually read or study the text, of the “fairy tales” this guy is referring to, i would say you label is misplaced. Actually, individuals who claim faith in a religion they know little if anything about is more psychotic than ignorant.
Report Post »M13
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:46pmGiven that you are an idiot and a liar, we think your brain is misplaced.
Report Post »scarebear83
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:58pmJrook- “Given that the vast majority of individuals who claim to be religious never actually read or study the text”
I would agree to a point seeing as how there are so many different denominations and each of them believe in things that aren’t even found in the Bible (Once Saved Always Saved, Baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace, Rapture etc.) But there are those of us who believe the “fairy tales” because reasoning has lead us there.
Report Post »From Virginia
Posted on June 24, 2012 at 11:52pm“I would agree to a point seeing as how there are so many different denominations and each of them believe in things that aren’t even found in the Bible (Once Saved Always Saved, Baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace, Rapture etc.)’
All those things ARE in the bible. Once you are saved – that’s it. argument can be made for the baptism – but then again, once saved, always saved. You’re baptized in the holy spirit. The Rapture will happen – but that doesn’t save us from the trib times. Those happen first.
Report Post »jpurdy99
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:07pmAlthough I don’t believe the way he does, I wouldn‘t want anyone forcing me to take down a sign in my window stating that ’Religions are true and God is real.’ Like someone else mentioned earlier – the sign is barely noticeable and it’s inside his home – not even on a picketed sign near the street. Let him believe the way he wants. In the end – one of us will be wrong and it’ll be interesting to see who that will be…
Report Post »Abraham Young
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:05pmFreedom of speech I highly support.
Because I know there is a God and the individual has a conscience.
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:04pmin America i have a sign kind of like that and the cops don’t have a problem with it.
Report Post »phillyatheist
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:00pmno death bed conversion for this fine geezer! good for him. i‘m glad it’s nearly unanimous that he has the right to post this sign on his own PRIVATE property.
Report Post »HoneyBager7x7
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:52pmOh come on, leave the old butt-hurt brit alone. The sign is barely noticeable in that window, if he wanted to make a fuss, he would have made a giant billboard and put it on top of his house. Obviously he’s not thinking radical enough. Poor guy lol
Report Post »mcsledge
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:51pmMen have seen God the Father. Men have seen the Only Begotten of the Father, Jesus Christ.
Unfortunate for this man and unless he changes his ways, he will never see the Father, but he will see enough of the Son to know he is not worthy to live in their presence.
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 3:11pmAnd not a one of them took any photos. Imagine how much confusion they could have saved everyone from, if only they had taken photos.
Report Post »Warpspeedpetey
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:33pm@Pappy
Funny enough, I happen to have a signed, dated and notarized picture!
If I show it to you, do you promise to believe?
What do you mean no? Why not? You just implied that pictures were convincing. Were you lying?
Hmmm……that couldn’t be another irrationally hypocritical atheistic claim could it?
Report Post »NavyVetGreg
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:47pmWouldn’t you love to be able to jail anyone who “offends” you with their speech? Well it’s coming to the good ole U S of A soon. Be careful what you say, your opinion could land you in prison. But with flat screen TVs, 3 meals a day, free clothing, schooling and healthcare, you may be better off.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:40pmLet him keep his sign up, he has every right to his beliefs. I feel nothing for this man but sadness.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:40pmI did not see that he is living in an apartment/rental that forbids “things” being placed in windows. This man is showing his beliefs. The words used/displayed are “light-weight” and non-violent.
Report Post »hayesstephen
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:55pmWhat rot you wrote!!! Hey its my belief that the Mary and the Christ Child should be on display the year round. But somehow my belief is offensive to this fellow. If you protest about my thinking aren’t you beig two faced?
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:38pmLeave the old man alone. Mail him a Christian track or two and let him ponder his ways. Anyone this old is not likely to change, but it can happen. I hate to see someone go to hell, but that old dude is coming upon his death date. He is pretty old, well real old, but….
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:33pmAnother old idiot wanting attention.
Report Post »stungun
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:20pmAmen brother!
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:20pmDoes that include the religion of atheism?
Report Post »Rip Curly
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 6:39pmRight….. Athiesm is a religion like bald is a hair color.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:18pmJohn, from the looks of you, you‘ll find out soon enough wether or not you’re right. In the mean time, I support your right to state your opinion.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:17pmWhat are athiests so afraid of? .. if they don’t believe then fine .. but leave those who do alone .. that said I don’t think his sign is “offensive” … I think he is a sad sad man.
Report Post »JACKTHETOAD
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:16pmLeave it up. The Lord isn‘t above ’shootin‘ a duck’.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 2:36pmThat is right. I think I get what you are saying.
Report Post »JACKTHETOAD
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 10:18pmEver shoot pool, BLACKY? :)
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