Even authoritarians are entitled to freedom

Geert Wilders is not a friend of freedom. He apparently believes that Mein Kampf should be banned. And he believes that the Quran should be banned as well. Banning books seems to be an enthusiasm of his.

And now, ironically, the banner has been banned. Ironic, but not appropriate. Those who wish to deny freedom of speech (and of religion) are entitled to freedom of speech as much as anyone else, and to deny it to them goes against basic libertarian principles.

It seems to be a Christian principle too! After all, Scripture says "See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." I Thessalonians 5:15)

Mainstream British politicians have been slow to speak up for freedom here. Shamefully, the only comment to have come from the LibDems so far (from Chris Huhne) has shown that their belief is freedom of speech is so restricted as to be useless. Michael Portillo is to be congratulated on speaking out for free speech, but the silence of David Cameron is deafening.