Christian Hoteliers Charged After Arguing with Muslim Guest

“One rule for Muslims, another rule for Christians? Do you think this lady was arrested? I doubt it somehow. I imagine she was allowed to protest 'peacefully'. While I doubt very much that I would be so bold as to insult the founder of Islam to a Muslim's face, I do not understand why the State is intervening into private arguments or discussions of a religious nature.” - The Bones

Courtesy of The Times

A pair of Christian hoteliers in Lancashire who argued with a Muslim guest at the breakfast table have been charged with a religiously-aggravated offence.

Dutch-born Ben Vogelenzang said that Mohammed, the founder of Islam, was a warlord, while his wife Sharon, 54, described the hijab as a form of bondage, it is claimed.

The incident happened in March when the unnamed guest, who was staying at the hotel while being treated at a nearby hospital, came down to breakfast wearing a hijab, a traditional Muslim headdress covering the hair. The couple had never seen her wear the religious clothing before and a discussion ensued. The guest complained to police and the couple were charged under the 1986 Public Order Act - with using “threatening, abusive or insulting words which were religiously aggravated".

They will stand trial at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on December 8.

We feel their treatment has been heavy-handed and it is not in the public interest to go ahead with this prosecution.”

People see the police standing by when Muslims demonstrate holding some pretty bloodthirsty placards, but at the same time come down hard on two Christians having a debate over breakfast at a hotel.”

The Bones says ...

"The next time I go out for a pint with one of my atheist friends and he starts saying things like, "I like what Jesus said, but I think he was just a good teacher, you know. He was only human. I reckon he probably got it on with Mary Magdalen," then obviously I'll do the decent thing and call the cops."