Should the word Kuffar be outlawed in the UK?

In Britain we have laws which forbid the use of certain words because they may incite hatred on religious/racial grounds. (for example the "N" word.) So, is it time we had a little equality and started prosecuting those who use the word "kuffar" (meaning non Muslim) in a derogatory manner? http://forums.islamicawakening.com/f18/decadence-deceit-kuffar-2032/ I'm sure plenty of people find it just as offensive, especially when (as it often is) it's prefaced by the word "dirty." (CAUTION, CONTAINS SCENES OF EXTREME VIOLENCE.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CefIYcKF_O0 Cool Hard Fact: Yes and so are the "N" word and that abbreviation of Pakistani that we aren't all owed to use. (Despite the fact that both groups us the word to each other all the time.) VN: If we must be PC, I don't see why it should only apply to white people! Guitar Virgin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racial_and_Religious_Hatred_Act_2006 I think you'll find we do, and you will be arrested if a policeman hears you, so beware. http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/press-releases/religious-hate-legislation Law Man and others: On reflection I could of phrased the question better, but having said that, I'm certain that if I used the "N" or "P" words (even in a passive, non-threatening manner) in front of a police officer, I would be up on a section 5. So if using either word automatically gets you nicked...what's the difference? I think I might just report that site and see where it goes, no harm in trying. Thanks for the advice....(no bill I hope, lol) I have reported the site to the Gloucestershire constabulary and the Institute of Race Relations (IRR). I would suggest that anyone who agrees with me should report anyone they hear using this disgusting term.

Altair	"The use of the word "keffir" in a threatening and derogatory context is likely to constitute exactly that" No matter what context it is utilised, - it is a racist remark - muslims can say this at uni and no one bats an eyelid... "Incidentally, the whole idea of banning (any) words is all a bit Orwellian isn't it?" So is introducing a foreign culture (islam) against the will of the people. So is not having a referendum on the Lisbon treaty... Muslims should not cite hatred towards us in our own country!

Law Man	Paul, what makes you think these words are banned under the Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006, or any other statute? They aren't. If you think I am wrong, please feel free to direct me to the provision which says otherwise. The RRHA created a number of new offences, but the gist of them all is threatening behaviour combined with an intent to stir up hatred against a religious group. No specific words are banned. We already have equality on this. A muslim stirring up racial hatred against non-muslims would already be guilty of an offence under the Act. The use of the word "kuffar" in a threatening and derogatory context is likely to constitute exactly that. I haven't read the whole of the forum post you linked to - too depressing - but from the little I did read I think the poster probably is guilty of an offence under the Act, assuming he is from this country. Personally I couldn't be bothered, but why not try going to the police if you feel strongly about it? Perhaps you feel - and I'm sorry to put words in your mouth here - that the existing law isn't being used fairly against some groups. You might be right. How do you know until you have tried it though? Incidentally, the whole idea of banning (any) words is all a bit Orwellian isn't it?

Beatnick	As far as I know there is no law which forbids the use of certain English words. However, if a white person uses the N-word against a black person, then the black person may do something about it. Likewise if a person swears at someone in public, this too is now a crime, but only if reported. You cannot ban English words from the English language - people have tried and it just does not work. Golly being one of the words which the ultras tried to ban - dear me, such young people they must be. Good Golly Miss Molly - Little Richard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPmaVT-P5Ds What bothers me is why we need laws to ban certain words. The simple answer to being called a Kuffar, is a sharp punch on the nose. Works every time and no one ever comes back asking for more of same. What's a Kuffar anyway?

Biedronka	In my dictionary (Abbey) says that Kaffir is defined as: A member of the most important dark race in South Africa. I nearly fell off my chair - it was so funny:)

Hobo	Of course it should be banned. For those saying otherwise I think you fail to understand what the actual term means and implies. "Kuffar (aka Kafir [among Muslims])" is a term used by Muslims with a derogatory purpose. In Arabic the term literally means "ingrate" which translates to "ungrateful person". It is used against those who do not embrace Allah or the prophet Muhammad. It can also be translated as "infidel" which means "heretic". Although it sounds seemingly harmless, it is used by Muslims with the aspiration of demeaning any NON-Muslim. It has racist intent, because it demeans anyone who is not a Muslim (see below for an explanation) This is what racism means: racism the belief that each race or ethnic group possesses specific characteristics, abilities, or qualities that distinguish it as inferior or superior to another such group. Calling a non-Muslim a Kuffar suggests that they are inferior, therefore it is racist. Good question and to those who state otherwise, do some homework or go back to college.

mercian	We should ban Labour MPS!!

Mordent	The "n" word is not outlawed in the UK. You can say it as many times as you want. No words are outlawed, nor should they ever be.

John M	It doesn't really matter, lanuage is just an expression, why can a black man call another black man a ''nigga'' , ''homme'' or brother. We're all brothers and sisters so as long as it's used in the right context then it should be ok. Funny how rasicm is always a white person being offensive to black people! If we all want equality then perhaps we should be equal to each other.

Violation Notification	So you are against being PC and hate the PC "brigade". Yet now you want a word banned? Hmmmmmm....... "I have reported the site to the Gloucestershire constabulary and the Institute of Race Relations (IRR)" LOL, under the word "hypocrisy" in the dictionary, there should be a picture of you.

guitar virgin	No. What an utterly stupid suggestion. Firstly, such a course of action would infringe upon a persons right to freedom of speech. That would be a human rights abuse. Secondly, we do not have laws in Britain which forbid certain words. Thirdly, if we did have such laws they would be pointless and ineffective because if I want to use a certain word I will use it. I will not allow the law or anyone else to dictate to me which words I may or may not use.

Mr TEL	No. This govt have done enough banning as it is. Furthermore as the above correspondent says, you'll only start them all off again. EDIT: Just an imaginary scenario for you: "Officer, arrest that man. He just called me a dirty Kuffar!" "I didn't hear anything sir. Now on yer way before I do you for a public order offence".

Cool Hal	To be honest I have never heard of it until now - but if it is offencive then it should be added to the list of offencive words. I am not convinced it will make any difference though. We still hear racist and derogatory words every day.

Damian McBride	Yes it should, I find offencive and derogatory.

jay r	Yeh it bloody well should be, but it wont because muslims will start crying and whining like they allways do. If they can call us that, why cant we call them ummmm lemme think, muzzies?