Tower Hamlets is without doubt one of the worst places I've had the displeasure of spending time in. Was doing a bit of graft a few years ago which meant I had to call there every now and again and it's fair to say I've been to better places.Either you're being a bit dense or are trying to wind me up, but I'll give you some examples. Everyone is equal under the law, but everyone has to obey the law, or face the consequences.
Right wingers get worked up about Sharia courts in the UK. There are Jewish equivalents as well. Do I have a problem with these? No, as long as they're used properly, where people voluntarily wish to settle civil matters in accordance with religious dictates. Where we should draw the line however is where they're failing to uphold criminal law or failing to grant people rights they have under UK law, against their wishes.
I know, for example, of cases in the religious Jewish community where it's come to light that they've cited religious law as an excuse for failing to report cases of sexual abuse to the authorities. This is absolutely wrong
Also if anyone outside the specific faiths that usually go to these places were to visit a Hindu temple, mosque or synagogue, you'd expect them to respect whatever traditions went with that, such as dressing modestly, covering one's head or removing your shoes. That's fine as it shows respect for another community's beliefs and traditions. If women wish to wear burqas or hijabs in public, I'm not bothered about that if that's their choice to do so.
But, to use the Jewish community as an example again, in certain areas of Jerusalem inhabited by the ultra-religious, a woman considered immodestly dressed would be harassed or even attacked. If that were to happen in a predominantly Muslim area of the UK, say Luton or Tower Hamlets, then that's crossed a line.
Tolerance of others' beliefs is a necessary part of a multicultural society. Intolerance or refusing to obey the laws of the land because your community believes its culture or religion entitles you to do that is not acceptable.
I doubt Ratcliffe is making this nuanced point however.
Moody as fuck.
