A pub at the centre of a dispute over a gay kiss shut its doors last night as hundreds of demonstrators converged on it to hold a kiss-in.
James Bull, 23, and Jonathan Williams, 26, were enjoying their first date on Wednesday evening when they said they were forcibly removed from the John Snow pub in Soho, central London, by management who described their behaviour as "obscene".
Word of the ejection caused a storm on social networking sites and a protest was quickly organised on Facebook for demonstrators to fill the John Snow and start a kiss-in. But after learning of the event, the pub management decided to close for the evening
Continued at The Independant
Saturday, 16 April 2011
TRUE FINNS' NATIONALISM COLOURS FINLAND ELECTION
An anti-immigration party in Finland - the True Finns - has surged in popularity and could produce a surprise in Sunday's general election, opinion polls suggest. Jan Sundberg, Professor of Political Science at Helsinki University, looks at the True Finns phenomenon and the party's chances of joining the next coalition government.
The True Finns saw political potential among the neglected people in society. Their political message is two-fold: social-democratic welfare combined with nationalism and xenophobia. They have targeted dissatisfied Finns who have suffered from the previous governments' economic policies. The last time Finland faced a similar situation was in 1970, when the True Finns' predecessor, the Rural Party, surged from almost nothing to 18 seats in the 200-seat parliament. Later the Rural Party split, but it made a successful comeback in the 1983 election.
'Embraced to death'
Finnish politics has been stable for years because ruling coalitions have integrated and then diluted the radical parties of left and right. That was the fate of the Communists and, later, the Rural Party. Novelist Leif Salmen wrote that the Communists were "embraced to death". The True Finns emerged from the Rural Party in the 1990s when that party failed to keep its election promises. Finland is officially bilingual, but the True Finns' nationalism has no room for Swedish. It excludes Swedish as something unfamiliar to Finnish culture. Polls suggest that most Finns share that view and want to stop the teaching of Swedish in Finnish schools. There is also a widespread view that immigration is damaging Finland and Finnish culture. Parties tend to follow popular trends among the electorate, even if they have an authoritarian streak. That is a general weakness of democracy. The right-wing populist Danish People's Party is not a strong actor in Danish politics, but its xenophobia has spread to the major parties. The Sweden Democrats, on the other hand, are kept isolated by all parties in the Swedish parliament. In contrast to Sweden, parties in Finland have adopted - to differing degrees - the nationalist stance of the True Finns. That is certainly true of the Christian Democrats and Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi's Centre Party.
Nationalist message
The True Finns' manifesto indicates they have much in common with right-wing populist parties elsewhere in Europe. They believe that a low birth rate is not solved by immigration, as that results in problems and foreigners are do not fit into Finnish culture. Instead, young women should study less and spend more time giving birth to pure Finnish children. That is like a faint echo of Nazi ideology. If the True Finns do as well as expected the rival parties may opt for the traditional strategy of integration, but this time it is likely to backfire, because the economic climate has changed. Finland suffered when the Soviet economy collapsed, because the USSR was a major export market for Finnish goods. But in 1995 Finland joined the EU and Nokia developed into a globally successful mobile phone manufacturer. Finland joined the eurozone wholeheartedly in 2002. But for many Finns today EU membership is no longer sexy - not when it involves bailing out countries like Greece, the Republic of Ireland and Portugal. Other companies have caught up with Nokia and even the traditional "green gold" of Finland - timber - has lost its lustre. One paper and pulp mill after another has closed and many workers have been fired. If the True Finns join the next coalition Finland will turn in some degree towards stronger nationalism and protectionism.
BBC News
The True Finns saw political potential among the neglected people in society. Their political message is two-fold: social-democratic welfare combined with nationalism and xenophobia. They have targeted dissatisfied Finns who have suffered from the previous governments' economic policies. The last time Finland faced a similar situation was in 1970, when the True Finns' predecessor, the Rural Party, surged from almost nothing to 18 seats in the 200-seat parliament. Later the Rural Party split, but it made a successful comeback in the 1983 election.
'Embraced to death'
Finnish politics has been stable for years because ruling coalitions have integrated and then diluted the radical parties of left and right. That was the fate of the Communists and, later, the Rural Party. Novelist Leif Salmen wrote that the Communists were "embraced to death". The True Finns emerged from the Rural Party in the 1990s when that party failed to keep its election promises. Finland is officially bilingual, but the True Finns' nationalism has no room for Swedish. It excludes Swedish as something unfamiliar to Finnish culture. Polls suggest that most Finns share that view and want to stop the teaching of Swedish in Finnish schools. There is also a widespread view that immigration is damaging Finland and Finnish culture. Parties tend to follow popular trends among the electorate, even if they have an authoritarian streak. That is a general weakness of democracy. The right-wing populist Danish People's Party is not a strong actor in Danish politics, but its xenophobia has spread to the major parties. The Sweden Democrats, on the other hand, are kept isolated by all parties in the Swedish parliament. In contrast to Sweden, parties in Finland have adopted - to differing degrees - the nationalist stance of the True Finns. That is certainly true of the Christian Democrats and Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi's Centre Party.
Nationalist message
The True Finns' manifesto indicates they have much in common with right-wing populist parties elsewhere in Europe. They believe that a low birth rate is not solved by immigration, as that results in problems and foreigners are do not fit into Finnish culture. Instead, young women should study less and spend more time giving birth to pure Finnish children. That is like a faint echo of Nazi ideology. If the True Finns do as well as expected the rival parties may opt for the traditional strategy of integration, but this time it is likely to backfire, because the economic climate has changed. Finland suffered when the Soviet economy collapsed, because the USSR was a major export market for Finnish goods. But in 1995 Finland joined the EU and Nokia developed into a globally successful mobile phone manufacturer. Finland joined the eurozone wholeheartedly in 2002. But for many Finns today EU membership is no longer sexy - not when it involves bailing out countries like Greece, the Republic of Ireland and Portugal. Other companies have caught up with Nokia and even the traditional "green gold" of Finland - timber - has lost its lustre. One paper and pulp mill after another has closed and many workers have been fired. If the True Finns join the next coalition Finland will turn in some degree towards stronger nationalism and protectionism.
BBC News
Racist leaflets delivered to residents (UK)
A leading anti-fascist campaigner has slammed a racist leaflet delivered to homes in Millom.
The leaflet, which was delivered to homes in the Newtown area of Millom, has been described as ‘a poor attempt at satire’.
Police believe the leaflets to have been made by an amateur but are treating the incident as ‘serious’.
Residents gave police the leaflets while they were investigating anti-social behaviour in the Market Street area.
They have also been delivered in Lord Street and Albert Street.
The leaflet refers to the Muslim burka, a veiled dress traditionally worn by women, as a ‘black crow like tent’ and describes the British Government as ‘treacherous’.
Paul Jenkins, chairman of Unite Against Fascism north west, said: “Whoever is getting this sort of thing out there is completely unacceptable.
“In the same way in the 1930s Hitler’s Nazis targeted Jews, now far right groups and others are trying to scapegoat Muslims.
“Muslims are not to blame for the cuts or other problems.
“Our communities are better united than divided.”
A number of residents have voiced their concern following the news.
One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “I think there is a problem.
“I don’t think everyone is racist but if people start a foreign restaurant there is always a lot of trouble, a lot of people have left the town because of it.”
Arthur Ferguson served in Burma during the Second World War.
He said: “I am not a racist and I despise anyone that is, it is ignorant.
“I fought alongside a lot of Burmese people and Gurkhas, and dealt with Indian people all my life in business – they are just like anybody else.”
Harry Turner, of Devonshire Road, Millom, said: “It does surprise me.
“There are only a few different races in the town and nobody seems to bother.
“Everyone always speaks to you no matter what.”
Sergeant Ashley Bennett of Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We have been made aware of several leaflets being posted through doors in the Millom area over the last week.
“They read like they have been written by a person of Islamic faith however upon closer examination they appear to be spoof in nature.
“They have clearly been done on somebody's word processor as they have not been professionally published and printed.
“That said we take all forms of racism very seriously and are investigating the matter.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 3300247
North West Evening Mail
The leaflet, which was delivered to homes in the Newtown area of Millom, has been described as ‘a poor attempt at satire’.
Police believe the leaflets to have been made by an amateur but are treating the incident as ‘serious’.
Residents gave police the leaflets while they were investigating anti-social behaviour in the Market Street area.
They have also been delivered in Lord Street and Albert Street.
The leaflet refers to the Muslim burka, a veiled dress traditionally worn by women, as a ‘black crow like tent’ and describes the British Government as ‘treacherous’.
Paul Jenkins, chairman of Unite Against Fascism north west, said: “Whoever is getting this sort of thing out there is completely unacceptable.
“In the same way in the 1930s Hitler’s Nazis targeted Jews, now far right groups and others are trying to scapegoat Muslims.
“Muslims are not to blame for the cuts or other problems.
“Our communities are better united than divided.”
A number of residents have voiced their concern following the news.
One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “I think there is a problem.
“I don’t think everyone is racist but if people start a foreign restaurant there is always a lot of trouble, a lot of people have left the town because of it.”
Arthur Ferguson served in Burma during the Second World War.
He said: “I am not a racist and I despise anyone that is, it is ignorant.
“I fought alongside a lot of Burmese people and Gurkhas, and dealt with Indian people all my life in business – they are just like anybody else.”
Harry Turner, of Devonshire Road, Millom, said: “It does surprise me.
“There are only a few different races in the town and nobody seems to bother.
“Everyone always speaks to you no matter what.”
Sergeant Ashley Bennett of Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We have been made aware of several leaflets being posted through doors in the Millom area over the last week.
“They read like they have been written by a person of Islamic faith however upon closer examination they appear to be spoof in nature.
“They have clearly been done on somebody's word processor as they have not been professionally published and printed.
“That said we take all forms of racism very seriously and are investigating the matter.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 3300247
North West Evening Mail
Tribute page to slain teenager Negus McClean targeted by racists (UK)
More than 11,000 people have joined a Facebook site paying tribute to 15-year-old Negus McClean, who was murdered on Sunday evening in Westminster Road.
However, the site has been infiltrated by people posting racist remarks, offensive pictures, and twisted jokes.
Many of the offensive posts, including pornography and depictions of Hitler, have been removed by Facebook bosses but some have continued to appear today.
Friends of the teenager have called for the page to be shut down to stop the abuse, and for the perpetrators to be caught and prosecuted.
One person wrote: “Let's all just ignore the racist comments and insults now, responding is exactly what they want.
“There's no point arguing with them cos you can't argue with a mad person.”
New Facebook sites paying tribute to the Edmonton County pupil have been set up to try to dodge the abusive comments.
Negus was stabbed repeatedly in the thigh and chest by a gang of up to 13 teenagers on mountain bikes who had chased him and his younger brother Elijah along Bounces Road.
It is believed they were fleeing from the gang after a dispute over a mobile phone.
Two teenage boys, aged 14 and 16, were today arrested on suspicion of murder, and remain in police custody for questioning.
Four others, aged 14, 16, 18, and 20, were arrested earlier this week and have been released on bail pending further police enquiries.
Enfield Independent
Dutch anti-Islam MP seeks new judges for trial (Netherlands)
Dutch anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders wants the withdrawal of a new panel of judges chosen to try him for hate speech, his lawyer said Friday, claiming they were biased.
"Mr presiding judge, I will demand the recusal of your chamber," lawyer Bram Moszcowicz told judge Marcel van Oosten at a hearing in Amsterdam six months after Wilders succeeded in having a first panel of judges withdrawn.
Wilders and his lawyer question the new judges' partiality based on their refusal to open a perjury probe of a witness accused of lying to the court.
An independent chamber of judges has been assigned to rule on the latest application.
The trial of Wilders, who leads the Netherlands' third biggest political party, opened in October last year but was abruptly halted three weeks later when the judges trying him were ordered to step down by a panel of their peers who upheld the politician's claims of bias.
In March, the new judges ruled that the trial must go ahead, dismissing Wilders' claims that they had no jurisdiction in the case.
Wilders, 47, faces five counts of giving offence to Muslims and of inciting hatred against Muslims and people of non-Western immigrant origin, particularly Moroccans.
The allegations arise partly from the short film "Fitna", which catapulted Wilders to international notoriety in 2008 and in which he mixes Koranic verses with footage of extremist attacks.
In the film he likens the Koran to Hitler's "Mein Kampf".
The MP, whose Party for Freedom gives parliamentary support to a right-leaning coalition, faces up to a year in jail or a 7,600 euro (10,300 dollar) fine for comments made in his campaign to "stop the Islamisation of the Netherlands".
Prosecutors initially dismissed dozens of complaints against Wilders in June 2008 but were compelled by appeals judges to mount a case against him in 2010.
Expatica
"Mr presiding judge, I will demand the recusal of your chamber," lawyer Bram Moszcowicz told judge Marcel van Oosten at a hearing in Amsterdam six months after Wilders succeeded in having a first panel of judges withdrawn.
Wilders and his lawyer question the new judges' partiality based on their refusal to open a perjury probe of a witness accused of lying to the court.
An independent chamber of judges has been assigned to rule on the latest application.
The trial of Wilders, who leads the Netherlands' third biggest political party, opened in October last year but was abruptly halted three weeks later when the judges trying him were ordered to step down by a panel of their peers who upheld the politician's claims of bias.
In March, the new judges ruled that the trial must go ahead, dismissing Wilders' claims that they had no jurisdiction in the case.
Wilders, 47, faces five counts of giving offence to Muslims and of inciting hatred against Muslims and people of non-Western immigrant origin, particularly Moroccans.
The allegations arise partly from the short film "Fitna", which catapulted Wilders to international notoriety in 2008 and in which he mixes Koranic verses with footage of extremist attacks.
In the film he likens the Koran to Hitler's "Mein Kampf".
The MP, whose Party for Freedom gives parliamentary support to a right-leaning coalition, faces up to a year in jail or a 7,600 euro (10,300 dollar) fine for comments made in his campaign to "stop the Islamisation of the Netherlands".
Prosecutors initially dismissed dozens of complaints against Wilders in June 2008 but were compelled by appeals judges to mount a case against him in 2010.
Expatica
Italian far-right urges use of weapons against refugee 'invasion'
Two politicians from Italy's Northern League party want to control Italy's refugee problem by taking up weapons. The staunchly anti-immigration party is an increasingly strong voice in Silvio Berlusconi's government.
Two right-wing politicians from Italy's Northern League party have pushed for the ability to use weapons against the influx of migrants flocking to southern Italy.
More than 25,000 migrants, mostly Tunisian nationals, have arrived at the southern Italian island of Lampedusa since January, prompted by the conflict in the North Africa.
Speaking to an Italian broadcaster, Deputy Transport Minister Roberto Castelli said Italy needed to protect itself against the "invasion."
"This problem could become so unbelievably big that we must ask ourselves if we need to use weapons," he said. "There is a risk this invasion could grow to millions or tens of millions."
'Violating Italy'
His comments were echoed by his party colleague, Francesco Speroni ,who is a member of the justice committee in the European Parliament.
He said "all means" should be used to suppress the influx of people who are "violating Italy and her rules."
"That means weapons as a last resort," he added.
Both politicians argued that if resorting to force was admissible in Libya, then the same should be true of the situation in Lampedusa.
"Europe uses weapons in the same setting in Libya. I don't understand why in one case weapons can be used, and not in another," said Speroni.
League's political power
The Northern League is staunchly anti-immigration and is a partner in Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's coalition government. They have several representatives in Berlusconi's cabinet, including Interior Minister Roberto Maroni.
At a meeting of EU interior ministers on Monday, Maroni questioned whether Italy should remain an EU member if other countries in the bloc did not offer to share the burden of the thousands of migrants.
The Northern League currently holds a great deal of power in Italian politics, as they are the glue keeping Berlusconi's crumbing coalition together.
In power since 1994, Berlusconi's ruling Freedom Party has suffered setbacks in recent months, as the prime minister became embroiled in fresh scandals.
Several members of Berlusconi's government resigned in November, forming a breakaway center-right political movement under the guidance of former Berlusconi-ally Gianfranco Fini.
Berlusconi now heavily relies on the Northern League to prop up the coalition, meaning he also has to make concessions to them in order to ensure their continued support.
Shortened trials
On Wednesday Italy's lower house of parliament approved a bill that would cut the length of some criminal trials. The measure was seen by opposition politicians as a bill tailor-made to end Berlusconi's trial for allegedly bribing his lawyer David Mills.
The measure passed by a narrow margin of 314 to 296, amid boos and shouts from the opposition.
If passed by the Senate - where Berlusconi has a strong majority - it would cut eight months from the Mills trial, effectively bringing it to an end this summer.
"The law on short trials is an amnesty in disguise, thought up to avoid having the prime minister face trial," said Piero Fassino, a deputy from the center-left Democratic Party.
Berlusconi denies accusations of paying Mills a $600,000 (414,400 euros) bribe to give false testimony about his business dealings.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the parliament building on Wednesday, accusing Berlusconi of amending the law in his own interest.
DW World
Two right-wing politicians from Italy's Northern League party have pushed for the ability to use weapons against the influx of migrants flocking to southern Italy.
More than 25,000 migrants, mostly Tunisian nationals, have arrived at the southern Italian island of Lampedusa since January, prompted by the conflict in the North Africa.
Speaking to an Italian broadcaster, Deputy Transport Minister Roberto Castelli said Italy needed to protect itself against the "invasion."
"This problem could become so unbelievably big that we must ask ourselves if we need to use weapons," he said. "There is a risk this invasion could grow to millions or tens of millions."
'Violating Italy'
His comments were echoed by his party colleague, Francesco Speroni ,who is a member of the justice committee in the European Parliament.
He said "all means" should be used to suppress the influx of people who are "violating Italy and her rules."
"That means weapons as a last resort," he added.
Both politicians argued that if resorting to force was admissible in Libya, then the same should be true of the situation in Lampedusa.
"Europe uses weapons in the same setting in Libya. I don't understand why in one case weapons can be used, and not in another," said Speroni.
League's political power
The Northern League is staunchly anti-immigration and is a partner in Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's coalition government. They have several representatives in Berlusconi's cabinet, including Interior Minister Roberto Maroni.
At a meeting of EU interior ministers on Monday, Maroni questioned whether Italy should remain an EU member if other countries in the bloc did not offer to share the burden of the thousands of migrants.
The Northern League currently holds a great deal of power in Italian politics, as they are the glue keeping Berlusconi's crumbing coalition together.
In power since 1994, Berlusconi's ruling Freedom Party has suffered setbacks in recent months, as the prime minister became embroiled in fresh scandals.
Several members of Berlusconi's government resigned in November, forming a breakaway center-right political movement under the guidance of former Berlusconi-ally Gianfranco Fini.
Berlusconi now heavily relies on the Northern League to prop up the coalition, meaning he also has to make concessions to them in order to ensure their continued support.
Shortened trials
On Wednesday Italy's lower house of parliament approved a bill that would cut the length of some criminal trials. The measure was seen by opposition politicians as a bill tailor-made to end Berlusconi's trial for allegedly bribing his lawyer David Mills.
The measure passed by a narrow margin of 314 to 296, amid boos and shouts from the opposition.
If passed by the Senate - where Berlusconi has a strong majority - it would cut eight months from the Mills trial, effectively bringing it to an end this summer.
"The law on short trials is an amnesty in disguise, thought up to avoid having the prime minister face trial," said Piero Fassino, a deputy from the center-left Democratic Party.
Berlusconi denies accusations of paying Mills a $600,000 (414,400 euros) bribe to give false testimony about his business dealings.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the parliament building on Wednesday, accusing Berlusconi of amending the law in his own interest.
DW World
Interior minister says far-right group breaking law by patrolling eastern town (Hungary)
Interior Minister Sándor Pintér said yesterday that members of far right paramilitary group the Szebb Jövő Society had committed "misdemeanours" in Hajdúhadháza, Hajdú county. The police and authorities will handle the transgressions in proportion to their illegality, he added.
Some 200 Society members have since Tuesday been patrolling the town, which has a large Roma population. The area's Fidesz MP, the Socialist Party, the national federation of municipal councils and six NGOs have all asked the cabinet to take decisive action. However the group has remained in the town, despite Pinter's request.
Police stepped up checks on Wednesday night and on Thursday evening searched and checked the identification cards of ten guard members outside the local train station.
Politics.Hu
Some 200 Society members have since Tuesday been patrolling the town, which has a large Roma population. The area's Fidesz MP, the Socialist Party, the national federation of municipal councils and six NGOs have all asked the cabinet to take decisive action. However the group has remained in the town, despite Pinter's request.
Police stepped up checks on Wednesday night and on Thursday evening searched and checked the identification cards of ten guard members outside the local train station.
Politics.Hu
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