What a wonderful response from Naeem Jarral last week about the sentencing of an English Defence League member for pushing and chanting at Muslims outside their community centre.
I thought the gentleness and forgiveness shown by Naeem was a lesson to all of us in how different communities can be brought together. I am not sure that EDL members will be capable of responding to such understanding.
In February this year Barnsley Trades Council organised a demonstration to protest against the BNP stall that used to be in the town centre. Fifty EDL members turned up to shout obscene slogans at the demonstration. Violence was only prevented by police holding their members back.
They were clearly not demonstrating a love of ‘freedom of speech’. They were demonstrating a vicious hatred to anyone who did not agree with their racist views.
I am pleased that most people in Barnsley have consistently rejected these views. I am sure that the St Helen’s by election will see the voters rejecting right-wing extremists by voting against the BNP.
© 2013 Barnsley Chronicle Ltd