Tuesday's World Events - February 6, 2007
1. a) In what country was Pakistani-born Pastor Daniel Scot brought up on charges of "religious vilification?"
b) What was the outcome of the trial?
c) Under what law was Pastor Scot convicted?
d) What was the result of Pastor Scot's appeal?
e) Why isn't that the end of the case?
2. a) In what country are some lawmakers attempting to pass a bill that will ban "stirring up hatred against persons on racial or religious grounds?"
b) What effect could this law have, according to some legal experts? Do you agree? Explain your answer.
3. For what reason are Islamic groups in Canada petitioning the government to deport a Muslim convert to Christianity?
4. Scot calls these campaigns "intellectual terrorism." He blames Islamic groups that take advantage of open democracy in countries where Muslim populations are growing rapidly. They lobby in favor of the restrictions as a way to stifle legitimate debate over Islamic-inspired terrorism and the meaning of Quranic texts. "Teaching about Islam is not a popular subject, especially if you know the Quran," Scot said. Do you agree with his remarks? Explain your answer.
5. a) What credentials does Pastor Scot have that make him an expert on Islam?
b) What is Ibrahim Ministries International?
6. a) What parts of Pastor Scot's defense were thrown out by the judge?
b) What is noteworthy about 15 of the 19 statements made by Pastor Scot that the judge found vilified Muslims?
b) Do you think the judge acted fairly in Pastor Scot's case? Explain your answer.
--Britain's Channel 4 news show "Dispatches" went undercover recently in a moderate British mosque. The Dispatches reporter attended talks at mosques run by key organizations whose public faces are presented as moderate and mainstream - and found preachers condemning the idea of integration into British society, condemning British democracy as un-Islamic and praising the Taliban for killing British soldiers.