I don't know if the people in this story were motivated by racism, and if so then that is obviously wrong.

But as a matter of principle it should be perfectly acceptable to burn copies of religious books of whatever religion. Or wipe your arse with them.

I would go so far to say you are actually doing the world a favour by getting rid of the bigoted, sexist, homophobic irrational brainwashing contained in them.

Does anyone have a link to the video so we can see if this story is more about racism than religion?

The linked article says: "Catherine Heseltine, chief executive officer of the Muslim Public Affairs Committee, said burning the Koran was one of the most offensive acts to Muslims that she could imagine."

I suggest that is complete bullshit. If burning some paper is the most offensive thing you can imagine, you have your priorities seriously wrong. You can always print another one! Doesn't it say somewhere in the Koran and the Bible about not worshipping idols?

How about actually writing an indymedia report about this instead of just posting a link to the BBC?

"How about actually writing an indymedia report about this instead of just posting a link to the BBC?"

Well, because I have no first hand knowledge of the event. All I know about it was what I read on the BBC website. I could just rehash the story and spend a long time paraphrasing what has already been said, but why bother duplicating effort when I can just summarise it and link to it? The BBC is nationalised so it is kind of like we own it anyway.

I just thought it would be of interest to Indymedia readers. And the comments on stories here are frequently more useful and entertaining than the stories themselves.

Agree with @theist that rehashing for IMC is fetishised, sometimes in ridiculous circumstances. However, I think it does break the rules, so this'll prob be taken down shortly.

anon, whilst I agree that people get a little attached to symbols, and just because something's a religion, it shouldn't get any more reverence or protection than another system of thought and belief, however....to say someone's belief system being offended is bullshit and they've got their priorities wrong is somewhat naive. If someone burnt a big picture of your mum in front of you, you might be a bit offended. Anyway, book burning's what the Nazis did and whatever the book is, I can't condone it.

But in any case, these comments are just entertainment and bullshit - I'd guess it was motivated by racism, even if youthful. So, wrong, end of.

You go into a bookstore and buy a book. You then become the legal owner of that property.
If you want to burn it then that is your affair.

It is NOT illegal to burn a book.

This is totally ridiculous. Are they going to arrest me because I burnt a copy of the times whilst trying to light my BBQ?

Completely stupid. We are so living in a nanny state where people can't even do a simple thing like burn a book that they have legally paid for.

@Bullshit:

why should I be bothered if someone burns a picture of my mother? It's not like it would do her any harm.

The reason someone's belief system being offended is bullshit: so someone being murdered or raped isn't as offensive as burning a book? WTF?

I've a good mind to obtain a stack of Korans, Bible, and Torahs and burn the lot just for the hell of it. It's pretty much the best use I can think for them - keeping warm this winter.

Agree that racists are scum though and if this was motivated by racism let's hope these are kids who grow up and realise racism is wrong as well as religion.

Sorry, but fuck islam, i want freedom and the two can't work together