Anthony Butcher

Telegraph Article
I have to say that this kind of thing really isn't going to make many friends in the Muslim world.

I don't see the advantage of bringing up this issue; even if Mohammed was a paedophile, Islam does not condone child abuse. So Mohammed's sexual preferences are really just an academic point today. Reviving the old story only serves to offend Muslims (again) and make Mr Kilroy-Silk's job harder.

shadbolt

Mr Butcher is missing the point. The fact is that Mohammed is revered by Muslims to the point that they will die rather than see his name offended, they will kill rather than see Mohammed's name sleighted. This is evidence that adherents of that faith are in self-denial and or ignorant.

I met an Iranian professional recently who admitted that she never understood the Qu'ran because it is in Arabic - not her native tongue, and that anyway, islam was not Iran's native religion, they were converted at the point of the sword she said.

The character of Mohammed is everything to do with Islam and is fundamental to whether Islam has any merit or not. In the same way that Christ's character and deeds are also fundamental to the Christian faith. Compare the lives and characters of the two, it is a simple test and shows why Islam/Mohammed must be challenged everywhere without fear of fatwahs and the protection of western anti-religious legislation.

I dont want to continue this debate, can we drop it. Otherwise I will continue to reply where I see ignorance supporting the Islamic cause.

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God Bless England

Tom Wilde

This chap Bennett sounds like a liability. Is he seriously an aide to Kilroy-Silk? Does he have any sort of official standing in the party? I think we should disown him.

My understanding was that UKIP is a party devoted to getting us out of the European Union. If Bennett or others want to start campaigning to convert Muslims to Christianity, then (a) they are going the wrong way about it and (b) they should channel their efforts through some sort of missionary organisation, not through a political party.

We're not a Christian political party, we're a British political party, and British people belong to a wide variety of religions. I know for a fact that UKIP contains Christians, Jews, Humanists and Muslims. I've no doubt it contains members of most other religions as well. If anybody wants to pontificate about the relative merits of those different religions, they should do so on their own time, and make very, very clear that they are not speaking for UKIP.

Anthony Butcher

I was just going to say the same thing. While his comments may or may not be true, they are damaging to the overall cause of getting us out of the European Union.

Muslims are just as affected by the EU as anyone else in Britain, but if figures in the party cause offence, then they are simply going to alienate potential voters.

Anthony Butcher

Interestingly, I just found this snippet in an email group:
I have no idea whether it is true or not, but I hope that there isn't any genuine in-fighting. Mr Kilroy-Silk has been the making of the party over the last few months, especially in terms of media coverage.

shadbolt

UKIP may not be a Christian party, but it could only be improved upon if it was. Kilroy, our latest doyen, made his name lately by attacking one of the alternative faiths, and justly so. Bennett's views may not be your cup of tea but Kilroy and he clearly hold to similar views, so bear that in mind if you wish to label Bennett a liability!

Today we fight for Britain, tomorrow the world!

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God Bless England

Lafayette

This is one of those things that cause a stir, but the age of the girl has nothing to do with pedophilia. It had more to do with what was the acceptable custom in the Middle East at the time than any characteristic of Islam. Some say that the Virgin Mary was 13 when she became pregnant and was married to Joseph. There might still be areas where the practice goes on. We in Western society find it offensive, but if that is their culture, then so be it.

As an outside observer, I have to say that this kind of thing can do no good for your cause. I was reading a thread in another forum from the last elections in the UK and the UKIP was being mentioned as nothing more than a "watered down BNP." Pro-EU groups label their opposition as xenophobes, hate-mongers, etc. etc. and when someone goes and makes a remark about Muhammed that while in essence is true, is at the same time irrelevant, it gives them ammunition to use against British patriots.

I love this point. British people belong to not only to a wide variety of religions, they belong to a variety of races as well, and when one group or person speaks not out of interest of all Britons but only the traditional white inhabitants, then a large number of potential supporters are being thrown away.

LP-2004

I agree that Mr Bennets comments were irrelevant and he doesnt do the UKIP's cause any good by saying them, but I would just like to remind people we are in the united kingdom.

Was he in the wrong about showing his opinions of a foreign countries tradition when actually being in his own country. I would expect him to apologize to any people of muslim faith he may of offended, but it wasnt like he was in the middle east preaching his views.

Anthony Butcher

We must support his right to speak his mind. I have no problem with anyone voicing an opinion, no matter how bizarre or unwelcome.

The point here is that he has voiced his opinion while acting as Kilroy-Silk's aide, thereby immediately associating his views with those of UKIP to some extent. He should certainly have made it very clear that these were his personal views and nothing to do with Mr Kilroy-Silk or the party.

Ideally he wouldn't have said anything. I would have thought that he should have had the sense to keep his mouth shut when questioned recently. The journalist asking about this was only ever looking for an embarrassing story.

Having said that, it may be that he was tricked INTO phpbb_talking about it and may not have realised that it was "on the record". Either way it is probably not sensible to be voicing such opinions when in such an exposed position.

LP-2004

I totally agree with anthony. I think you have hit the nail on the head