Nick Griffin has tweeted the home address of the gay couple who recently won compensation after some B&B owners broke equality laws by refusing to offer them a place to stay. He said that ‘people have the right to discriminate’.
Michael Black (one half of the gay couple targeted) wittily riposted that “It would be difficult for people to gather as we live in a small village and there’s nowhere to park.” The couple are also planning to donate their compensation monies to charity.
Right wing reactionary Brendan O Neill labelled the outcry against Nick Griffin a ‘Twittermob’. I think the fine line is whether there is violence threatened, or privacy invaded. Nick Griffin has stated, “I merely pointed out to them [Black and Morgan] that we do know where they live so… there may be consequences.” Well; in my neck of the woods “We know where you live!” is a threat. He also posted their address, violating their right to privacy, and encouraged his followers to go ’cause a bit of drama’.
One of the ironies here is that while I disagree with the beliefs of the Christian couple involved, and believe the right judgement was made, I doubt they are bad people – and they’re no doubt appalled to have violence and harassment encouraged on their behalf.
It’s a case that highlights the unique challenges of social media in the law – and the social justice campaigns that can be conducted through it.
