Banning of extremist cleric

I was pleased to see that the controversial Egyptian cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi has been refused entry to the UK, although I was likewise disappointed that Muslim organisations such as the MCB reacted so negatively to the decision.

I don't think that this decision has been made from an anti-Muslim point of view. This is a man who uses his religious beliefs as an excuse for justifying terrorism and morality that fundamentally opposes the system of justice that we have in our society in the UK. He has called for homosexuals to be executed and defended the right of husbands to use violence against their wives.

The MCB has used the right to free speech as a reason why he should be allowed to come here. We have a long tradition of that right, and it is imperative that we allow our citizens to use it. However, this right does not have to extend to foreign nationals seeking to export an extremist message to the UK which is against our laws.

This counts for all extremists - it is not to do with the religion they cloak their message with, and should apply equally to white supremacists as to Muslim exponents as to any other extremist.
It is vitally important that we engage with our Muslim citizens to build stronger links and demonstrate that they are highly valued members and contributors to our society. However, this does not have to mean compromising on our judgements of what is right and wrong. Banning al-Qaradawi is a progressive decision, and one to be welcomed.