What a concept...

First, the key quote:

‘If someone is in a discussion and they don’t like what they are hearing, they can walk away.'

Now, the exasperating story that leads up to it:

A Christian couple have been charged with a criminal offence after taking part in what they regarded as a reasonable discussion about religion with guests at their hotel. Ben and Sharon Vogelenzang were arrested after a Muslim woman complained to police that she had been offended by their comments.

The couple, whose trial has been set for December, face a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record if they are convicted. Although the facts are disputed, it is thought that during the conversation the couple were challenged over their Christian beliefs.

It is understood that they suggested that Mohammed, the founder of Islam, was a warlord and that traditional Muslim dress for women was a form of bondage. They deny, however, that their comments were threatening and argue that they had every right to defend and explain their beliefs. After the incident, the couple voluntarily attended St Anne’s Street police station in Liverpool, where they were interviewed under caution. In July they were arrested and charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 and Section 31 (1) (c) and (5) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

It's disheartening to see so many of the foundational freedoms under assault in the UK, whose legacy of the Common Law has been such a boon to many parts of the world.

Unless the couple in this story made threats against the accuser, there is simply no reason for the law to be involved. Our civilization has become so obsessed with self-esteem and "feelings" that it no longer recognizes the world is a place of sharp elbows and legitimate disagreements between even reasonable people. The founder of my faith is maligned in my presence on a routine basis (why is it nobody ever yells "Buddha!" when they're angry or injured?). All I need do is walk out my front door, log on to the 'net or watch TV to find my worldview belittled, mocked and marginalized. Should any of this give me the right to file a "you hurt my feelings" complaint with the State's Enforcers?

Some would say the couple "forced" their religion on the complainant. But look carefully: who really resorted to force here?