Blasphemy Laws in the UK

Have they always been here in plain sight?

Be careful what you post on-line seems to be the prevailing message from the new UK establishment and it is being reinforced enthusiastically by the Police. Just consider this statement from the ludicrous Cannock Police Force;

Cannock officers have made two arrests following reports of hate crimes being committed through comments made on social media. We received a report of threats and racist abuse on social media and, following a swift investigation, local officers arrested two men last night (7 September). Two men from Cannock, aged 36 and 56, were arrested on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up religious hatred, an offence created by Section 29C of the Public Order Act. Both men have been subsequently released on conditional bail whilst enquiries continue.

Now then, if you check out Section 29c of the Public Order Act, you will find it relates to…

“A person who publishes or distributes written material which is threatening is guilty of an offence if he intends thereby to stir up religious hatred”

That then leads us to what is “religious hatred”?

In this Part "religious hatred" means hatred against a group of persons defined by reference to religious belief or lack of religious belief.

So what does THAT then actually mean?

For example, if someone criticises Islam for some of the barbaric practises that occur in Muslim countries is that likely to lead to an arrest? Have we actually always had a Blasphemy law? Is this all just a very convenient mechanism for the State to shut down anyone who says anything that is critical of its favourite minority groups?