On May 5, 2009, Jacqui Smith, the British Home Secretary, published a list of 16 individuals banned from entering the United Kingdom. Savage was justifiably outraged that his name was placed on the list along with the names of radical Muslims who call for the overthrow of the British government, Hamas murderers, neo-Nazi skinheads, and Russian mobsters.
Eight individuals on the list are Muslim clerics and political advocates who were accused of fomenting terrorist violence. One of the eight was a former member of the Palestine Liberation Front who served nearly 30 years in an Israeli prison for his involvement in the killing of four Israelis, including a 4-year old girl.
According to the Law Center’s May 13 letter to Secretary Clinton, the British government is punishing Mr. Savage for the exercise of his free speech rights in the United States, and not for what he has said or intends to say in the United Kingdom. The ban of Savage has caused a political firestorm in England as well. The Mayor of London claimed the Home Secretary’s decision to add Michael Savage’s name to the list made Britain look “so infantile, so pathetic.”
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center stated, “Despite the fact that Michael Savage has been extremely critical of Secretary Clinton in the past, she now represents all Americans and not just those who supported her. The State Department has publicly spoken out in support of Muslims in other countries; I would expect her to speak out in support of American citizen Michael Savage. She can use her ‘good offices’ and prevail upon the British government to remove his name from the list.”
Thompson added, “Of course, the United Kingdom has the power to keep whomever they want from entering its country. And it seems they are addicted to political correctness. But I would hope that the right to freedom of expression protected by international law and treaties, and so essential to democracies, will prevail in the land of the Magna Charta.”
The irony of Michael Savage appealing to Hillary Clinton, a person he has publicly pilloried in the past, is not lost on the media. However, Savage relies on the popular saying attributed to Voltaire, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.