Extremism Disruption Orders

Don’t let Theresa May turn you into an extremist

The Government appears to have quietly dropped its plans for controversial new laws against ‘non-violent extremism’ – Extremism Disruption Orders (EDOs).

The Government said EDOs are aimed at “harmful activities of extremist individuals who spread hate but do not break laws”.

While she was still Home Secretary, Prime Minister Theresa May said the measures will focus on “extremism of all sorts”.

The orders will be issued by a High Court where it is persuaded that someone is “participating in activities that spread, incite, promote or justify hatred against a person (or group of persons) on the grounds of that person’s (or group of persons’) disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and/or transgender identity”.

EDOs resemble a gagging order triggered by anything deemed contrary to the Government’s definition of ‘British values’, including the tenets of the Equality Act. It has been reported that sanctions imposed would include a ban on broadcasting and a requirement for the police to vet anything posted on the internet or on social media. Anyone receiving an EDO would be banned from working with children for life.