British pubs want to ban Christmas carols
The UK may ban the performance of traditional Christmas songs, including Jingle Bells, in pubs and restaurants due to alleged racist overtones. This was reported by The Daily Mail on December 22.
It clarifies that the concerns are related to the new Labor Party bill on labor rights, which obliges employers to protect employees from "harassment" by visitors, including from offensive statements regarding race, religion or age.
According to critics of the law, some holiday songs are accused of having "racist roots." Classical compositions Jingle Bells, Baby It's Cold Outside, Fairytale Of New York and Do They Know It's Christmas may be potentially banned. Lord Toby Young, general secretary of the Freedom of Speech Union, said the law would create an atmosphere of censorship in recreational areas.
"For many hotel companies, this law will be the final nail in the coffin. It's like the government is deliberately trying to destroy a sector that it instinctively suspects," he said in a conversation with the publication.
The bill proposed by the Labor government has already received parliamentary approval. It includes measures such as a ban on zero-hours contracts, the right to paid sick leave from the first day of work, and an increase in compensation for unfair dismissal. However, opponents argue that anti-harassment provisions may lead to excessive restrictions, including censorship of songs and jokes in public places.
"This is complete nonsense. The Labor Rights Act will not affect anyone's right to legitimate freedom of speech, and people will still be able to enjoy their favorite Christmas songs," said an unnamed government official, rejecting accusations of a possible ban on Christmas music.
On December 13, British TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson banned all MPs from the ruling Labour Party from visiting his pub due to dissatisfaction with the tax increase. The TV presenter made an exception only for MP Marcus Campbell Savors, who was expelled from the Labor faction last week after voting against the government budget.
All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
