Christian hoteliers cleared in Muslim woman abuse row

[Anakin]

Should never have went to Court in the first place. Happy Christmas Benjamin and Sharon Vogelenzang

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/m...de/8404212.stm


Christian hoteliers cleared in Muslim woman abuse row



Sharon Vogelenzang: "We are looking forward to rebuilding our business"

A devout Christian couple have been cleared of insulting a Muslim guest because of her faith. Benjamin and Sharon Vogelenzang were accused of launching a tirade against Ericka Tazi at the Bounty House Hotel in Aintree, Liverpool, in March.
The couple denied using threatening, abusive or insulting words which were religiously aggravated.
District judge Richard Clancy dismissed the case at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs Tazi, who converted to Islam 18 months ago, spent a month at the hotel in Church Avenue while attending a course at Aintree Hospital.
Court demonstrations
She claimed the couple became enraged when she wore a hijab on her last day and accused Mr Vogelenzang, 53, of asking her if she was a murderer and a terrorist.
She also told the court Mr Vogelenzang called the Prophet Muhammad a murderer and a warlord and likened him to Saddam Hussein and Hitler.
But the couple denied her version of events and claimed Mrs Tazi told them Jesus was a minor prophet and that the Bible was untrue.



Ericka Tazi stayed at the Liverpool hotel for a month

Mr Vogelenzang admitted that his wife may have referred to the hijab as a form of bondage, but said he only listed historical figures such as Hitler, Nero and Mao to make light of the situation.
Earlier on Wednesday the court heard that takings at the couple's hotel were down by 80% since they were prosecuted for the public order offence.
Speaking from the witness box, Mr Vogelenzang accused 60-year-old Mrs Tazi of "trying to ruin his business" during heated scenes.
The two-day trial ended when Judge Clancy ruled that the evidence against the hoteliers was "inconsistent" and dismissed the case.
'Peace and goodwill'
Mr and Mrs Vogelenzang were backed by campaign group The Christian Institute which held demonstrations of support outside the court.
Their supporters cheered as the couple emerged from the building after the hearing.
Speaking outside court, Mrs Vogelenzang, 54, said: "It has been a very difficult nine months and we are looking forward to rebuilding our business and getting on with our lives.
"We would like to thank all those who have supported us over the last nine months - our family, our friends, our church, and Christians from all around the world and non-Christians.
"And as Christmas approaches we wish everybody peace and goodwill."

[Godscrasher]

I agree with Mrs Tazi

'But the couple denied her version of events and claimed Mrs Tazi told them Jesus was a minor prophet and that the Bible was untrue.'

having a Girlfriend that follows Islam i try not to preach my shit onto her as an athiest, just as she wouldn't do that to me *for those who read my thread back in Feburary when i met her, were starting to sort things out regarding religion*

If they are devout Christians then they should respect and accept other religions, they should welcome them with open arms. They have admitted calling her and refering to her as a form of nazi. That is just plain wrong. Accept people for who they are and let them live their beleifs. As Christians go..'that couple suck'

[petey85]

What on earth did that get to court for?
I agree that the couple shouldn't have said what they did, but it seems it wasn't all one-way - if they were having a debate comparing their faiths, maybe the woman shouldn't have complained - it seems she got to express her view as well.

It also shows what crappy laws Labour has brought in, and how restricted freedom of speech is getting - and how innocent until proven guilty is getting pushed aside.