Failure to protect

[marshlander]

Of course you are right, fenris, that parents are responsible for the safety of their children, but I agree with eastofeden that most of the trouble can be traced back to religion. It is religion that ultimately offers those so inclined the excuses they seek to rationalise bad parenting. Religious influence runs very deep. I have experienced this at first hand. It splits families, it makes people feel there is such a thing as a "higher law" than the law of the land and it gives politicians and other influential spokespersons ammunition for their prejudices.

When people like the Archbishop of Canterbury suggest that Sharia Law could be introduced "alongside" UK law he should be opposed at every turn. The only safe and fair laws for all are those developed in a secular context ... and this includes maintaining the freedom for people to believe in whatever deity or none that they choose.