View Full Version : T Shirt ban
ditch
01-22-2007, 05:51 AM
Qantas, the Australian airline, has banned a traveller from wearing a t shirt carrying a claim that George Bush is a terrorist. It's a security risk according to Qantas. Over zealous on the part of Q perhaps? Not surprising, the guy ain't happy. What about freedom of speech and all that? He also got the same treatment from Virgin Blue when he tried flying domestic.
Reading from a prepared statement, a Qantas spokesman said: "Whether made verbally or on a T-shirt, comments with the potential to offend other customers or threaten the security of a Qantas group aircraft will not be tolerated."
ravital
01-22-2007, 10:07 AM
What about freedom of speech and all that? He also got the same treatment from Virgin Blue when he tried flying domestic.
I don't know... When I visit someone's home or business, if they tell me to shut up (which doesn't happen, this is a hypothetical), I'll shut up. Similarly, under my roof, with the exception of safety in their persons and property, no one has any rights that I haven't given them. Why do people believe they have the "right" to anything they imagine anytime they want, anywhere they think they want? Quantas owns the plane, Quantas makes the rules. Too difficult for him to understand?
ditch
01-22-2007, 03:46 PM
I'm inclined to agree Rav. My question re freedom of speech was more a reference to the passenger's objections than an expression of my opinion. Qantas do have the right to do as they did. It's always going to be a fine line in deciding what apparel may be offensive and which isn't but I'm sure they can deal with that one.
The link to the story (http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/bush-tshirt-ban/2007/01/22/1169330807525.html) I forgot to include.
Brazbit
01-22-2007, 04:37 PM
Mentioning the words hi-jack, bomb or terrorist (regardless of context) on a plane can land you a fine or some time in jail. Why would it be any different with a shirt? The guy was an idiot for even attempting this.
ravital
01-22-2007, 06:43 PM
I'm inclined to agree Rav. My question re freedom of speech was more a reference to the passenger's objections than an expression of my opinion.
Oh, that's how I understood it, sorry if I didn't make that clear :)