If Mocking Christianity is Fine, Why the Rush to Shield Islam? A Labour Meme Makes the Case

Full credit is due to Cllr David Landon Cole (Labour, Huntingdon Town Council) for posting a meme on 21 December 2025 in the Huntingdon FB group, attributing it to Saul Jeavons (former local Labour candidate/activist) who have shown it’s fine to ridicule Christianity right here in Huntingdon, and equally there should be no special laws to shield Islam from any criticism.

The meme was of two cartoon men at a table with a globe covered in peas and a sliced Gouda cheese wheel. Caption: “Peas on earth, Gouda wheel, two men.” Hilarious only if you know what it refers to.

It’s a clear, deliberate parody of Luke 2:14—the angels’ joyful announcement at Jesus’ birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

This verse is at the heart of the Christmas message: hope, true peace (shalom—wholeness and reconciliation with God and others), and God’s goodwill to humanity amid turmoil. It’s cherished by billions worldwide—in carols like “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,” nativity plays, Christmas cards, and even the late Queen Elizabeth II’s broadcasts. In Britain, with our Christian constitution, heritage, culture, and values, mocking it ridicules something profoundly sacred to many, whether practising Christians or not.

Around 10-15 Huntingdon people liked or reacted positively here. No outrage, no calls for removal—just amusement. But would they create memes parodying Qur’anic verses or phrases central to Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha—the two biggest Muslim festivals of joy, prayer, charity, and devotion—and share them here for laughs, especially during those times? If not, why not? This is serious issue for all who want to maintain Britain's cherished democratic values and especially Free Speech.

Labour continues to pursue a non-statutory definition of “anti-Muslim hostility” (rebranded from the old APPG “Islamophobia” wording that tied it to racism targeting “Muslimness”). This would guide councils, schools, police, and public bodies on prejudice toward Muslims—but critics (including free speech groups, Hindu/Sikh leaders, and experts) warn it risks a “back-door blasphemy law,” chilling legitimate criticism of Islam, ideas, or history while existing hate crime/equality laws already protect people from real harm.

British people of all faiths and none largely oppose it. Reports from think tanks like Policy Exchange, the Free Speech Union, and community leaders highlight dangers: unequal protections creating a “hierarchy of sensitivities,” potential discrimination against Christianity/Hinduism/Sikhism (e.g., suppressing discussions of historical persecution), “thought control” vibes, and deepening divisions.

It wasn’t in Labour’s manifesto, polls show it harms their support (shifting voters elsewhere), and many see no need—free speech, including the right to offend or critique religions, is a British value.

For more on why the Hindu community (and others) rightly challenges this for equal treatment see: https://www.chanabraham-changingbritainforgood.com/post/safeguarding-free-speech-why-the-uk-s-hindu-community-is-right-to-challenge-labour-s-islamophobia-d

This meme unwittingly exposes the double standard: If Labour activists can parody and mock Christianity’s core Christmas message right here in Huntingdon without consequence, why push special legal shields for one faith only?

Credit David and Saul to them for highlighting the inconsistency—no special privileges needed for any religion.

Should Labour drop this unequal approach and ensure fair treatment for all?

What do you think, Huntingdon and the wider community? Share your views in the comments and let’s keep Free Speech alive for all.