Free to call a police horse gay: Section 5 reformed at last

Removal of controversial 'insult' clause from Public Order Act is a victory for campaigners

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28:Police on horses outside the stadium before the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Millwall and Southampton at The Den on January 28, 2012 in London, England.(Phot
(Image credit: 2012 Getty Images)

THE BRITISH public will soon be free to call a police horse gay, insult Scientology or growl at a dog without fear of prosecution, after Home Secretary Theresa May announced a fundamental change to the Public Order Act.

Section 5 of the act allowed the police and courts to determine what is insulting. It will now be amended in what campaigners have called a victory for free speech, The Guardian reports.

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