The moderating team have received a number of complaints regarding a YouTube video posted in this forum. This has since been reviewed and whilst the contents of the video may not be racist under strict interpretation of English law, the tone of the video is very close to being so and the overall context is one where the video's narrator wishes to create a degree of fear aimed against a religious group.
This is primarily a rugby board and where possible we want posters to arrive, share some banter and enjoy their experience here. We are not in the business of allowing material which could inflame opinion against certain groups to be shared. If the material had been obviously breaking the law then the poster in question would now be banned and no further discussion needed; this video stops just short of that legal threshold, but it is equally disconcerting.
We appreciate that it will be difficult to provide precise policy on what is acceptable in context and what is not. The moderators are not seeking to limit free speech or vet posts in any way, unless we feel that there is an undercurrent to the post, and material contained within, which is objectionable. By rule of thumb, if a video or post leaves moderators with a sense that the poster is attempting to undermine a particular group, or sow fear, then we will act. We will let the poster concerned know that they have stepped over our line of acceptability and ask that they moderate their own behaviour in future.
Thank you for your understanding as we attempt to ensure that this board keeps to the spirit of the law, as well as the strict interpretation. We want this to be a place where anyone feels welcome, regardless of background.
Sandydragon