Brits Ban 'Burn a Koran' Preacher

Terry Jones' presence 'not conducive to UK public good'
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 20, 2011 3:22 AM CST
'Burn a Koran' Preacher Terry Jones Banned from UK
Jones said he had not been planning to break any laws while in Britain.    (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Controversial Florida preacher Terry Jones is persona non grata in the United Kingdom. British authorities say Jones—who made headlines around the world last year with his plan for International Burn a Koran Day—has been banned from entering the country because the government "opposes extremism in all its forms," the BBC reports.

The preacher had been invited to address a rally organized by right-wing group England Is Ours, and to attend protests against mosque construction. "Numerous comments made by Pastor Jones are evidence of his unacceptable behavior," said a government spokesman. "Coming to the UK is a privilege not a right, and we are not willing to allow entry to those whose presence is not conducive to the public good."
(More International Burn a Koran Day stories.)

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