author : Farah Mendlesohn

The UK's Terrorism Act 2006 states (among other things):

The Terrorism Act specifically aims to make it more difficult for extremists to abuse the freedoms we cherish, in order encourage others to commit terrorist acts.      The Act creates a number of new offences. Once it is brought into force, it will be a criminal offence to commit: creates a number of new offences. Once it is brought into force, it will be a criminal offence to commit: ... Encouragement to Terrorism This makes it a criminal offence to directly or indirectly incite or encourage others to commit acts of terrorism. This will include the glorification of terrorism, where this may be understood as encouraging the emulation of terrorism. ... For the purposes of this section, the statements that are likely to be understood by members of the public as indirectly encouraging the commission or preparation of acts of terrorism or Convention offences include every statement which (a) glorifies the commission or preparation (whether in the past, in the future or generally) of such acts or offences ... ... It is irrelevant ... whether any person is in fact encouraged or induced by the statement to commit, prepare or instigate any such act or offence.

This collection of science fiction short stories was specially commissioned for the purpose of protesting the Act, for demonstrating how ludicrous and useless such a law is, and of exercising one of those very "freedoms we cherish".

Given the genesis, it's not surprising that the stories range in quality, in science fictional content, and in outrage. Some I frankly don't get the point, some are quite unpleasant, and some are extremely good. No mention of Robin Hood, though -- maybe that's too easy a target?

The final story, Charlie Stross' contribution, encapsulates the whole point and context to tremendous effect: it should be required reading for everyone who voted for Act, and for everyone who prates "if you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear". It is every good citizen's civic duty to buy this book.

• Panel discussion at Contemplation 2007

Contents (possible spoilers)

• Andrew McKie. Introduction

• Jo Walton. The Comrades Decide to Continue Their Struggle

• Ian Watson. Hijack Holiday. 2001

• Vylar Kaftan. Civilization

• Kira Franz. The Lion Waiting

• Davin Ireland. Engaging the Idrl

• Ken MacLeod. MS Found on a Hard Drive

• James A. Trimarco. The Sundial Brigade

• Elizabeth Sourbut. 'How I took care of my pals.'

• Gwyneth Jones. 2020: I AM AN ANARCHIST

• Kari Sperring. Strong Brown God

• Lucy Kemnizter. John Brown's Body (an alternate history)

• Katherine Sparrow. Be the Bomb you Throw

• Marie Brennan. Execution Morning

• Adam Roberts. Here Comes the Flood

• Kathryn Allen. Count Me In.

• Hal Duncan. The Last Straw

• Rachel Swirsky. The Debt of the Innocent

• Lavie Tidhar. Bophuthatswana

• Van Aaron Hughes. Winning Friends

• Chaz Brenchley. Freecell

• H. H. Loyche. The Rural Kitchen

• Ian Whates. The Laughter of Ghosts

• Suzette Haden Elgin. What We Can See now, Looking in the Glass

• Una McCormack. Torch Song

• Charles Stross. Minutes of the Labour Party Conference, 2016