I completely and utterly disagree. Both the notion of “supporting” and “terrorist” are so malleable and vague that legislation in this direction can be used to charge anyone for pretty much anything. As such, it has no place in a free and democratic society.

First, the label “terrorist”. It should be obvious that terrorism is in the eye of the beholder. Were the resistance movements in WWII terrorists? Depends on who you ask. If you ask me, no. If you ask the nazis, obviously yes. Were the ANC freedom fighters defending themselves against the oppressive system of apartheid, or terrorists disrupting order? How about the folks at euromaidan? How about the elected government of Gazans that runs hospitals and food banks there (as governments do)? Terrorists, apparently.

Then, there’s “support”. It conjures this image of shady people supplying scary men with crates of AK47s, or sending millions to swiss bank accounts which are then used to buy and develop dirty bombs. And then sure, that sounds like something that should be illegal. But what about treating a wounded “terrorist” in a hospital? Is that support? What about saying you agree with “terrorists”? (For example, I support the Warsaw uprising, I think they did the right thing) According to the UK, that counts! Saying you believe that Palestine action is doing the right thing is an act that is punishable by law there.

The idea that “supporting” “terrorists” should be illegal is an absolutely indefensible position in a free society.