[user104658]

I'll just copy and paste most of this from the other thread ;

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You can love this country and believe it shouldn't have a monarchy. No, more than that, you can believe that the monarchy should be dismantled BECAUSE you love this country. He's not refusing to sing the song because it's the national anthem, he's refusing to sing it for the same reason that I wouldn't sing it: because he doesn't want to sing a song of worship for a bunch of elitist, murderous villains.

It's a political catch 22... A monarchy monopoly. Essentially it's saying that you can't be properly engaged in UK politics if you refuse to acknowledge the monarchy as a valid political system. And so if you believe there shouldn't be one? Tough. Because then you're not a proper politician and so will never be in a position to try to change it. No. It's 2015 and major political factions should be able to (and just SHOULD, in my opinion) openly reject the monarchy.

I mean just look at the national anthem if you want to know why I will never sing it. It's about precisely three things. Elitism, War-mongering, and a fictional man in the sky. Not for me, thanks, not any of it. I get that some people love the cuddly old Queen, are "proud" of our country's history as bloodthirsty conquerors, and believe in said men in the sky... And that's fine... But kindly don't force your prayers upon others with the caveat that they're "treasonous" or "anti-patriotic" if they won't comply.

If all statesmen must fall in line with protocol - legitimising the monarchy - then how does one make a (meaningful) political stand against that monarchy?

I for one have had enough of cardboard cut-out politicians playing along with these outdated charades.

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Tadaaaa