Man convicted over Shia flogging

I sat wide mouthed as I read this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7584446.stm

A "local Muslim leader" is quoted as saying, ""We have to take into account people's beliefs and their rights, and we will respect them."

Errrrr. NO!!!! What about the rights of the children not to be brainwashed, whipped and beaten. I cannot believe the arrogance of some people. The way they use this thing called "religion" to justify such actions astounds me again and again.