Blasphemy Laws Belong In The Dark Ages
Evolutionary psychology professor Gad Saad blogs at PsychologyToday:
One of the defining features of a free, liberal, and secular society is the fact that individuals have the unalienable right to criticize every imaginable scientific theory, belief system, political ideology, religious narrative, political figure, etc. without fear of persecution (or prosecution).No one has the birthright to be protected from being offended. Rational discourse and the scientific method are the means by which enlightened societies resolve their debates. This has been one of the foundational tenets of liberal democracies, and it is uniquely enshrined in the First Amendment to the US Constitution.
In the recent past, a disturbing global trend has begun to materialize. For example Ireland has instituted a new blasphemy law. I wonder if under such a law, it might be illegal to criticize or mock the Catholic Church for the numerous sex scandals that its priests have been involved in.
The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC; recently renamed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation), which consists of 57 member states, is trying to supersede the existing UN Declaration of Human Rights by arguing that any criticism of religion (they really mean of Islam) in any country that is a signatory of their proposed charter would constitute a punishable offense.
Hence, if the United States were to sign the charter, and if an American journalist were to write an article (in an American outlet) criticizing some aspect of Islam deemed religiously insulting, he/she would be liable under this universal law.
Incidentally, Hillary Clinton is hosting several dignitaries from the OIC (December 12-14) to discuss ways by which "religious defamation" might be curtailed (see here). None other than Barack Obama appears quite sympathetic to the OIC's stated agenda.
It is difficult to imagine how such a reality would fit within the notion of freedom of speech and freedom of conscience. If the First Amendment cannot guarantee one's right to criticize any and all religions in the most forceful of manner, the United States is no longer a free country.
Related: Trailer to the documentary Silent Conquest about the squelching of free speech imposed by Islam.
Related: Tim Worstall writes at Forbes:
The protest being about the presence of that film clip, The Innocence Of Muslims, on YouTube. The demonstration is really an example of the way in which some people just haven't quite grasped the concept of free speech.Organiser Masoud Alam said: "Our next protest will be at the offices of Google and YouTube across the world. We are looking to ban this film. "This is not freedom of expression, there is a limit for that. This insult of the Prophet will not be allowed."I'm afraid that Mr. Alam has not quite managed to grasp this essential concept of a free society.
Of course it had to wait till after the election, so the consensus media could pile on the religious Republican candidate.
Still, any blasphemy laws even weak ones, will be used very likely politically. I highly doubt people will go to bat for Christian groups, it will likely be for those that must be protected.
The best course, is to not have these silly laws. And anytime someone wants to enact these laws, tell them to grow the fuck up and join the real world. What happen to the world of grown ups? Are all people children who must be protected and feelings from being hurt. This kind of law is the stick and stones variety.
Evil thought, Can we bring a lawsuit against people who say Santa Clause does not exist. Think of the Children!
John Paulson at December 25, 2012 3:49 AM
I sure as hell hope there is no Santa Clause. It would suck to have to work that hard one day a year. And the naughty or nice list is probably a bitch to maintain. BTW, for the evil thought, I'm putting John on the naughty list. :-p
The next step after blasphemy laws is compulsory religious observance. It is a very dark picture.
Jim P. at December 25, 2012 6:28 AM
"None other than Barack Obama appears quite sympathetic to the OIC's stated agenda."
Mr. Alam is not the problem. It seems that a majority of the US has not quite managed to grasp the concept of a free society.
Andrew Garland at December 25, 2012 7:20 AM
I think Andrew is correct. Mr. Alam fully understands that free speech undermines Sharia. So, it has to be attacked.
Sadly, this is the inevitable evolution of the "multiculturalism," "diversity" and "tolerance." Which translated, means that we no longer consider basic western values, such as freedom and property rights as morally superior to other ideologies. Unfortunately, our enemies, such as Mr. Alam do consider their ideology morally superior.
Unfortunately, Pres Obama, who is profoundly ignorant about the constitution fails to see his duty to protect our nation from this sort of muddled headed moral relativism.
Bill O Rights at December 25, 2012 7:58 AM
"I'm afraid that Mr. Alam has not quite managed to grasp this essential concept of a free society"
Mr. Alam has perfectly grasped this concept. That's why he wants to replace free societies with Islamic societies. I don't know what Obama's excuse is.
This has nothing to do with Muslims being offended, and everything to do with Muslims wanting us all to surrender to Islam. Recall that Khomeini did not just aim his fatwa at Rushdie, but at all editors, publishers, translators, and booksellers anywhere in the world who had anything to do with the Satanic Verses (the Japanese translator was murdered, the Italian translator & Norwegian publisher were severely injured). He didn't just want everyone in the world to stop offending Muslims, he wanted everyone in the world to bow down to Muslims in fear & trembling. That's the concept too many people & politicians have failed to grasp 33 years later.
Martin at December 25, 2012 10:08 AM
...23 years later (pardon me).
Martin at December 25, 2012 10:11 AM
The Religion of Peace needs to get behind the Church of Global Warming. Dr. Heidi Cullen would like to strip people of their accreditations if they don't say the right things on global warming.
You can read more abut the tempest here: http://wx-man.com/blog/?p=500
I R A Darth Aggie at December 26, 2012 7:53 AM
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