In the countries where free speech actually matters, the law of blasphemy is being consigned to the history books. With religious beliefs now being offered no special protection, they have to compete for our attention - and affiliation - in the forum of ideas. However, in countries where Islam predominates, the blasphemy laws are being strengthened, to the point where belief in any religion other than Islam may be considered blasphemous. The likely result? Mob rule, sectarian violence and summary executions.
President Macron has nailed his colours to the mast, speaking about “the freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and the refusal of any call to hatred”. France won’t be giving in to Islamic extremists whose interest in freedom only extends to fellow Muslims, and I hope other European heads of state will follow his example.
The war memorial in Hull, with an obliging seagull completing the picture...
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