No faith wants a blasphemy law – except Muslims
by Dr Campbell Campbell-Jack, The Conservative Woman:
IN the West, although the culture and traditions we value are largely the result of the influence throughout society of centuries of Christian teaching, Christianity has no special protection in law.
Blasphemy laws are a relic of a bygone era. The last successful prosecution in Scotland was in 1843. The last person imprisoned in England for blasphemy was in 1922, and there have been no prosecutions for blasphemy in Northern Ireland.
We live in a largely godless society in which few take offence at blasphemous speech which traduces Christ, or portrays God as a figure of fun or of derision. Even under the old blasphemy laws, there was provision for bona fide opposition to Christianity.
Today’s UK is a remarkably tolerant society. By and large, we rub along together pretty well and tolerate each other’s beliefs or lack of them. As in the rest of the West, UK publishers do not self-censor in fear of arousing a Christian mob who might invade their editorial offices armed to the teeth. Comedians do not pore over their material to self-censor in case they make a career-ending joke about Jesus.
Unfortunately we are well aware of the self-censorship surrounding Islam, especially in the media. The BBC has a long record of self-censorship regarding Islam, a stance in which it is joined by other broadcasters such as Channel 4. Is it likely Channel 4 would screen a Father Ted type of comedy featuring three imams instead of three Irish Roman Catholic priests?
There are increasing moves from within Islam to impose Sharia-compliant regulations on Western nations. Not satisfied with having triggered widespread self-censorship, now there are Islamic efforts to bring in actual blasphemy laws.
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