Make blasphemy universally illegal

[beso]

The President of Indonesia is at the United Nations General Assembly and has proposed an international law to make blasphemy illegal.

No particular question but I am sure some of you would like to comment.

[lcg]

oh god....***! i'll be stuffed x

[woofgang]

who si going to define what is blasphemy?

[beso]

I love the way the promoters portray this a religious tolerance when in fact it is blatant religious intolerance of those who chose not to be guided by dogma.

Freedom of religion is supposedly a universal human right but many religious refuse to afford the same rights to those who chose to dismiss religion and its ridiculous anachronistic precepts.

[woofgang]

I think in both directions, there is such a thing as good manners. As I have often said on here, I thin a crime of demonstrating bad manners would cover a whole lot of undesirable behaviour.

[beso]

woofgang //who si going to define what is blasphemy?//

It can only be blasphemy if it is of the One True God. So each jurisdiction would prosecute according to whose deity or prophet has been insulted.

Essentially atheists would be considered dirt by everyone of faith but so long as the faithful didn't criticise the one true God then everyone will get along just dandy (except those despicable atheists of course).

[douglas9401]

The president of Indonesia seems to be somewhat underworked if this has bubbled to the top of the agenda.

[DTCwordfan]

How can there be blasphemy when God or Gods do not exist?

[modeller]

I'll not hear a word against my gods and especially Odin and Valhalla.
If I've got to spend eternity anywhere its Valhalla every time.

[tiggerblue10]

Just wait till Zeus strikes you with his thunderbolt DTC.

[Old_Geezer]

If this is so then he appears to have it all 'arse backwards'.

Obviously there should be no special cases and it is a sad thought but maybe a proportion of the people on the planet that are 'hard of thinking' is so large that we need a law to define anything previously considered blasphemy as being legal and no more of an issue than being a little rude at worst, so they need not have to work that out for themselves.

[Hymie]

Surely to Jews, the Christian belief that Jesus is the Son of God is blasphemous (and vice versa).

[Clanad]

..."Freedom of religion is supposedly a universal human right..." is not a relevant or factully true statement.
Most countries, especially (as demonstrated) in the middle east will not tolerate any "blasphemy"... usually on the pain of death... and it's not just blasphemy directed at Allah but includes any deregatory remarks concerning Muhhammed. This has been clearly demonstrated within the last few weeks, while, here in the U.S. a piece of "art" titled "Pizz Christ" is making the rounds again at selected museums and other venues. (A statue of the Christ standing in a jar of urine). So... it seems only Muslims an be the subjects of "blasphemy".

Atheists (and all other religions) here in the U.S. are protected by the Constitution...but only in so far as intrusion from the Government... not as being recipients of remarks of others.. fairly unique todays world in my opinion and highly endangered of becoming degraded by the rush towards "political correctness" as far as Muslims go...

[WaldoMcFroog]

Dear me, how unpleasant to witness such naked fatwah envy, Clanad.

To address the original issue, this is an extremely dangerous challenge to free speech and should be opposed by anyone that values that right.

[jomifl]

Perhaps the concept of blasphemy should be made illegal, it would make the world a much better place.

[modeller]

hymie #Surely to Jews, the Christian belief that Jesus is the Son of God is blasphemous (and vice versa).

There is even more than that . You have to remember Jesus is the prophet reverred by 3 religions Christians , Jews and Muslims. It is only the Christains who believe in the stories of the Nativity , the Cruscifixion , the Resurrection and as you say, him being the son of God.

[naomi24]

//him [Jesus] being the son of God. //

Hang on a minute! According to some Jesus IS God!

From a religious perspective that alone surely demonstrates just how unworkable such a law must be.

That aside, the right to freedom of speech and thought is paramount. This proposal must be dismissed in its entirety.

[chakka35]

Why does anyone imagine that the eccentric views of the President of Indonesia are of any importance, or that the UN has the power to pass such a universal law? Relax, folks.

[Nibble]

I'll wait for instruction from FCoA, Ab Editor, or failing that Isis/Toth, or who ever is answering the phone today.

[WaldoMcFroog]

Chakka, this is not the first time there have been attempts to get such laws passed. Since the Islamic countries will tend to support such a measure, there is a real danger that such a law might get passed.