Democracy cannot exist without the right to free speech.
Free speech should be robustly defended as a fundamental freedom.
The National Secular Society has defended free speech from religious threats since our founding. We played an instrumental role in abolishing "blasphemy" laws in Britain, but serious concerns remain. Blasphemy laws still exist in Northern Ireland. And throughout the UK, religious fundamentalists seek to impose their blasphemy taboos on others through violence and intimidation.
There are also increasing attempts to categorise offending religious sensibilities as 'hate speech', making criticism, mockery or perceived 'insult' of religion a criminal act akin to racial hatred or inciting violence – in other words, a 'blasphemy law by the back door'.
Without free speech no search for truth is possible; without free speech no discovery of truth is useful; without free speech progress is checked… Better a thousand fold abuse of free speech than denial of free speech.
We are further concerned by a developing 'culture of offence' in which any speech or action deemed likely to offend religious sensibilities is considered taboo. Enforced by a toxic mix of terrorism and religious deference, this is chilling free speech through self-censorship.
We also campaign against blasphemy laws around the world, where they continue to be used to target religious and political minorities. These are sometimes described by UK politicians as 'misuse' of blasphemy laws, but we contend there are never any legitimate uses for blasphemy laws.
Being offended from time to time is the price we all pay for living in a free society. Rather than trying to silence those we disagree with, we believe the answer to speech we don't like is more speech – better speech.
We therefore campaign to protect and preserve freedom of expression, including offensive, critical and shocking speech.
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Latest updates
Human Rights First report says blasphemy law threatens Tunisia’s fledgling democracy
Posted: Thu, 9 May 2013 10:26
The American organisation Human Rights First has issued a new report (pdf) that details steps the United States and Tunisian governments should take to protect freedom of expression to support Tunisia's peaceful transition to democracy.
The organisation notes that the example of Tunisia, the birthplace of the Arab Spring, will set an important precedent for democratic transitions throughout the Arab World. Progress towards securing basic rights and freedoms through a peaceful democratic process in Tunisia will signal that such progress is achievable in a majority Muslim, Arab country.
"Whether and how blasphemy and other speech deemed offensive to religion or religious symbols is regulated in Tunisian law is a contentious issue in the transition process," noted Human Rights First's Neil Hicks. "Rights and freedoms would be threatened by any broadening or strengthening of laws criminalizing allegedly blasphemous or offensive speech, and several such proposals have been made since the revolution that ousted former President Ben Ali."
Violence inspired by blasphemy allegations is a highly destabilizing global problem.
Human Rights First notes that blasphemy laws empower elements of society to restrict debate and dissent on religion, provide a pretext for governments to silence their opponents, and fuel violence by empowering extremists.
Tunisia suffered from such violence in September 2012, when two people were killed and 29 others wounded outside the U.S. Embassy during a protest against the video, The Innocence of Muslims.
Human Rights First's report calls attention to several disturbing incidents of blasphemy related violence, most notably the attack on the American Embassy and the destruction of the American School on 14 September 2012, which led to the evacuation of all non-essential staff from the embassy.
Political violence is seen as the biggest threat to Tunisia's transition by many of the civil society activists and political leaders with whom Human Rights First met in Tunisia. These shocking events inflicted great damage on Tunisia's transition and should serve as a reminder of the unique potential of allegations of blasphemy to trigger conflict and instability.
Human Rights First notes that in recent months, the Tunisian National Constituent Assembly has made the welcome decision to remove from the draft constitution proposals that would have criminalized "attacks on that which is sacred."
Despite this positive development, risks remain that existing laws or newly introduced legislation could be used to increase the use of accusations of blasphemy to stifle peaceful dissent and to polarise Tunisia society along a secular versus religious axis. The report urges the Tunisian government to take steps to strengthen legal protections for freedom of expression and to hold accountable those who engage in violence to protest alleged insults against religion.
The report also accuses the U.S. government of a lack of urgency in its support for the promising and important political developments underway in Tunisia. It calls on the U.S. government to renew and reinvigorate its commitment to promoting peaceful democratic transition in Tunisia, and to stress the need for the Tunisian authorities to implement strong safeguards for freedom of expression to improve prospects for the transition to succeed. Human Rights First recommends that the United States government:
See also: When it's on the receiving end, the Catholic Church is suddenly against blasphemy laws
Ninety-nine people convicted of blasphemy in Malta last year
Posted: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:58
A report on human rights around the world from the US Department of State showed that 99 individuals were convicted in Malta last year for "public blasphemy". This was down from 119 the year before.
Maltese law prohibits vilification of or giving offence to the Roman Catholic Church, which is also Malta's official religion. In Malta, it is a criminal offence to utter publicly any obscene or indecent words, make obscene acts or gestures or in any other way offend public morality, propriety or decency.
However, the report was generally positive about the freedom of the press in Malta, saying that the media can express a wide variety of views without restriction.
"The constitution and law provide for freedom of speech and of the press, and the government generally respected these rights. An independent press and a functioning democratic political system combined to ensure freedom of speech and of the press," the report said.
It also pointed out that international media could operate freely and there was no indication of reprisals against individuals for either public or private criticism of the government.
However, the existence of a blasphemy law that is so heavily enforced tells a different story about the rights of individuals to say what is on their mind – particularly if it is about the Catholic Church.
See also: A review of Malta's concordat with the Church is urgent, says MP.
