An interesting article.
It's done a survey of how nations have treated blasphemy in the past year, with a methodology set out and aimed to be neutral.
The results in sum, re actions taken against perceived blasphemy:
In the non-Islam based cases of blasphemy charges, actions taken were either denunciations or a fine.
In the Islamic cases, the actions included: arrest, firebombing, attempts to down an airplane, beheading, indictment of priests, enactment of laws to make blasphemy punishable by death. And of course, one should include the Taliban shooting of the young Malala.
The point is rather made by that litany of insane actions against perceived criticism of one's prophet.
And yet, there are those -- exclusively of the Left -- who call for suppression of free speech to "yield to other values" and "international norms" about "hate speech".
Shame on them. The US, and others in the west, must resist the attempt to criminalize "blasphemy". The last time someone was executed for the "crime" in the UK, was in 1697. And if it were on behalf of Christianity that call for introduction of anti-blasphemy laws were invoked, it would be laughed out of court. Only because it's Islam, the "Religion of Peace", with all its bullying threats and deadly actions, is it promoted and, sadly, considered by governments in the west.
It's done a survey of how nations have treated blasphemy in the past year, with a methodology set out and aimed to be neutral.
The results in sum, re actions taken against perceived blasphemy:
- Islam: 42 cases
- Christianity: 5 cases
- Other: 1 case
In the non-Islam based cases of blasphemy charges, actions taken were either denunciations or a fine.
In the Islamic cases, the actions included: arrest, firebombing, attempts to down an airplane, beheading, indictment of priests, enactment of laws to make blasphemy punishable by death. And of course, one should include the Taliban shooting of the young Malala.
The point is rather made by that litany of insane actions against perceived criticism of one's prophet.
And yet, there are those -- exclusively of the Left -- who call for suppression of free speech to "yield to other values" and "international norms" about "hate speech".
Shame on them. The US, and others in the west, must resist the attempt to criminalize "blasphemy". The last time someone was executed for the "crime" in the UK, was in 1697. And if it were on behalf of Christianity that call for introduction of anti-blasphemy laws were invoked, it would be laughed out of court. Only because it's Islam, the "Religion of Peace", with all its bullying threats and deadly actions, is it promoted and, sadly, considered by governments in the west.
