Letter: Blasphemy and the democratic right of dissent
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The suggestion by the Commission for Racial Equality that the blasphemy law should be extended to all religions or abolished is an act of intellectual and ethical irresponsibility, because it implies that it is a matter of indifference which alternative is brought about. But it is clear that there is a vast difference in the social and political consequences of the two alternatives.
The extension of the law would be an act of unparalleled tyranny in a supposedly free, modern society, threatening an illiberal censorship that could potentially affect not only literature and journalism, but also serious philosophical and sociological discussions of religion. The blasphemy law should be abolished; it is an anachronistic impediment on the road to a tolerant and democratic society.
Yours faithfully,
ANDREW BELSEY
Lecturer in Philosophy
University of Wales
College of Cardiff
8 September
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments