Category - free speech

Woman prosecutes art centre over 'lewd' Jesus statue

staff writers — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:51:09 +0100

A Christian is taking an art centre to court over an exhibition which included a statue of Jesus she believes was lewd and offensive. Civil rights activists say this is an attempt to reinstate blasphemy laws by the back door.

Civil rights activists criticise UN religious defamation resolution

staff writers — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:53:23 +0100

Civil rights organisations and national leaders are expressing alarm at a United Nations General Assembly resolution that demands respect for religion but which critics say has been used to justify suppression of religious minorities.

Outrage at free speech clamp on Pope's Australia visit

staff writers — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:33:53 +0100

Civil libertarians are infuriated at special regulations coming into force for the upcoming Catholic World Youth Day event in Sydney, Australia, where Pope Benedict XVI will be the guest of honour.

Tibet freedom protesters interrupt Olympic torch ceremony

staff writers — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:00:15 +0000

Pro-Tibet freedom protesters from media rights group Reporters Without Borders broke through the cordon of 1,000 police officers in Olympia, Greece, as China's envoy spoke and the Olympic torch was lit prior to the Beijing games.

Hate speech and free speech

Simon Barrow — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:56:07 +0100

Jack Straw has decided to introduce legislation which will prohibit the incitement of homophobic hatred. It is well-intentioned, but will this legislation work? Is it necessary?

Defending Jesus in ways that undermine the Gospel

Johan Maurer — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 23:46:07 +0100

Jesus forgave those who spoke against him, says Johan Maurer. But the churches find it difficult to follow in his footsteps, and instead seek restitution when they are offended. We need a more Christian way of responding.

Historic joint Christian-Muslim declaration on freedom to convert

staff writers — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 07:00:35 +0100

The signing of a declaration between a group representing Muslims and a leading Christian body in Norway, which supports the mutual right to convert between faiths without harassment, is the first pact of its type in the world, the two bodies have announced.

Rethinking hate speech, blasphemy and free expression

Simon Barrow — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 16:52:16 +0100

A short paper about the issues raised by the Government's Racial and Religious Hatred Bill, looking at blasphemy and the place of religion in public life.

Simon Barrow