9/1/12

Chloe Breyer in the Times on how Blasphemy Laws Deny Human Rights

What is the opposite of freedom of speech? Blasphemy law.

In the NYTimes.com Chloe Breyer discusses the negative impact of those laws.

She says, "...Beyond bad doctrine, blasphemy codes can be legally dangerous. A 2012 report by Human Rights First — “Blasphemy Laws Exposed: The Consequences of Criminalizing ‘Defamation of Religions”’ [pdf] — outlines several types of problems with the application of blasphemy laws worldwide. In addition to stifling dissent and discussion in the public sphere, such laws can actually spark assaults, murders and mob outbreaks..."


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