The Australian debate over 18 C and the clash between basic values such as freedom of expression and the need to protect minorities from public vilification is not as black and white as either side would like you to think especially in a world where racist antisemitic politicians such George Galloway will threaten at the drop of a hat to sue you for pointing out that he is a racist antisemite. Or where full time antisemitic clergymen such as Stephen Sizer who harbour a medieval abhorrence to Jewish sovereignty anywhere but especially in Israel will call the police if someone suggests that his form of theological antisemitism is nothing more than Dark Ages bigotry deeply embedded in the extremist religious mind be it Christian or Muslim.
Nor is it anything new.
But the legal right to not be offended? No deal. That's where I part company. A day doesn't go past when I'm not deeply offended. Often several times a day. I'd never be out of the courts.
Pat Condell on the subject and some references on what is going on in Britain where to burn a Koran is a crime that will lead to real jail time but to burn a Bible is nothing more than the lawful public expression of a point of view.
Britain: Islamists create climate of fear to curb free speech
Katy Perry video scrubbed after Muslim petition
Muslim groups seek to censor satire at the Daily Mail
University Islamic Society tries to stop talk because speaker didn't condemn Maajid Nawaz
Anything for the Muslim vote. MP condemns Maajid Nawaz for posting cartoon
Ex-soldier jailed for burning Koran
Convicted as a criminal for tearing a book
Nigerian Islamists kill 59 children in attack on school. No petitions, no Muslim outrage
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