Blackadder champions freedom of speech in Europe.

Posted by | February 09, 2005 | religion | No Comments

An eloquent argument for US style free speech over European style regulation from Blackadder comedian, Rowan Atkinson.

Current laws prevent ‘Incitement of Racial Hatred’ it is proposed that they be extended to prevent ‘Incitement of Racial or Religious Hatred’

Rowan Atkinson says:

“race and religion are fundamentally different concepts, requiring completely different treatment under the law. To criticise people for their race is manifestly irrational but to criticise their religion, that is a right. That is a freedom. The freedom to criticise ideas – any ideas”

Atheism Central for Secondary Schools – Rowan Atkinson speaks to the House of Lords on proposed Incitement of Religious hatred legislation:

“I question the inarguable nature of the phrase “religious hatred”, afforded by the use of the highly emotive word “hatred”. So I thought I would modify the name of the proposed measure, by changing the terminology but retaining the meaning and use the dictionary definition of the word hatred, which is: intense dislike.

Incitment of Religious Intense Dislike. Isn