An article appeared on Thursday suggesting that we make blasphemy illegal. It was written by a Muslim, Mohamed Saeed, but could easily have been written by the Thought Police.
He does raise some pertinent points, such as the Kate Middleton topless pics being banned in France, but not cartoons of the Prophet.
I say publish the pics of Kate and publish the cartoons as well. If a religion is not able to withstand a mere cartoon, then it is too scared to face up to scrutiny (which to me implies that it has something to hide).
In his article, Mohamed says
“Just like other religions, cultures and creeds, Islam also commands its followers to respect and treat fairly their neighbours, friends, family and fellow citizens, regardless of race or religious affiliation. We are all siblings in religion.”
I wonder if Christianity is treated with the respect in Saudia Arabia? Or Iran? Or Syria?
Muslims are free to practice their religion in the hated USA, England and France, but woe betide any Christian wanting to practice theirs in Islamia!
Bear this in mind when you read Mohamed’s next comment:
“Do we hear of Muslim caricaturing figureheads of other religions or producing films denigrating the life of a beloved personality outside of Islam?.”
No, but we do hear of other religions being persecuted in Islamia, they just haven’t made a movie about it yet. Perhaps after Iran follows through on its threat to obliterate Israel there will be a movie to show?
And talking of Muslim respect for ‘family’ lets touch on the treatment of women in Islamia. Or would you rather we didn’t go there? I am still reeling from reading about a 15 year old girl being lashed 100 times as sanctioned by the clerics in Afghanistan for the crime of being raped. I would hate to know what goes down in Saudia Arabia.
Before we ban blasphemy, I suggest Muslim nations first ban cruelty to women and other religions, then we can talk.
And if we were to ban blasphemy, there would have to be a few concessions.
Like the banning of church bells and the Muslim ‘Call to prayer’. Unfortunately it infringes on my right not to hear it, especially if I am hungover.
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
