Descrizione
Scotland seeks to replace the blasphemy law with a new offence of “stirring up religious hatred“.
However, unlike the parallel English “incitement to religious hatred” offence, the legislation contains no broad provision designed to protect passionate dissent and comedy. As a result of a campaign 15 years ago, headed by Rowan Atkinson, English law permits “antipathy, dislike, ridicule or abuse”.
Scottish politicians from all parties have raised concerns about the scope of the legislation.
Should the law really be criminalising antipathy to religion or particular religious practices? How narrow is the line between anodyne criticism and prohibited dislike? In particular, how will this law impact those who have converted from one religion, or one sect of a religion, to another? How will it affect individuals whose experience within particular religious communities has been so negative that they feel hatred of those who have imposed misery on them?
Our panel consists of Fraser Sutherland, Chief Executive of Humanist Society Scotland, Emma Webb, of Civitas and Free to Disagree, Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, and Simon Calvert, The Christian Institute's Deputy Director for Public Affairs.
Chaired by David Toube: Director of Policy, Quilliam
This webinar was held on 21 September 2020