Hypothesis: Free speech is endangered by blasphemy laws both in US and EU.

Free speech

T. Jefferson: "Freedom of speech cannot be limited without being lost“.

Lèse-majesté: Offence against the dignity of a monarch or a state is extended to (religious) groups.

• [Mil] 's Harm principle: "If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.“

• Harm is a restriction to this.• Offence is never harm.

• [Fei84] 's Offence Principle: “Offence is measured through the ease with which it can be avoided, the motives of the speaker, the number of people offended, the intensity of the offense and the interest of the community.”

Danish cartoons 2006

South Park case

South Park case

You can not show Mohammed, because this will lead to violence.

No! You can not decide what can be subject to criticism and what can’t.

Harm principle Offence principle

xx

• According to the Harm principle media can depict Mohammed since no direct harm is caused. According to the Offence principle, the ‘ease of avoiding’ the offence is simply not buying Danish newspapers.

• EU– “It has been insensitive. It has been disrespectful and it has

been wrong."

Reactions of US, EU and OIC

• Request by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar):– Implementation of UN Resolution 16/18 which

prohibits the defamation of all prophets and faiths.– The European media has to adopt this code of ethics.

• US- "We all fully recognize and respect freedom of

the press and expression but it must be coupled with press responsibility.“

Who is the OIC?

„Crime“ Punishment Year

Qatar 2012

Saudi Arabia Driving a car (woman) 2011

Iran Being gay 2009

Twitter: “All Arab governments are indiscriminate thieves".

Five year prison

10 laches with a whip

• Request by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar):– UN Resolution which should prohibit defamation of all prophets and faiths.– The European media has to adopt this code of ethics.

Offence Reaction Year Category„Piss christ“ Petitions, angry letters, prayers 1987

„Paradise Faith“:Crucifix masturbation

2012

Mohammed cartoons Both peaceful and violent protests

2006

Difference in values

Discussion: • What effects will the blasphemy laws of the OIC have on Europe and the US?• How would you apply the Harm and Offence Principle to the Danish cartoon

case?

Sources