Blasphemy and defamation of religion laws. Implications for media and librarians

Abstract

The attack on the weekly Charlie Hebdo  by Muslim fanatics is discussed. The author argues that freedom of expression includes the criticism of religious ideas, based on Articles 18 and 19 of the UN´s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The types of problematic incidents that occur in connection with religious beliefs, such as blasphemy, defamation and hate speech are reviewed. The relativity of the blasphemy concept, which varies across countries and eras -after science had dismantled unfounded beliefs- is discussed. Several laws are analyzed and court proceedings and penalties imposed in religious cases in several countries are presented. The repeal of blasphemy laws is advocated because they restrict freedom of expression and belief. Legal systems that recognize blasphemy as a crime are a threat to libraries and other institutions of information if they provide access to allegedly blasphemous content.