Blasphemy

Gabriella, if I may ask? Why do you need a name for something you don’t believe exists?

Anniebach
You are one of the last people I would expect to hear utter that kind of blanket 'judgement' re athiests.
I'm an athiest and you certainly don't know me. Everyone who attends church and holds themselves up to be 'good' christians (or followers of any acceptable religion) is not necessarily all that they appear.
I think it's better not to tar everyone with the same brush.

Countries should be allowed their own laws. Obviously, we don’t agree with a lot of their laws, some do seem very harsh, but that’s for them to decide and for their people to abide by.

Rubbish

Just because something is happening to another human on the other side of a line on a map to me does not mean that its not my business to care.

And as another poster said, those who have to live under unjust laws are not always free to question them!

This thread absolutely shows the divide between believers and non-believers. IMO, it's more like the thingvellir rift than a simple divide.
Religion, politics and sex, three subjects around which it's as well to steer clear.

Anniebach
MOnica 'objected' to another poster who used the words 'sky fairy'.
I simply wondered what other word(s) MOnica would have thought acceptable.
It's of no consequence as, to me, the whole concept of religion is man-made and risible.

GabriellaG I quote from knickas post with a suggested rewording
People are entitled to their own opinions, and punishing people who don't agree with your view on the existence of a God ^ is ludicrous! And so very wrong!^

Agreed MOnica
That's a far less contentious wording.

No there’s a special type of intolerance associated with extremism in both politics and religion. It’s not there in middle of the road political beliefs or in atheism.

Christian, Hindu, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, Pagan, Jedi Knight, Wicca, Humanist …… If people live their lives without harming others, doing their best to be good citizens and actively try to do some kindness to others or act in ways that benefit others and humankind in general I don't care what faith/life belief motivates them to do so.

Same for me ‘PECS’,

but I don’t understand why the Christian faith is mocked , never read one post which refers to Mohammad as ‘a sky fairy’ or ‘the tooth fairy’ , I realy don’t understand this

It is intolerance Anniebach, but I don't know the answer to your question.

As a lifelong atheist (yes, even as a child, I just didn't know how to define my lack of belief at that age) I consider all blasphemy laws to be an abomination. God did not create man in his image - man created God in his image as a shining example of human self-importance that believes we are more special than every other species on this planet and that, being so special, our life on this earth cannot possibly be the end of our existence. Religion has caused more wars and deaths over the time humanity has existed than all other reasons put together. I respect people's right to believe in whatever non-existant god or gods that they like - so long as they do not try to impose that belief on me and so long as the law of the land does not punish people who do not believe or, for that matter, those who do believe, for their sincerely held beliefs. Do I care if this post is offensive to some? No - I've found a number of posts on this thread offensive and I have the right to air my own view. Neither Islam, Judaism or Christianity is a so-called "religion of peace" - I find it difficult to believe that people still subcribe to beliefs that are 2000+ years old and whose "holy books" were written by MEN, not any so-called god - yes I emphasise men because it needs emphasising. There is little room in most religion for women in the 21st century. I cannot believe some countries are so backwards as to still have blasphemy laws, seriously you couldn't make it up!

Annie Sadly all groups are mocked , joked about and ridiculed by somebody somewhere! You will notice it particularly when it is about Christianity because it is your particular faith and by far the largest one in the UK.
I pick up when Humanists or Atheists are the butt of jokes.

but I don’t understand why the Christian faith is mocked , never read one post which refers to Mohammad as ‘a sky fairy’ or ‘the tooth fairy’ , I realy don’t understand this

Its an umbrella term
You cant expect people who dont believe in your diety(ies) to apply YOUR diety's name to all other faith systems

Sky fairy(ies) is inclusive

I still have to say that I don’t understand why religion should have a special status in law rather than just being a protected characteristic under the EA. Defacing a gay club with homophobic comments or a church with anti religious graffiti are equally wrong and should be dealt with similarly under relevant existing legislation - is the latter any worse than the former? Except of course that many evangelical Christians and Muslims believe they can be as homophobic as they wish but object if others are critical of their belefs.

Yes Mary agree with you

It looks pretty certain that Asia Bibi and family are safely in the Nethlands

I agree with maryeliza that the Equalities Act could replace the blasphemy laws.
I'm pleased we have the EA though its often criticised as being just PC nonsense of course.

So Notanan. you call Mohammad a Sky fairy,

I do not know why it is acceptable to mock anyone's belief, or the "deity" they believe in.

maryeliza54 I hope that is true. I thought that the best thing would be for her to be quietly removed from the country while people were rioting in the street. I can't see any reports but that is obviously a good thing if they can keep her whereabouts secret. I had heard that Canada had offered here asylum and others. It is a shame that the country they wanted to come to (UK) didn't respond as they presumably have connections here.

But why GG? What’s wrong with ‘mocking’ - whatever that means.I have deep seated beliefs centred round my feminism and they are regularly mocked. What’s special about religious beliefs? FWIW I wouldn’t talk about ‘sky fairies’ but I would criticise many of the tenets of many religions on the basis of their fundamental misogyny. That’s much more serious imo than just the belief in a deity - it’s what that belief leads to.

This is a civilised country unlike Pakistan, there one can be killed for being a Christian, here she would only be mocked .

A Muslim man was beaten to death in our country just for being what he was, a Muslim. There are frequent reports of Mosques and Synagogues being defaced. Less so Churches, though its open season on criticising organised Christianity.
Tolerance is in short supply.

True Iam, Jews have to have protection for their synagogues, schools and graveyards. Mosques to are attacked.