Blasphemy

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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.

Agreed MOnica
That's a far less contentious wording.

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!^

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

MOnica

As an athiest, I sort of agree but what non-contemptuous words should be used instead, if one doesn't believe in any god.

Corrupt governments pass corrupt and wicked laws. It is right to break laws that are against human dignity.

And actually it’s not a given that citizens should have to abide by their own coutries’ laws - hiding Jews for example was against the law in many countries - but I would argue that those who did were right ( and very brave) so to do. The world of morals, ethics, laws, duties, rights etc is very complex ad nuanced.

Well of course countries are allowed their own laws and we’re free to criticise them ( unlike some of the poor citizens in the countries themselves)

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.

Sulis my belief is that if there is a god who is worthy of worship, she (it/he/them) would not approve of ANY of the main religions. (Maybe Quakers and a tiny obscure handful of exceptions??)

Let's be sensible here. First of all the dear lord has been dead for about 2K years, so I dont suppose he is bothered one way or another. As for god, do we still believe in fairy stories, santa clause et al? Anyway, she is too busy elsewhere! ?

I agree Speldnan just as atheists are self righteous and narrow minded .

Anniebach so can religious people and add to that self righteous and narrow minded.

No no and thrice no! Freedom of speech in this country is vital as is freedom of religion or non religion. Surely if someone believes in their god no amount of ‘blaspheming’ should affect them. Radicalism is built on curtailing the rights of a population to think or say what they like.