Good news from the High Court, where the science writer Simon Singh has won his court of appeal battle for the right to rely on the defence of fair comment in a libel action.
Dr Singh had been accused of libel by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) over an op-ed piece he wrote in the Guardian in April 2008.
All he suggested was that there was a lack of evidence for the claims SOME chiropractors make on treating some childhood conditions like colic and asthma.
This sort of bullying behaviour by big organisations and wealthy individuals shows them all too willing to use Britain's draconian libel laws to stifle free speech, and the decision, although welcome, does not go far enough.
Showing posts with label freedom of speech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freedom of speech. Show all posts
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Atheist Ireland Publishes 25 Blasphemous Quotes
From the first of this month, a new Irish blasphemy law became operational, and a campaign has begun to have it repealed.
Blasphemy is now a crime punishable by a €25,000 fine.
The new law defines blasphemy as publishing or uttering matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents of that religion.
Blasphemy laws are unjust... in a civilised society, people have a right to to express and to hear ideas about religion even if other people find those ideas to be outrageous.
Thankfully, in March 2008, the common law offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel was abolished in England and Wales.
However, the struggle for enlightenment continues with the forces of regression and repression ever striking back forcefully.
In this I believe we must support our friends across the Irish Sea.
I would urge everyone to have a look at this site (http://blasphemy.ie/2010/01/01/atheist-ireland-publishes-25-blasphemous-quotes).
Blasphemy is now a crime punishable by a €25,000 fine.
The new law defines blasphemy as publishing or uttering matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents of that religion.
Blasphemy laws are unjust... in a civilised society, people have a right to to express and to hear ideas about religion even if other people find those ideas to be outrageous.
Thankfully, in March 2008, the common law offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel was abolished in England and Wales.
However, the struggle for enlightenment continues with the forces of regression and repression ever striking back forcefully.
In this I believe we must support our friends across the Irish Sea.
I would urge everyone to have a look at this site (http://blasphemy.ie/2010/01/01/atheist-ireland-publishes-25-blasphemous-quotes).
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