Comment Re:This is one of occasions wher... (Score 1) 845
Well the intent of the new law is to outlaw:
"publishing or uttering matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents of that religion, with some defences permitted".
So the stated objective is not to require you to believe anything, but to require us all to treat other people's beliefs with respect.
But whatever the stated intent, it is a very silly law. I am a Christian, in fact, an unpaid minister in the Anglican communion. But I do not want this law, I do not need its protection - and neither does my faith community. I am not even sure that I would not be breaking this law every time I went to Mass, because my recitation of the creed could be considered deeply offensive to Jews and Moslems.
The point is, I think, that whatever people may or may not say, the choice about wether I am outraged remains entirely mine. If you speak things about Jesus that I consider offensive, it is up to me to decide whether I am outraged, or whether I react with compassion and understanding. Since Jesus famously forgave the people crucifying him, I am fairly sure what reaction He would expect of me.
This legislation seeks to penalise *you* for any immaturity in *my* response to your speech. That seems absurd and utterly unworkable.
If a prosecution is ever brought, it will play out in the European Court of Human Rights.