A commentary in The Wall Street Journal argues that the decision to prosecute Geert Wilders for his criticism of Islam, amounts to an importation of Saudi Arabian blasphemy norms to Europe. The author points out that if freedom of speech means anything, it means the freedom of controversial speech.
A few fragments:
Silencing Islam's Critics
A Dutch court imports Saudi blasphemy norms to Europe.(...)
"Limiting the Dutch debate of Islam to standards acceptable in, say, Saudi Arabia, will only shore up support for Mr. Wilders's argument that Muslim immigration is eroding traditional Dutch liberties."
(...)
"There are of course limits to free speech, such as calls for violence. But one doesn't need to agree with Mr. Wilders to acknowledge that he hasn't crossed that line. Some Muslims say they are outraged by his statements. But if freedom of speech means anything, it means the freedom of controversial speech. Consensus views need no protection."
Click here to read the full commentary.
