English PEN welcomes repeal of blasphemy law
March 6, 2008 English PEN today welcomed the repeal of the common law offence of blasphemy and blasphemous libel. This offence, which protects only the Church of England, dates back to the seventeenth century and has no place in contemporary British society. The 2006 Religious Hatred Act offers members of all faiths and none equal protection before the law. This protects both freedom of religion and freedom of expression.Lisa Appignanesi, President of English PEN, said: 'Writers for page, stage and screen, of all faiths and none, welcome the Lords' repeal of the Blasphemy Laws last night. This is a historic moment and one towards which we have long worked. Britain is at last rid of its most discriminatory constraints on free expression. We can now, in good conscience at last about our own laws, challenge oppressive blasphemy legislation in other states.'
Jonathan Heawood, Director of English PEN, said: 'At last we have a coherent legal approach to the freedom of religion and freedom of expression, which protects believers but leaves beliefs open to debate. This sets the right balance within the framework of human rights.'
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