Op piece reflects on a recent controversial public order conviction arising from the burning of a Quran. Docklands and East London Advertiser (26.6.25) and Newham Recorder (2.7.25).
The recent prosecution for burning a Quran at a protest in London stirred huge controversy. I’m not going to wade in here with a detailed analysis of what was a complex case. But I would like to consider principles of balance and fairness it raises. They have strong roots in this country, captured in the exhortation to ‘play the ball, not the man.’
The controversy stems in part from concerns the case re-introduces blasphemy laws by the back door. On the other hand, some members of the Muslim community are outraged by the deliberate desecration of their holy book.
As a Humanist, I generally try to avoid causing offence. I don’t advocate burning holy books, or any books for that matter, and think there are better ways of trying to make a point.
But there is no right not to be offended, let alone a right enshrined in our criminal law. Nor should there be. Everyone should have the right to criticise other people’s beliefs, no matter how deeply held they are. This includes the right to ridicule. Poking fun has long played a valuable role in our democratic discourse. Religious belief has no special case for protection from disrespectful speech or behaviour, any more than say veganism, another defining belief, and the butt of many a joke.
Humanists UK, and its predecessors, campaigned for over a hundred years for repeal of this country’s blasphemy laws. This was finally achieved in 2006. The last attempted prosecution ended when the High Court rejected a case over the BBC screening of Jerry Springer – The Opera, with its irreverent treatment of Christian themes. (Author Stewart Lee is now a Humanists UK patron).
But there is a sharp distinction between saying or doing something which is upsetting to a person’s beliefs, and being disrespectful of the individual concerned. It’s tempting to call people stupid, and far worse, when we don’t agree with them. Social media is awash with such ‘ad hominin’ attacks, to use the posh term.
Freedom of religion and belief, including freedom to criticise, must be fought for and defended. But we must also guard against those who seek to denigrate, stereotype and sow hatred against our fellow humans simply because of their faith.
Paul Kaufman
Chairperson, East London Humanists
