Dutch blasphemy law to be repealed

Good news from the Netherlands, where the Justice minister has finally agreed to repeal the country’s blasphemy laws. He had initially suggested expanding them to cover all religions, but reason prevailed in the end.

At a time when the Organisation of the Islamic Conference are lobbying hard at the UN for an international blasphemy law, this move by the Dutch government is a welcome step.


3 Responses to “Dutch blasphemy law to be repealed”

  1. marc draco says:

    That’s two gone in as many years (or it less?). First Green succeeded in pissing off enough people to get Britain’s abolished and now (some) Muslims have caused enough pain for the Dutch to chuck them out.

    Fuck ’em – they reap what they sew.

  2. martyn says:

    Having a blasphemy law is like having legislation to protect the hurt feelings of the invisible friends that some can’t shake off after dodgy upbringings or mental issues.

  3. William says:

    This article is misleading and creates the impression that there will be no law protecting religion(s) from criticism. This however not the case, as the intent is to remove an unworkable blasphemy law with a maximum sentence of 3 months jail, and replace it with a reworking of the law against race/age/sexual discrimination, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 months. So there is an agenda here. The minister responsible is a member of one of the two christian parties that together with the Dutch Labour Party (PvdA) currently form the ruling coalition.