Why Blasphemy Laws Are Not About Religion

HUFFINGTON POST
By Brandon Withrow

According to a recent Pew Research Center report, there is an increase of intolerance toward the religious globally. The intolerance recorded included both "governmental restrictions" and "social hostility," ranging from banned minarets on mosques in Switzerland to violence between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria or even restricted religious attire in U.S. prisons and restricted zoning permits for churches. There are likely as many ideas for how to respond to intolerance of religion as there are religions. Education is one useful tool for combating intolerance, but there are solutions that will never be good for religion or society. One option that ranks near the top of my list of terrible ideas is that of the blasphemy law. Blasphemy laws are like crows decked in the feathers of another bird; they are said to protect religion, but that disguise belies the reality, which is to protect power. The result is not safeguarded religion, but the quashing of the marginalized voice (religious and non-religious). No belief system or position of power should be above criticism. [link]