Blasphemy offensive? God no

[Vonnie]

Good to see the AFA get a mention.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news...818508462.html

The Anglican Church of Australia and atheists agree on one thing - that blasphemy should no longer be a criminal offence.


The church and the Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA) are among more than 150 organisations and individuals to make submissions to a freedom of religion and belief project, being run jointly with the Australian Multicultural Foundation, RMIT University and Monash University.


Released in September, the Australian Human Rights Commission discussion paper sets out to examine the extent to which the right of freedom of religion and belief can be enjoyed in Australia.


The church's six-page submission said blasphemy should be made lawful.
Blasphemy is not a common law offence at a national level but a few federal laws, such as the Broadcasting and Television Act, still include it as an "objectionable item".


The law is uneven across states and territories.


"We look for a society where religious discourse is conducted in safety and security, and people are free to disagree without danger or social exclusion or harm to person or property," the church said in its submission.


"These conditions will entail the freedom to engage in robust debate and disagreement about religious beliefs and practices.


"We support the abolition of the common law offence of blasphemy and the repeal of any laws creating the offence of blasphemy."
The AFA said in its submission it backed an end to blasphemy laws, adding there were sufficient laws in place to prevent vilification.


"There is no reason to treat religion as a special case, any more than there should be special laws to prevent people vilifying gun clubs or conservationist societies, or bridge clubs," it said.


The AHRC on Wednesday extended the deadline for submissions to its discussion paper to February 28.


Race Discrimination Commissioner Tom Calma said the discussion paper had already generated a lot of interest, but more comment was being sought.

Vonnie

[Duffy]

Thank God for the AFA!