Should we ban blasphemy

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by soopaman2

I believe our amendment had root in the Church of England and what our founding fathers saw with the protestant movement in those days.

The 'Pilgrims' (actually Puritans) came here to escape "persecution" by the Church of England. They weren't actually being persecuted, just not allowed to have the same rights as the 'Official' Church.

They then turned around and did exactly the same thing in Massachussetts. Other colonies did the same thing, which is why we emphatically refuse to allow an official State Church. All the states have since followed suit, even Utah.

Originally Posted by Skybird

And who is to decide what is no longer critical, but so contemptous that is is to be called "blasphemy"?

A good point. If a nebulous term is allowed to become law it leaves the question open as to who defines the term.

Originally Posted by Kazuaki Shimazaki II

Still, as far as I'm concerned, if the people in a country democratically vote for State-sponsored religion, I can tolerate them having it.

I can't, for the very reason that the American Founders couldn't. If one religion is sponsored, it is inevitably to the detriment of all others. State-sponsored religions get special favors and the others are excluded.

I can tolerate it as long as the people really respect Freedom of Expression, which will include my right to sing satire and criticism or blasphemise against said State Religion any time I see fit.

But as soon as you have one state-sponsored religion you no longer have that freedom, because Freedom of Expression will be denied. That is the very reason we have the First Amendment.

If an atheist wants to say "God stinks!", he is guaranteed that right. If a believer wants to respond "You're going to hell for saying that!", he is also guaranteed that right. Anything else and you are no longer free.