https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/starmer-refuses-to-rule-out-new-uk-blasphemy-laws-as-free-speech-row-erupts-over-demand-to-protect-koran/ar-AA1uRnYI?ocid=BingNewsSerp
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to rule out introducing blasphemy laws after a Labour MP demanded the Prime Minister prohibits the "desecration of religious texts", including the Koran.
During Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer was quizzed on his position on so-called blasphemy laws as the UK continues to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month.
Ali, who represents Britain's second-most Muslim constituency with over half of his residents following Islam, said: "November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month - last year, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning the desecration of religious texts, including the Koran.
"Despite opposition from the previous Government, acts of such mindless desecration only serve to fuel division and hatred within our society. "Will the Prime Minister commit to introducing measures to prohibit the desecration of all religious texts and the prophets of the Abrahamic religions?"
In response, Starmer refused to rule out introducing measures, with campaigners fearing any change to the law would lead risk a clampdown on free speech. A report released earlier this year by the Commission for Countering Extremism claimed perceived acts of so-called "blasphemy" in the UK are "more organised than ever".
The 2021 case involving a Batley teacher being forced into hiding after allegedly showing pupils a drawing of Muhammad in 2021 emerged as a major flashpoint of Britain's blasphemy backlash.
Other incidents involved the cancelled screening of the film "The Lady of Heaven" following protests in 2022 and a pupil receiving death threats for lightly damaging a Koran in Wakefield in 2023.
There are serious concerns about the introduction of "blasphemy laws" further infringing on free speech.
HebrideanUltraTerfHecate /
npub1e3…kkndc
2024-11-27 16:48:13
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2024-11-27 16:48:13Event JSON
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"content": "https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/starmer-refuses-to-rule-out-new-uk-blasphemy-laws-as-free-speech-row-erupts-over-demand-to-protect-koran/ar-AA1uRnYI?ocid=BingNewsSerp\n\nSir Keir Starmer has refused to rule out introducing blasphemy laws after a Labour MP demanded the Prime Minister prohibits the \"desecration of religious texts\", including the Koran.\n\nDuring Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer was quizzed on his position on so-called blasphemy laws as the UK continues to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month.\n\nAli, who represents Britain's second-most Muslim constituency with over half of his residents following Islam, said: \"November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month - last year, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning the desecration of religious texts, including the Koran.\n\n\"Despite opposition from the previous Government, acts of such mindless desecration only serve to fuel division and hatred within our society. \"Will the Prime Minister commit to introducing measures to prohibit the desecration of all religious texts and the prophets of the Abrahamic religions?\"\n\nIn response, Starmer refused to rule out introducing measures, with campaigners fearing any change to the law would lead risk a clampdown on free speech. A report released earlier this year by the Commission for Countering Extremism claimed perceived acts of so-called \"blasphemy\" in the UK are \"more organised than ever\".\n\nThe 2021 case involving a Batley teacher being forced into hiding after allegedly showing pupils a drawing of Muhammad in 2021 emerged as a major flashpoint of Britain's blasphemy backlash.\n\nOther incidents involved the cancelled screening of the film \"The Lady of Heaven\" following protests in 2022 and a pupil receiving death threats for lightly damaging a Koran in Wakefield in 2023.\n\nThere are serious concerns about the introduction of \"blasphemy laws\" further infringing on free speech.",
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