THERE is no specific UK law prohibiting anyone from having or expressing a negative opinion against any religious group and for many people that would seem a very sensible position.

And yet a group of Parliamentarians is seeking to introduce a new legal protection from what is regarded as one of the largest and most powerful of all religious groups, Islam. They claim a new definition of Islamophobia is needed to protect Muslims.

In 2008 English lawmakers chose to abolish the law of blasphemy following a campaign led by, among others a Muslim, an Archbishop and Peter Tatchell one of the UK’s most articulate advocates of human rights. They wrote this:

“We share the view that the blasphemy offence serves no useful purpose. Yet it allows partisan organisations or well-funded individuals to try to censor broadcasters or intimidate small theatres, print media or publishers. Far from protecting public order – for which other laws are more suited – it damages social cohesion.”

I suggest nothing has changed in the 11 years since this law was abolished to warrant allowing partisan organisations or well-funded individuals to try to censor broadcasters or intimidate.

Everyone in the UK has the right to Freedom of Religion, protected by the Human Rights Act 1998.

However it’s not the only right of the individual and it doesn’t trump Freedom of Expression.

Freedom of Expression is a fundamental human right. It also underpins most other rights and allows them to flourish.

Des Morgan, via email