Religious Offence and Human Rights: The Implications of Defamations of Religions

Gabru Naeema

doi:10.17159/1727-3781/2020/v23i0a7802

Abstract

This contribution is a review of a book on actions which may offend religious feelings even if it was not the intention of the offender to do so. This book illustrates how, drawings (amongst others) on the face of it, may be construed to be a mere exercise of the right to freedom of expression or free speech in a democratic society. This is regardless of the content of the drawing which, to other societies, may constitute an offence. 

Highlights

This book encapsulates the definition of "offence" and the different standards that may be applicable in evaluating the degree of offence, religious offence
Inevitable in any discussion on religious offences is the telling of the story of the introduction of the "defamation of religions" debate in the United Nations, which the author unpacks uniquely
This book shows how drawings may ostensibly be construed as exercises of the right to freedom of expression or free speech in a democratic society

Summary

Introduction

Freedom of religion; freedom of speech; defamation; religious offence. This book encapsulates the definition of "offence" and the different standards that may be applicable in evaluating the degree of offence, religious offence. Inevitable in any discussion on religious offences is the telling of the story of the introduction of the "defamation of religions" debate in the United Nations, which the author unpacks uniquely.

Results

Conclusion