No blasphemy

Tomorrow Dr Evan Harris MP will challenge the blasphemy law in the House of Commons by tabling an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill. A letter in the Daily Telegraph, signed by A.C. Grayling, Peter Tatchell, Joan Smith and several others, calls on MPs to support the amendment. It points out the discriminatory character of the blasphemy law - since this only covers attacks on Christianity and the Church of England - and it protests against the law as an unwarranted curb on free expression. The move has the support of the National Secular Society.

As an attempt to shield certain beliefs against criticism, blasphemy laws have no justification in a liberal society. (Thanks: AC.)