Blasphemous libel update

Catholic Action have now lodged their complaint with the Solicitor-General seeking leave to prosecute Channel 4 for blasphemous libel. While I think its unlikely that the Solicitor-General will consent to prosecution (they didn't for the virgin-in-the-condom, for example), the mere possibility, however remote, is a threat to freedom of speech in this country - and is likely to have a chilling effect on future expression. Which is exactly what Catholic Action wants to achieve.

This should not be happening in a modern, secular society like New Zealand. The freedom of religion, and the freedom of religious expression (meaning the freedom to discuss matters of faith, if necessary by satire and abuse and in ways grossly offensive to believers) are central pillars of a liberal society. Historically, they're why we have liberal tolerance: because we got sick of killing and oppressing one another over theological disputes. The law of blasphemous libel is a relic of a bygone era - and it must be repealed.