Is it alright to trample on other people´s beliefs? Should blasphemy be allowed, or should freedom of expression be limited in order to avoid hurting people´s religious feelings and beliefs? By printing the Muhammed-drawings in September 2005, Jyllands-Posten have brought these questions to the top of the international agenda. At the first seminar in 2006 on Freedom of Expression – to be held in The Rafto House on Feb. 21st – we will deal with the dilemmas regarding where to draw the judicial limits of freedom of expression. (20-FEB-2006)
The massive and aggressive reactions around the world in the aftermath of the publishing of the Muhammed drawings, forces us to reflect on the balance between the freedom to express ourselves, and the risk of violating other peoples`rights. On the one hand, there are good, pragmatic, judicial reasons – as well as general moral considerations for limiting freedom of expression. On the other hand, such limitations inhibit the opportunity to have an open debate about religion.
With the drawings of the prophet Muhammed in mind, and the debate and uproar this caused, the Freedom of Expression seminar invites you to a principal discussion about freedom of expression and religion.
Speakers :
Richard Natvig, Department of the History of Religions, UiB
Abit Q. Raja, barrister and former spokesperson for World Islamic Mission.
Lars Gule, former secretary General for the Norwegian Humanist Association, currently with SEFIA.
16:00: free soup from Spisestedet På Høyden
16:30: presentations from the speakers
17:30: discussion and questions
The seminar is free of charge and is open to everyone.
