Freedom of expression prevailed!

The government of Norway has suggested to remove a "sleeping" paragraph of blasphemy. The last convict got a 55 Euro fine in 1912 (todays value) for writing an article called "The Great Humbug". This further step, which has the Norwegian Parliaments full support, will theoretically increase the freedom of speech. But a small party in the government coalition, did almost a horse-trade when the Prime Minister of Norway gave the green light to continue protect religious feelings. The government only embarrassed themselves by doing so.



The small party, which is supported by mainly farmers and compete for Christian voters, suggested to extend the excisting paragraph of "racism". The paragraph of "racism" forbids among other things malicious remarks based on faith or view of life. The idea of the law extension was to stop offensive religious statements, or in other words blasphemy. The intellectualists raged over the suggested decrease in the freedom of speech. Suddenly there were criticism from every source, even from own members.

The Prime Minister of Norway held later a press conference to solve the misunderstandings. The day after pulled the leader of the small party the suggestion back. Freedom of expression is indeed an important fundament of the democracy. Only fundamentalistic regimes are interested in such laws that protects religious feelings, like Iran, Libya and Saudi-Arabia. The freedom of expression should, on the other hand, be used wisely.

The whole story ended in embarrassment. They should have known better.