Blasphemy, Offence, and Hate Speech: Response to Henk Vroom

Abstract

The article discusses the relation between legal restrictions and moral responsibility in the question of blasphemy and offence. The first part observes some historical developments in relevant legislation, mostly using Norway as an example. Two “humanizing moves” are identified, from the protection of state interest to (1) protection of groups and (2) protection of vulnerable individuals. The second part of the article offers a reading of Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses as a novel about ambivalent religion, doubt and moral deliberation. The article concludes by distinguishing between potentially offensive utterances on the one hand and hate speech on the other.