Arguments Underway In Challenge To Australian Religious Hatred Law

The Age reports on interesting arguments that are under way this week in the Court of Appeals of the Australian state of Victoria. Victoria's Racial and Religious Tolerance Act prohibits inciting hatred against a person or class of persons. In an appeal by the Christian group, Catch the Fire Ministries, and two pastors , the Islamic Council of Victoria argued that villifying Islam necessarily vilifies Muslims who hold those beliefs. The appellants argued that one could hate ideas without hating individuals who hold them. If the law is not interpreted that way, they argued, it becomes a blasphemy law. The pastors charged with violating the law claimed more generally that it violates free expression guaranteed by Australia's constitution and that it violates international treaties signed by Australia. The case grows out of comments made by Pastor Daniel Scott at a seminar on Islam sponsored by Pastor Danny Nalliah's Catch the Fire Ministries, and comments in an online newsletter. (Background from CNSNews.com.).