British Court Hears Arguments In Christian Activist's Blasphemy Case

In Britain on Monday, a High Court hearing began in an appeal of a blasphemy case brought by a Christian activist who objects to the 2005 showing by BBC of "Jerry Springer-The Opera". Reuters reports that Stephen Green of Christian Voice sued BBC director-general Mark Thompson and the musical's producer Jon Thoday. The show depicts Jesus as being gay and Adam as being a member of the Ku Klux Klan. A district judge had dismissed the lawsuit. A submission to the High Court by Liberty (a civil liberties group) argued that Britain's blasphemy laws violate the European Convention on Human Rights. British artists have been advocating repeal of the blasphemy laws. (See prior posting). Canadian Press has additional background on the case.