Dutch Cabinet Proposes End of Blasphemy Law, Expansion of Hate Speech Ban

In Netherlands, the cabinet on Friday voted to recommend that Parliament repeal the country's blasphemy law and replace it with an expanded hate speech law. Today's Windsor (Ont.) Star reports that the proposed new law will prohibit giving serious offense to any group of people, not just to specified groups now covered. Radio Netherlands reports that the cabinet's action was taken at the demand of a majority of the parties in Parliament, even though two of the three parties in the ruling coalition are Christian. The blasphemy law has been in the news in recent years as a possible source of redress against those who have produced anti-Islamic material, such as right-wing politician Geert Wilders who posted a controversial film, Fitna, online. (See prior posting.)