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House of Lords Votes To Repeal Blasphemy Law; Refuses Appeal In Blasphemy Case

By Howard Friedman

Britain's House of Lords yesterday voted 148-87 to add an amendment to a pending criminal justice bill to repeal Britain's existing blasphemy law. The bill must now go back to the House of Commons for approval. Yesterday's Los Angeles Times reported that the vote was preceded by "a wrenching, two-hour debate." Britain's current blasphemy law, as interpreted by the courts, protects only the Church of England. (Background). The government had previously agreed to consult with the Church of England before moving ahead with the repeal. (See prior posting.) While the Church's archbishops have expressed reservations about the repeal at this time, the Church has not gone further to oppose the move. (See prior posting.)

Meanwhile, icWales reported yesterday that a House of Lords Appeal Committee has refused to hear an appeal in the blasphemy case involving the musical Jerry Springer ? The Opera. Last year, two High Court judges ruled that the performance did not violate Britain's blasphemy laws. (See prior posting.) The Appeals Committee said that "the petition does not raise an arguable point of law of general public importance ..." Criticizing the denial, Christian Voice, which originally sought to prosecute the case, said: "Apparently Jesus Christ, Mary, the mother of the Lord, and Almighty God may now be ridiculed and insulted on stage and by broadcasters free from the sanctions of the law."

Full post as published by Religion Clause on March 06, 2008 (boomark / email).