[My2Cents]

“There is an obvious difference between the behaviour of racist agitators who can be prosecuted under existing laws and the activities of satirists and writers who may choose to make comedy or criticism of religious belief, practices or leaders, just as they do with politics.”

A special exclusion for religion-hating comedians. Nice touch, Rowan.

[wideawake]

Atkinson's argument is that religion is an idea rather than a racial designation and that while it is wrong to mock someone for their ancestry, it is fair game to make fun of their ideas.

The fact is, it has been open season on Christianity for sometime in Britain.

The impetus behind this law is not to shield Christians from abuse but to prevent any criticism of Islam and, more importantly, to allow Muslims to use the courts to fight Christians who are peacefully witnessing Christ to Muslims.

As a Christian I would prefer to allow others to mock my beliefs and still be allowed to talk to Muslims about Christ than to ensure that I not be offended at the cost of being legally restrained from preaching the Gospel.