Blasphemy and Freedom of Expression : Comparative, Theoretical and Historical Reflections after the Charlie Hebdo Massacre

This book compares blasphemy laws between Western liberal democracies and discusses the legitimacy of these laws in the twenty-first century. It will appeal to a broad range of scholars interested in the freedom of expression and religion from a variety of perspectives, including regional human rights law and legal theory.

The tension between blasphemy laws and the freedom of expression in modern times is a key area of debate within legal academia and beyond. With contributions by leading scholars, this volume compares blasphemy laws within a number of Western liberal democracies and debates the legitimacy of these laws in the twenty-first century. Including comprehensive and up-to-date comparative country studies, this book considers the formulation of blasphemy bans, relevant jurisprudential interpretations, the effect on society, and the ensuing convictions and penalties where applicable. It provides a useful historical analysis by discussing the legal-political rationales behind the recent abolition of blasphemy laws in some Western states. Contributors also consider the challenges to the tenability of blasphemy laws in a selection of well-balanced theoretical chapters. This book is essential reading for scholars working within the fields of human rights law, philosophy and sociology of religion, and comparative politics.