The Elimination of Defamation of Religion: A Comparative Study of Islam and Christianity

Abstract

Law should be concerned with the offence to abuse or defame any religion and religious objects. It is a demand of Muslims on international level to establish the safeguards and protections for the reputation and respect of a religion. Muslims ever have demanded to legislate some potential and reputational laws for protection of the respect of any religion on global level by punishing the culprits who derogate and ridicule any religion. Freedom of speech and expression is a precious thing for liberal nations. Humanity attained this level of freedom after a long struggle and number of sacrifices. This is constitutional right and many international charters and declarations also protect this basic right. UN charter, UDHR, European Human Rights Declaration and many other universal and regional covenants and declarations preserve this important human right. Equally, honor and dignity is also the basic human right. Constitutions, declarations and laws protect the human honor and dignity. Liable, Slander and Defamation laws concurrently protect basic human right of honor and respect. The freedom of expression and speech is a basic right. Similarly, the respect of human being is also the basic right. Right of Freedom of speech and expression isn’t absolute and unconditional right. Free speech right should be combined with press accountability and responsibility. Offensive religious and ethnic abhorrence in this manner is not acceptable for progressive societies. Right of freedom to speech and expression should be exercised in sensible and responsible manners. Rights are interdependent and are implemented interdependently. This is false claim that any right is absolute. All democratic and civilized countries have put limitations on free speech and freedom of expression. In order to sustain a level of human behavior, countries protect the human respect and dignity with local, religious and social norms. Law of defamation persists in every country of the world for individuals under the law of Tort. The right of free speech and expression is reduced under defamatory laws. In many countries it is defame in the constitution to disrespect flag, national places and to abuse the country and their national leader or kings and is considered as unlawful. Even you cannot abuse some institutions like military and judiciary. Law of contempt of court also persists in all countries. These all laws harshly limited the freedom of speech and expression. In this manner any act to harm the honor of a whole community never is justified under any banner of freedom of speech and freedom of expression.