Responding to the Pope’s “You cannot make fun” comments, President of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), Sonja Eggerickx, comments: “This reference to punching someone, if it is a joke, is in poor taste. He says it is ‘normal’ to lash out if you are offended. He should instead be saying that if you feel like being violent, restrain yourself! Listen to what people are saying to you. Maybe try to explain your views again. If they are truly being malicious, then walk away. But do not punch your critics! “In particular at this time, it is an atrocious message to send out, the idea that you should ‘expect‘ some violence if you offend someone. So-called insult to beliefs will happen in an open society; if we truly have free speech in any substantial way, then sometimes people will read things or hear things, even about their deeply held beliefs, which they do not want to hear. Then you can choose to turn away, or put the paper down, or talk to someone else. What you cannot do is ban criticism or put ‘insult’ to religion outside the limits of free speech, as the Pope suggests it should be. And you shouldn’t go around punching people whose contrary views upset you! Actually, I can’t believe I’m having to say this.”
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 11:57:35 +0000
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