English PEN

Free Expression is No Offence

Free Expression is No Offence

An English Pen Book

Summary

A law criminalizing incitement to religious hatred has been high on the Labour Government's list of priorities. It is a law with wide-ranging implications for freedom of expression in Britain: it could be used to censor anyone - whether writer, comedian or person in the street - who wishes to make a statement about religion that others might find offensive. Free Expression is No Offence tackles the issue of free speech in the post-9/11 world from a variety of angles. Its authors draw on their wide-ranging experience to show just why it is that attempts to curtail our freedom must be vigorously resisted by anyone who wants all faiths and none to live peaceably side by side and our many cultures to thrive.