Free Speech, Religion, and the Fed Up British Man

Does free speech include the freedom to criticize the religious views and practices of others? By now, I suppose everyone has seen the video of the British man calmly explaining why he is fed up with Muslim demands on Europe and the old continent’s capitulation. He doesn’t really insult Islam, but he sure slams some of its more radical practitioners, especially the Saudis. He is very well-spoken and stays away from wild claims as he presses his case.

If you applaud him, as I do, you must be prepared to accept speech like this as well. Yes, it’s the same guy. He’s an atheist who criticizes Christians with equal gusto. And he is liberty’s best friend. Freedom of speech and freedom of religion go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. I am free to practice my religion, as long as doing so places no demands on you. You are free to criticize my religious practices, and I am free to criticize your non-practice.

This balance has worked well for us in the US, but Europe is struggling. Scared Europeans are self-censoring in the name of political correctness. Or perhaps out of fear at being stabbed on the street. Our country was founded on religious tolerance and free speech. We need to guard both. If the first video delights you but the second one angers you, you have some soul searching to do, because you are in danger of becoming no better than those you criticize.