Happy International Blasphemy Day!

[Ian David]

Blasphemy Day
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Blasphemy Day International is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to openly express their criticism of, or even disdain for, religion. It was founded in 2009 by the Center for Inquiry.<1> A student contacted the Center for Inquiry in Amherst, New York to present the idea, which CFI put its support behind. Ronald Lindsay, president and CEO of the Center for Inquiry said regarding Blasphemy Day, "We think religious beliefs should be subject to examination and criticism just as political beliefs are, but we have a taboo on religion," in an interview with CNN.<2>

According to USA Today's interview with Justin Trottier, Executive Director of the Centre for Inquiry Canada and a Toronto coordinator of Blasphemy Day, "We're not seeking to offend, but if in the course of dialogue and debate, people become offended, that's not an issue for us. There is no human right not to be offended."<3>

Events worldwide on the first annual Blasphemy Day in 2009 included an art exhibit in Washington, DC and a free speech festival in Los Angeles.<4> Blasphemy Day was also widely discussed across the web and covered by several media outlets.<5> <6> <7>

More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy_Day

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