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Blasphemy Day 2011 is on Friday

This Friday, September 30th 2011 marks the 6th anniversary of the publishing of cartoons featuring the prophet Mohammad in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. As a reaction to these cartoons, riots broke out among Muslims who considered those cartoons to be “Blasphemous.”

In 2009, the Center For Inquiry introduced Blasphemy Day to support the rights of people to criticize and satirize all ideas and beliefs. Religious ideas and beliefs should not be above criticism or beyond satire.

According to the CFI website:

“The purpose of this event is to set a particular day as a day to support free speech, support the right to criticize and satirize religion, and to oppose any resolutions or laws, binding or otherwise, that discourage or inhibit free speech of any kind. The focus on 'blasphemy' is simply because it is such a salient issue, and one for which a lot of consciousness-raising is necessary.”

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“The goal is not to promote hate or violence. While many perceive blasphemy as insulting and offensive, it isn't about getting enjoyment out of ridiculing and insulting others. The day was created as a reaction against those who would seek to take away the right to satirize and criticize a particular set of beliefs given a privileged status over other beliefs. Criticism and dissent towards opposing views is the only way in which any nation with any modicum of freedom can exist.”

Check out the sexiest blasphemy slideshow.

Here is a link to the Facebook page. Be blasphemous!

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Staks Rosch has a master's degree in philosophy from West Chester University and is currently the Coordinator of PhillyCoR (Philadelphia Coalition of Reason). Prior to becoming an Examiner, Staks hosted an atheist radio show on WCHE 1520 AM called Dangerous Talk. Dangerous Talk has since become a...

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