'Law to safeguard religion is no joke, warns Blackadder' (Guardian)

I believe, wholeheartedly, that tolerance is an absolutely essential attitude for us to have in this day and age. But just what tolerance means and what it should cover is a controversial issue. The Guardian recently reported on a proposed law in Britian that seeks to protect Muslims from religious hatred. But many, including Rowan Atkinson, believes that the law attacks a fundamental right of free speech -- particularly the right to criticise religion (as opposed to persons). You can read the story here along with quotes from Rowan Atkinson's criticisms of the proposal. At the end of the story there are a number of humourous quotations to consider by asking whether they are 'offensive... Or just plain funny'. You can read more of the text of Rowan Atkinson's speech here.