Why Punishing Blasphemous Speech That Triggers Murderous Reactions Would Likely Lead to More Deaths

by Eugene Volokh
The Volokh Conspiracy Blog
September 15, 2012

https://www.legal-project.org/3078/why-punishing-blasphemous-speech-that-triggers

Excerpt:

In recent days, I've heard various people calling for punishing the maker of Innocence of Muslims, and more broadly for suppressing such speech. During the Terry Jones planned Koran-burning controversy, I heard similar calls. Such expression leads to the deaths of people, including Americans. It worsens our relations with important foreign countries. It's intended to stir up trouble. And it's hardly high art, or thoughtful political arguments. It's not like it's Satanic Verses, or even South Park or Life of Brian. Why not shut it down, and punish those who engage in it (of course, while keeping Satanic Verses and the like protected)?

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