In a civilized society the praiseworthy freedom of expression must not be distorted into some approval of abhorrent, uncivilized, uncouth language That is what blasphemy and vilification imply.
I am not expecting you to put aside your atheist belief but you are expecting me to accept your bias in favour of rude disrespectful language as long as it is directed against the God of believers. You depict that uncivilized rudeness as something admirable because it is modern and not medieval. I disagree with that atheist bias. Unlike you I do not favour disrespectful language as long as it is against God and religion. I am in favour of the decent expression of opinions ALWAYS and without distinctions. My reasoning is neither flawed nor dangerous. Your comment is both.

Let’s put aside the possible lying, which is obviously condemnable. The repealing of medieval blasphemy and vilification of religion laws was long overdue. Again, it has nothing to do with personal beliefs of an individual. This is an essential part of freedom of expression.

I respect one’s right to believe in god or to believe Muscat’s story. But it does not mean that I should respect those beliefs.

To say that the repeal of such laws promotes disrespect for God is absurd. This simply permits the scrutiny of religion without any repercussions. In any case, if an idea is so outrageous, then it should expect harsh criticism.

With your reasoning, this website would be censored because of individuals who believe that the Labour Party should be shielded from all the ‘hdura’, which hdura is nothing but legitimate criticism.

I do not wish to turn this into an atheist vs theist argument, but your reasoning is flawed and dangerous. You must put aside your personal feelings about your religion.

It has got EVERYTHING to do with God. Those who condone and promote disrespect for God would be hypocrites to invoke his name when they need his support, especially when they are lying.

All have the right to criticize with respect – never to ridicule, never to vilify, never to call the name of God in vain. Only the rude and the uncouth pretend the right to be offensive to God and neighbour.