Freedom of opinion: a legal minefield in a boggy swamp

The right-wing liberal opposition People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) has presented a draft law meant to significantly expand the scope of freedom of opinion in the Netherlands, and which would even allow blasphemy as long as it doesn't intentionally incite hatred or violence. But where do the borders lie, asks Bert Wagendorp in the left-liberal daily De Volkskrant: "When is legal blasphemy incitement, and thus forbidden? The freedom of opinion is already a legal minefield, but with this proposal by [head of the VVD's parliamentary group Mark] Rutte, it's now become a legal minefield in a boggy swamp. If I understand correctly, ... the extension of freedom of opinion is above all meant to give people who have very limited views for reasons of their origins a much clearer understanding of what is allowed and what not. Rather than becoming quickly offended, people are now supposed to engage in fervent discussion void of threats or menaces. That is no doubt true, but ... you can't help fearing that newcomers will soon be just as confused as a good number of local pub-goers."

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