UK News
British government defends knighthood honour for Salman Rushdie
Jun 20, 2007, 15:47 GMT
London - The British government Wednesday defended the controversial decision to award a knighthood to author Salman Rushdie and said it would not apologize for honouring him.
Home Secretary John Reid conceded that the issue was 'sensitive,' but added that the protection of people's right to express their opinions in literature, argument and politics was 'of over-riding value to our society.'
The award for Rushdie, whose 1988 book The Satanic Verses' was considered as blasphemous in large parts of the Muslim world, has sparked anger and demonstrations in Pakistan, Iran, Malaysia and other countries.
Britain has voiced its 'deep concern' over reported remarks by a Pakistani minister that the honour for Rushdie could be seen by some as justifying suicide bombings.
'I think we have a set of values that accrues people honours for their contribution to literature even when they don't agree with our point of view. That's our way and that's what we stand by,' said Reid.
His remarks, reported by Britain's Press Association, came in response to a question at the end of a speech to the Citizens' Crime Commission in New York Wednesday.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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Older Talkback
page: 1
What DOESN'T offend Islam?
I think the best job in Islam is that of a flag maker. They will always have work.
I wouldn't mind the fuss if he was worth it! He seems to me as if he would write anything for 'fame', why else would he kick Britain in the nuts? The discredited 'honours' system is long past it's sell by date anyway (maybe they could be sold off cheaply), seems that they have been sold at full price in the past!
This is a case of Britain provoking trouble on the world stage yet again and this time by condoning the actions of one who is oblivious to offending a significant chunk of the world's population. The unprovoked display of bad manners and offence should be condemned, and not rewarded or hidden behind so-called 'free-speech'. We clearly have a lot to learn as a nation.
What does not offend the Muslims, is a lot for example we tolerate the Christian who worship a man born out of wedlock as jews call him BASTARD, OR ILLICIT.
WHAT DO YOU CALL THE ONE YOU WORSHIP, DON'T MUSLIMS TOLERATE THAT?
page: 1
charles sydneyJun 20th, 2007 - 16:30:40
nice one, Britain - good to see someone defending the right to free speech.
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