Yes, seriously. If this tolerance for other opinions was as rampant in the rest of the Islamic world, as it is in this case, we’d have a lot fewer problems today.
The well-known artist [Lars Vilks] took his pictures to galleries in Värmland and Bohuslän. Both however refused to show the drawings on the grounds that the security risk was too great.
But now two groups – the Secular Muslims in Sweden (Semus) network and the magazine Minaret – have taken a joint decision to exhibit the sketches…
While he himself considers the drawings to be tasteless, [Semus spokesman Hooman] Anvari is adamant that they should be put on display.
“Our intention is to create a nuanced debate around freedom of speech, religious freedom and democracy. These issues tend to cause polarization if they are not tackled in the right way,” he said.
Major “props” to Anvari. Does he agree with the sketches? No. Does he agree with Vilks’ right to express his beliefs? Absolutely.
by Stephan Tawney on Fri, Aug 17, 2007