KEEPING THE BALANCE BETWEEN THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THE RIGHT TO RELIGION IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The conflict between the freedom of speech and the right to religion does not belong to the origin of the freedom of speech as on of the natural rights. The conflict along the lines of freedom and religion is a mere theoretical arbitrariness; the ostensible repressiveness of religion and the autonomous and absolute freedom of speech are entirely anachronic concepts. One should strive for strengthening the balance between the freedom of speech and the freedom of belief and non-belief. It is difficult to achieve that balance, even more so an enduring one. However, a democratic society rests on difficulties of this kind: just as it is difficult to place restrictions on speech, it is even more difficult to place a limit on a human need for belief. It is necessary to develop a culture of balance which can detect an abuse of belief as well as speech.