Blasphemous Readings!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

UK Humanists challenge law that restricts free speech

July 11 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the conviction of Gay News for blasphemous libel. To mark the event, and to reopen calls for the blasphemy law to be abolished, secularist and humanist groups will mount a direct challenge to the law by inviting a group of celebrities and public figures to read in public the poem that sparked the prosecution.

'The Love that Dare not Speak its Name' by James Kirkup, which caused Mary Whitehouse to bring the prosecution in 1976, will be read out through a megaphone on the steps of a central London church by prominent supporters of free speech. This will pose a direct challenge to the law of blasphemy which is still in effect. The protest is supported by the National Secular Society, the British Humanist Association, the Rationalist Press Association and the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association.

The reading will take place at 11am on the steps of a church (exact location will be announced nearer the time). Those so far who have confirmed their participation are: Claire Rayner (agony aunt and campaigner on social issues); Jonathan Meades (broadcaster and journalist); Alice Mahon MP; George Melly (entertainer andbroadcaster); Laurie Taylor (broadcaster and academic); Peter Tatchell (human rights campaigner); A.C. Grayling (philosopher and journalist); TonyReeves (artist who drew the original illustration that accompanied the poem and formed part of the trial).