Charlie Hebdo and freedom of expression
Senator Leyden seeks a vote of sympathy for the victims of the Paris attacks and a debate on terrorism, freedom of expression and the offensiveness of Charlie Hebdo cartoons. Other Senators briefly contest his view.
Will the Leader convey a unanimous vote of sympathy to the remaining Charlie Hebdo staff and the families of 17 people who were murdered in Paris? It was a terrorist attack on the satirical magazine and we must clearly state this House condemns the actions of the terrorists who carried out this cold blooded murder of the journalists involved.
On Senator Ivana Bacik's remarks about freedom of speech, there are also responsibilities in regard to the production of provocative cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad. The Koran makes it very clear that any depiction of Muhammad in any shape or form is not acceptable to the 1.3 billion Muslims throughout the world. The Koran also rejects murder and all such acts. Senator David Norris made the very wise point that murder was murder, be it by a Christian or otherwise. However, to put matters in context, the abbot of Glenstal Abbey, Mark Patrick Hederman, said a few days ago that the cover of the most recent Charlie Hebdo featured a tearful Muhammad holding a sign which said "all is forgiven". That is provocative. It is very strange that Air France-----
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I am. I also want the Leader to convey our sympathy to the people of France and the families involved. It is quite extraordinary that Air France purchased 20,000 copies of the latest edition of Charlie Hebdo-----
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It is a secular society.
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Air France is an international airline and it bought 20,000 copies with the satirical depiction of Muhammad. It circulated it in the Middle East and beyond. I regard this as highly provocative.
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In this world one must be very balanced and fair in how one operates. Freedom of expression is definitely freedom of speech, but it is not to attack or debase any religion, be it Islam or Christianity. It is provocative.
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I cannot understand why a company such as Air France would risk being so provocative to the extreme Islamic gunmen who are prepared to take any action required in this regard.
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It is exercising freedom of speech.