Hate Speech
Sweden prohibits hate speech, and defines it as publicly making statements that threaten or express disrespect for an ethnic group or similar group regarding their race, skin colour, national or ethnic origin, faith or sexual orientation. The crime doesn't prohibit a pertinent and responsible debate (en saklig och vederhäftig diskussion), nor statements made in a completely private sphere. There are constiutional restrictions pertaining to which acts are criminalized, as well limits set by the European Convention on Human Rights.
The sexual orientation provision, added in 2002, was used to convict Pentecostalist pastor Åke Green of hate speech against homosexuality based on a 2003 sermon. His conviction was later overturned. Other noticeable cases are Dan Berner and Björn Björkqvist who got convicted for hate speech against Islam.
Read more about this topic: Censorship In Sweden
Famous quotes containing the words hate and/or speech:
“Oh, how I hate to get up in the morning,
Oh, how I’d love to remain in bed.”
—Irving Berlin (1888–1989)
“Ignorant free speech often works against the speaker. That is one of several reasons why it must be given rein instead of suppressed.”
—Anna Quindlen (b. 1952)