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:
“We have not so good a right to hate any as our Friend.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“One thinking it is right to speak all things, whether the word is fit for speech or unutterable.”
—Sophocles (497–406/5 B.C.)