Written question asked by Lord Monson (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Thursday, 9 March 2006.

Religious Hatred: Cartoons

Question: Whether, following the recent cartoon controversy, they will take steps within the appropriate European Union institution to establish which group procured and circulated the more explicit cartoons of the Prophet which were not published in any European newspaper.

Answer: EU Foreign Ministers discussed the recent publication of cartoons in a number of European and other media, and reactions in the Muslim world, at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 27 February 2006. Council conclusions acknowledged and regretted that these cartoons were considered offensive and distressing by Muslims across the world. Foreign Ministers underlined that freedom of expression is a fundamental right and an essential element of a democratic discourse, with an independent judiciary as a safeguard mechanism, but highlighted that freedom of expression should be exercised in a spirit of respect for religious and other beliefs and convictions.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4163; 679 c172WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Religious Hatred: Cartoons
Tuesday, 18 April 2006
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Blasphemy EU action Freedom of expression Media Islam Cartoons
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk