General Discussion

Warren DeMontague

(80,708 posts) Sat May 9, 2015, 05:09 PM May 2015

Should it be against the law, in the United States, to blaspheme or "insult a Deity"? [View all]

Simple question.

85 votes, 1 pass \| Time left: Unlimited
	Yes. Blasphemy or Deity-insulting is not or should not be protected speech, under the 1st Amendment.
	0 (0%)
	No. Blasphemy or Deity-insulting is constitutionally protected speech.
	85 (100%)
	1 DU member did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

302 replies

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Highlight:

Should it be against the law, in the United States, to blaspheme or "insult a Deity"? [View all] Warren DeMontague May 2015 OP

WTF is this? It is protected speech! CaliforniaPeggy May 2015 #1

yeah, that is my take, too. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #4

If your all-powerful supreme being gets his feewings hurt by what I say NightWatcher May 2015 #2

It has nothing to do with ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #16

Oh hey, I'm still waiting for the official list of "Religions Deemed "not real" by Nance". PeaceNikki May 2015 #17

If you believe that Scientology is a religion ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #22

Maybe because PeaceNikki is tired of the hypocrisy? beam me up scottie May 2015 #23

I don't consider Scientologists ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #26

Yes, we know all about your belief that scientologists aren't "real" religious folks. beam me up scottie May 2015 #30

Check out ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #42

Yes, but we're discussing your need to question only one group of religious folks. beam me up scottie May 2015 #44

I didn't "question" Scientology. NanceGreggs May 2015 #49

You claimed their religion isn't real when they obviously think it is - that's offensive. beam me up scottie May 2015 #51

Do you stalk everyone on DU? NanceGreggs May 2015 #61

LMAO! You're stalking me, Nance! beam me up scottie May 2015 #62

If you think respecting others ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #70

Do you respect Darth Cheney, Nance? How about lil boots Bush? beam me up scottie May 2015 #71

Conflating religious beliefs ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #76

No, it's not stupid at all. We should be able to criticize and mock any harmful ideology. beam me up scottie May 2015 #78

You are free to do as you please. NanceGreggs May 2015 #98

I don't need your permission, although giving it seems to be "what gets you off". beam me up scottie May 2015 #100

Sang it , sister! PeaceNikki May 2015 #102

Way down upon the swaaaaaaaaneeeeeeee riverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... beam me up scottie May 2015 #122

As I said ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #104

Why do you care so much how and why I get off? beam me up scottie May 2015 #111

I don't care what gets you off. NanceGreggs May 2015 #115

Then why do you keep bringing it up? beam me up scottie May 2015 #117

We should all mock/question the beliefs of Scientology. NCTraveler May 2015 #251

Why would you want to mock only one kind of religious belief? beam me up scottie May 2015 #257

What's your definition of "religion"? Is it possible it's subjective and impervious to your scorn? cherokeeprogressive May 2015 #31

The better question would be ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #33

Which leaves the question I asked you open and unanswered. cherokeeprogressive May 2015 #53

Deal with it. n/t NanceGreggs May 2015 #146

God DAMN that hurts... it's gonna leave a mmmmmmark. cherokeeprogressive May 2015 #157

Boy did you avoid that question tkmorris May 2015 #142

Exactly what led you to think ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #144

Simple: Claiming that something ISN'T what someone else claims it IS. cherokeeprogressive May 2015 #158

I don't consider Scientologists to be "religious people". AlbertCat May 2015 #186

Well, talk about false equivalencies ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #190

Looks like you pissed a Sino off. nt. NCTraveler May 2015 #252

You're saying I'm a scientologist? beam me up scottie May 2015 #258

I was made to believe that you were an Operating Thetan IV. Why the fuck were you auditing me? PeaceNikki May 2015 #266

The Evil Atheist Vermin Conspiracy's home office sent me out to investigate you. beam me up scottie May 2015 #267

Shit, they must be the ones who called my mom!!! PeaceNikki May 2015 #268

That's great! beam me up scottie May 2015 #269

I believe they are all equally bullshit peddled by hucksters. PeaceNikki May 2015 #24

I never said Scientology is "not real". NanceGreggs May 2015 #32

Damn, Nance. I believe you've done been swarmed! 11 Bravo May 2015 #48

Hey, old friend! NanceGreggs May 2015 #52

+1,000! nt MADem May 2015 #103

Well, at least people aren't launching personal attacks at Nance Chathamization May 2015 #114

Let's take a look at Saint Nance's posts, then: beam me up scottie May 2015 #120

She seems like a nice lady tkmorris May 2015 #143

*sol* beam me up scottie May 2015 #147

This is who I hear. PeaceNikki May 2015 #149

Oh Jeebus Cripes, their names are even similar. beam me up scottie May 2015 #150

And that's only in this thread. There's heaps more peppered round DU... Violet_Crumble May 2015 #288

:D beam me up scottie May 2015 #289

Here's something you might have missed today... Violet_Crumble May 2015 #290

:o PeaceNikki May 2015 #293

You just made my day! beam me up scottie May 2015 #294

Imagine if one of us were to question the beliefs of muslims and claim their religion isn't "real". beam me up scottie May 2015 #34

I suspect maybe she's not a "Real Athiest™" PeaceNikki May 2015 #39

I do believe you're right. beam me up scottie May 2015 #43

Not all of them. I followed the Church of bluejuice until its sad demise last year... Violet_Crumble May 2015 #221

It's about the 1A, and there's no gray area, period. DisgustipatedinCA May 2015 #28

Nobody has the right to not be offended. backscatter712 May 2015 #37

It's not a matter of ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #46

Do you scold people who mock Republicans too? beam me up scottie May 2015 #50

Well, as we all know ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #94

You feel like you're at FreeRepublic because you're protecting religion from its victims. beam me up scottie May 2015 #97

I am an atheist. NanceGreggs May 2015 #101

The religious have well funded, hugely successful, coordinated attacks against MY fucking PeaceNikki May 2015 #106

So fight the infringers ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #112

Will do!! And you keep on wagging that finger thinking you're some moral arbiter. PeaceNikki May 2015 #116

And you keep pretending ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #123

Challenging misogyny and homophobia is moral. PeaceNikki May 2015 #125

Defending that ideology because it's religion is unconscionable. beam me up scottie May 2015 #130

We're being called intolerant for disrespecting religion and SHE feels like she's on FreeRepublic? beam me up scottie May 2015 #129

If I call my beliefs "sacred" will she respect them? PeaceNikki May 2015 #131

She'd say your beliefs weren't as worthy of respect as a "real" religion. beam me up scottie May 2015 #133

So in other words ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #226

No, Nance, telling folks to respect bigoted religious beliefs is a Republican thang. beam me up scottie May 2015 #227

Nowhere have I told anyone ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #229

"everyone who has a religious faith should be free from being "mocked" beam me up scottie May 2015 #230

And it's the end result of your flailing around trying to paint me as the one in the wrong. AlbertCat May 2015 #236

Nance only wants people to criticize one group of religious believers. beam me up scottie May 2015 #261

Do you not understand the difference ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #240

So mocking religion is the same thing as calling people "disgusting fatties"? beam me up scottie May 2015 #259

One more time ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #263

Keep hurling those straw men! Who said people are idiots for practicing their religion? beam me up scottie May 2015 #264

Well any real atheist can see you're just being hysterical. beam me up scottie May 2015 #113

Why should we tolerate hateful religious beliefs? beam me up scottie May 2015 #107

Why does religion get a Magical Superimpermeable Protective Holy Bubble? Arugula Latte May 2015 #179

Ikr? Why should women and lgbt people respect people who treat us like we're second class citizens? beam me up scottie May 2015 #188

Please provide a link ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #191

Your need to protect the feelings of believers in misogynistic and homophobic sects is a bit strange Arugula Latte May 2015 #207

And your need to mischaracterize ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #213

Your need to protect religions is strange Yorktown May 2015 #219

I don't protect religions. NanceGreggs May 2015 #225

Religions are harmful ideologies Yorktown May 2015 #228

Riiiight -- I'm not a progressive because I think we should be free to criticize & satirize Arugula Latte May 2015 #242

For the zillionth time ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #243

If someone says "women are inferior because they came from Adam's rib" I am not Arugula Latte May 2015 #244

Who said you had to respect ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #245

So in my example it is disrespectful of me to call out someone who says women are inferior Arugula Latte May 2015 #246

First of all ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #248

"adherence to religious beliefs is EXACTLY the same as adhering to political beliefs" Warren Stupidity May 2015 #235

Why is it decent to not offend people demanding to inflict their superstition on me? backscatter712 May 2015 #59

"I'm an atheist. I offend simply by existing." LostOne4Ever May 2015 #63

Well, you just go with that then. NanceGreggs May 2015 #68

Mockery of dumb ideas is natural and healthy. Yorktown May 2015 #220

So any belief to you is sacred? Roman gods? Aztecs? nt Logical May 2015 #67

When others hold religious beliefs to be sacred ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #72

LOL, so you are OK with people using religion to attack gays? Wow, you are fucking clueless.... Logical May 2015 #81

So you're okay with ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #95

You look silly on this topic. And refuse to address the direct question. Do you have an issue.... Logical May 2015 #99

This discussion ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #128

Simple question for you Nance , can I disrespect a religious belief.... Logical May 2015 #134

The pope just sent out priests to forgive women for having abortions. beam me up scottie May 2015 #139

Their "sacred beliefs" include interfering with the autonomy of women and LGBT PeaceNikki May 2015 #83

She is so clueless! +1000 for your post. nt Logical May 2015 #84

RESPECT THEM FOR THEIR SACREDNESS, LOGICAL!!!!!! PeaceNikki May 2015 #86

,+1 840high May 2015 #88

+1,000,000 beam me up scottie May 2015 #91

Why should someone else's HATEFUL beliefs about others be respected? beam me up scottie May 2015 #93

I'm waiting for a reason I should care... Oktober May 2015 #138

I don't think you have grasped the concept ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #148

Thought you were discussing... Oktober May 2015 #151

I am not the least bit "testy". NanceGreggs May 2015 #160

Then why get rude? I think you realize you looked terrible in this post. nt Logical May 2015 #172

OMG!!! NanceGreggs May 2015 #204

LOL, taking an ass kicking in this thread has made you grumpy! Nap time!! nt Logical May 2015 #171

Poor Logical ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #187

You really believe that? beam me up scottie May 2015 #192

Mocking people who thinks all gays go to hell is 100% ok, maybe you agree with the religion?? nt Logical May 2015 #194

Have you bothered to check out ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #200

say you are saying the holy books of the abrahamic faiths are "beyond ludicrous"? Warren Stupidity May 2015 #233

So what if they're offended? alarimer May 2015 #274

And no one *needs* to be offensive ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #276

"leave those who adhere to a religious faith should be free to do so without ridicule" Oktober May 2015 #286

Blasphemy is a victimless crime. eom MohRokTah May 2015 #3

I used to have that bumper sticker. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #5

Not just no, hell no! nt haikugal May 2015 #6

"a Deity" implies there are more than one Major Nikon May 2015 #7

I dont even have time to insult the dainty doilies my doggie does doo-doo on. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #8

Absolutely it should be allowed. And some deities deserve to be insulted anyways. Shoulders of Giants May 2015 #9

Zeus has persistent foot odor. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #11

And Thor is always leaving Mjolnir on the toilet! backscatter712 May 2015 #79

Don't try to lift the hammer, lift the seat. TheKentuckian May 2015 #181

Insulting deities is a civic obligation. True Blue Door May 2015 #10

You are GOD DAMN right it should be legal!!! JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!!!(nt) LostOne4Ever May 2015 #12

by Jove, I think you've got it. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #13

I was just going to say that some people I know would have little to say, in that case. libdem4life May 2015 #35

... on a cracker. Arugula Latte May 2015 #178

Waiting for the but-heads to show up. beam me up scottie May 2015 #14

Lol @ but-heads PeaceNikki May 2015 #15

Like ringing a dinner bell. beam me up scottie May 2015 #45

I wouldn't do it but.. KinMd May 2015 #18

Is there anyone here ... NanceGreggs May 2015 #19

Looking at the results of the poll, the answer to that question seems to be "no." Chathamization May 2015 #118

Yeah, it's "Strawman Underground" now. NanceGreggs May 2015 #119

I suppose it's easier than actually addressing an opponents arguments Chathamization May 2015 #162

Depends on which Deity... ileus May 2015 #20

Nope, and after observing Southern Baptists for the last 35 years or so, Lars39 May 2015 #21

They have equal ambiguity about the definition of "sin", as well. Lots of "depends". libdem4life May 2015 #36

No. (Except, of course, for the Flying Spaghetti Monster) Binkie The Clown May 2015 #25

You can't lock people up just for something they say... Salviati May 2015 #27

Hell no and I say that as a believing Christian. hrmjustin May 2015 #29

this is a joke, right? niyad May 2015 #38

NO! But there SHOULD BE some way to insert a little logic into some brains. napi21 May 2015 #40

What about Republicans? oberliner May 2015 #183

You don't have to even try to icite a Pubbie! napi21 May 2015 #195

If you can prove any deities exist, I will consider the question. nt Rex May 2015 #41

Has anyone proposed that? rug May 2015 #47

However ann--- May 2015 #54

So blasphemy should only be legal if it doesn't provoke people to violence? beam me up scottie May 2015 #56

Gives ISIS a heckler's veto. backscatter712 May 2015 #73

Yep, and if they do act out it's on them. beam me up scottie May 2015 #77

Oh for fucks sake. backscatter712 May 2015 #64

GASP! beam me up scottie May 2015 #66

So cartoon contests involving Moses and Mohammad are okay? Dr. Strange May 2015 #74

|:-} beam me up scottie May 2015 #80

The fuck, you say. X_Digger May 2015 #90

No it should not, and it's stupid to even suggest it. nt Codeine May 2015 #164

It is creating a public nuisance. HubertHeaver May 2015 #182

If i burn down a CVS because you mocked my belief in Leprechauns, are YOU the guilty one? NoJusticeNoPeace May 2015 #254

No, it shouldn't be against the law DawgHouse May 2015 #55

I'd never insult any diety. BlancheSplanchnik May 2015 #57

My newest discovered way to insult Islam... backscatter712 May 2015 #58

Hell yes! It's Yahwey or the highway! DanTex May 2015 #60

It shouldn't be illegal, but Blue_In_AK May 2015 #65

I, personally, wouldn't do it Terra Alta May 2015 #69

It should be required. cherokeeprogressive May 2015 #75

Fuck no. PeteSelman May 2015 #82

Most forms of dirt stupid hatred are quite legal. 99Forever May 2015 #85

I keep reading in that supposedly magic book that gay sex insults a deity. backscatter712 May 2015 #87

Also women who are not submissive. PeaceNikki May 2015 #89

Ever eat shellfish or pork? Wear blended fabrics? backscatter712 May 2015 #92

Injecting a little levity here ... Arugula Latte May 2015 #287

156 to 1 BainsBane May 2015 #96

DU needs to follow Oklahoma and place a ban on Sharia Law ASAP Chathamization May 2015 #126

No, most people don't. Most people understand the 1st Amendment. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #135

One person said it should be illegal. beam me up scottie May 2015 #140

and other people have been making the same argument. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #141

Well the 1st Amendment isn't important to some people. beam me up scottie May 2015 #144

No, incitement of violence BainsBane May 2015 #282

The poor Spaghetti Monster would be sauced. Historic NY May 2015 #105

You disrepected my god. I kill you. Yorktown May 2015 #154

No. They are all equally non-existent. truebrit71 May 2015 #108

Is there a competition on DU among atheists guillaumeb May 2015 #109

It's a simple question. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #136

It is a simplisitc question. guillaumeb May 2015 #165

Well, i happen to think the 1st Amendment is pretty fucking important. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #176

I agree that the First Amendment is crucial. eom guillaumeb May 2015 #196

Indispensable. At the same time we can say we will do almost anything including risk NoJusticeNoPeace May 2015 #255

Any ideology can be criticized. And mockery is a good tool to expose the silliness of religions. Yorktown May 2015 #155

You are undoubtedly correct. guillaumeb May 2015 #166

The entire purpose of this site is to "mock other people's beliefs". PeaceNikki May 2015 #168

Understood. guillaumeb May 2015 #169

But but but, nothing. PeaceNikki May 2015 #170

I understand your point. guillaumeb May 2015 #197

We need less religion in secular society and in politics. PeaceNikki May 2015 #199

I believe in the absolute separation of church and state. guillaumeb May 2015 #201

Anger is a powerful, scary emotion Lordquinton May 2015 #231

Anger, like acid, can as easily harm the user. guillaumeb May 2015 #247

If an adult phil89 May 2015 #177

Satire is effective. Yorktown May 2015 #214

Satire IS effective. guillaumeb May 2015 #253

Religion is powerful Yorktown May 2015 #277

Dialogue is also a good way. But extremists and ideologues guillaumeb May 2015 #278

Right now, try having a critical dialogue about Islam in Pakistan. Yorktown May 2015 #279

And no one in the US government can give a rational explanation for our actions. guillaumeb May 2015 #280

Do not underestimate the needs of the Caliphal Empire Yorktown May 2015 #284

religion is often linked to patriotism. guillaumeb May 2015 #291

Very true. Religion displays clear parasitic features. Yorktown May 2015 #300

"the silliest reason to insult religion?" beam me up scottie May 2015 #159

see my post #166 eom guillaumeb May 2015 #167

I don't want to have a conversation with christian bigots. beam me up scottie May 2015 #185

So you can never find anything to agree on with Christians? guillaumeb May 2015 #198

No I don't know any christians. beam me up scottie May 2015 #203

I have never lived in the Bible Belt. I live near Chicago now. guillaumeb May 2015 #208

I moved here from Vermont. beam me up scottie May 2015 #209

you went from Bernie Sanders to the Bible belt? guillaumeb May 2015 #210

Oh yeah. beam me up scottie May 2015 #212

She is back in Illinois. guillaumeb May 2015 #215

Country music is an incestuous industry that censors non-conformists. beam me up scottie May 2015 #217

Thanks for the sentiment. Also glad she is back here. guillaumeb May 2015 #222

I'm forced to deal with country music because of where I live. beam me up scottie May 2015 #223

we did not listen to US style country music at home. guillaumeb May 2015 #224

It deserves much of it's criticism I feel Lordquinton May 2015 #232

Side stepping the issue? Yes, a time out, so to speak. guillaumeb May 2015 #250

it is religions that produce the silliness we mock, and they do that in an astounding abundance. nt. Warren Stupidity May 2015 #234

It should be against the law to post ignorant push polls on DU. U4ikLefty May 2015 #110

Cyborgs don't sweat, Jacko. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #137

30 seconds would seem like a week. A week would seem like an eternity. eom guillaumeb May 2015 #202

Considering all the havoc deities are alleged to have done... Kalidurga May 2015 #121

It's all Zeus's fault Art_from_Ark May 2015 #124

"Only the road that is no road is long enough to go nowhere."--eridani-san, honored Duer. panader0 May 2015 #127

No. ismnotwasm May 2015 #132

Not only no but HELL, NO!!! hobbit709 May 2015 #152

There's a difference between legal and socially unacceptable. n/t Calista241 May 2015 #153

Insulting a diety is not socially unacceptable. It's part and parcel of our culture Bluenorthwest May 2015 #161

nope Liberal_in_LA May 2015 #156

On the other hand.. sendero May 2015 #163

:/ Go Vols May 2015 #173

No. If the deity is offended it can do its own smiting (n/t) Retrograde May 2015 #174

One would think, right? Warren DeMontague May 2015 #175

Of course not. That's completey stupid. Iggo May 2015 #180

No (nt) bigwillq May 2015 #184

What an absurd question! bobjacksonk2832 May 2015 #189

Yeah, isn't it? Until recently, I wouldn't have thought to even ask it, not here. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #193

I think clumsy mocking that's lacking in humour should be illegal... Violet_Crumble May 2015 #205

256-1 is still considered 100% Renew Deal May 2015 #206

Alles, was nicht pflicht ist, ist verboten. rogerashton May 2015 #211

Jesusfuckingchrist...No! Tom Ripley May 2015 #216

Odd's Bodkin, Christ on a crutch, and by the Prophet's beard, Jackpine Radical May 2015 #218

Good thing we cleared that up. el_bryanto May 2015 #237

I'm sure we'll get the "I'm sorry my accusations turned out to be BS" post any day now... N/T Chathamization May 2015 #275

This message was self-deleted by its author Hiraeth May 2015 #238

Hasa Diga Eebowai! (show tune reference) LeftinOH May 2015 #239

Insulting an imaginary being a crime? we can do it May 2015 #241

Just wanted to give BlueJazz a little company. nt. NCTraveler May 2015 #249

I was wondering about that. KamaAina May 2015 #271

Heh. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #281

No. That's just fucking stupid. PoutrageFatigue May 2015 #256

Note to the two Yes voters: We can see you. KamaAina May 2015 #260

It seems you actually didn't see them. Chathamization May 2015 #270

No doubt, we're all all entitled to illustrate our character via valid satire... LanternWaste May 2015 #262

Hey, anything to counter the simplistic & omnipresent scolding and villifying of Arugula Latte May 2015 #285

While still others have been told no assistance because they were born on the wrong side of an imagi LanternWaste May 2015 #296

No, fictional supreme sky beings and their superstitious stories need insulting Matrosov May 2015 #265

I can think of no legal basis under which such speech could be criminalized. n/t malthaussen May 2015 #272

You mean insulting like this...? countryjake May 2015 #273

Jesus Christ is ACTUALLY on a trailer hitch. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #283

Is Tom Brady considered a Deity? FSogol May 2015 #292

Your creeping sharia is noted Capt. Obvious May 2015 #295

Oh, I'm sure Santorum would be on board. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #297

Yes nearly a percent of DU for example. Shocking. nt el_bryanto May 2015 #298

The people who had lists of decades-old scotus decisions to rationalize their arguments that Warren DeMontague May 2015 #299

One man's sharia law Capt. Obvious May 2015 #301

I don't see "Sharia Law" as a real threat in the US. Warren DeMontague May 2015 #302