Salman Rushdie goes on offensive after Indian
festival appearance is cancelled

But in the real world where societies are plural, then it is both inevitable and important that people offend the sensibilities of others. Inevitable, because where different beliefs are deeply held, clashes are unavoidable. And we should deal with those clashes rather than suppress them. Important because any kind of social change or social progress means offending some deeply held sensibilities. The right to ‘subject each others’ fundamental beliefs to criticism’ is the bedrock of an open, diverse society.

Colbert explains how to deal with Internet
censorship protests

[Update Jan 15th] Atheists have no right
to decide what is, or what is not offensive to believers
Atheists face Muslim-led censorship from
UCL Union

Could You Be A Criminal? US Supports UN Anti-Free Speech Measure

Kumar had on December 20 issued summonses to the social networking sites and asked them to remove objectionable photographs, videos or texts that might hurt religious sentiments.