#609 | A Short History of Blasphemy in Britain
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This episode explores the complex and often troubling history of blasphemy law in Britain, tracing its evolution from the execution of 20-year-old Thomas Aikenhead in 1697 for questioning religious texts, to the 2008 abolition of blasphemy as a criminal offence. The host, Alastair Budge, reveals how blasphemy law was never truly about protecting faith, but rather about preserving the political and social order tied to the Church of England. He highlights key moments—such as Percy Bysshe Shelley’s expulsion from Oxford, the 1977 Gay News trial, and the controversy around Monty Python’s Life of Brian—to show that even in modern times, religious offence remained legally actionable. The episode then pivots to the pivotal moment when Muslim communities discovered that blasphemy laws did not protect Islam, exposing the law’s Christian bias. This led to a national debate culminating in the 2008 abolition of the law. Yet, the conversation resurfaced in 2024 when a Labour MP called for new laws against desecrating religious texts, prompting concern over the future of free expression. The episode concludes by reflecting on the enduring tension between protecting religious feelings and upholding freedom of speech in a pluralistic society.
Blasphemy law in Britain was historically used to protect the Church of England and the political order, not all religions equally.
The last execution for blasphemy occurred in 1697, but the law remained enforceable in principle until 2008.
The 1977 Gay News trial and Monty Python’s Life of Brian showed that religious offence still carried legal and social consequences in the late 20th century.
Muslim communities discovered that blasphemy laws did not protect Islam, revealing the law’s Christian-centric nature.
The 2008 abolition of blasphemy law was a major step toward secularism, but debates over religious protection continue.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to the Mini-Series on Blasphemy and Free Expression
Alastair Budge introduces the three-part mini-series on blasphemy in Britain, explaining that this episode covers the historical context, while parts 2 and 3—on Salman Rushdie and The Satanic Verses—will be member-only. He promotes Leonardo English membership for access to exclusive content and learning tools.
The Last Execution for Blasphemy: Thomas Aikenhead, 1697
“He was the last person executed for blasphemy in Britain.”
The Origins and Evolution of Blasphemy Law
The episode traces the etymology of 'blasphemy' from Greek 'blasphemia' (to speak harmfully) to its Christianized meaning in English. It explains how blasphemy became a political crime tied to the divine right of kings and the fusion of church and state under Henry VIII, making criticism of religion tantamount to rebellion.
Institutional and Criminal Responses to Blasphemous Ideas
“Blasphemy law was a political tool. It was not being used to protect God. It was being used to protect the ruling class.”
The 1977 Gay News Trial and the Persistence of Blasphemy Law
“A poem was not a crime. Freedom of expression had to include the right to offend.”
“British law was telling Muslim citizens that their faith deserved less legal protection than the faith of their Christian neighbours.”
“Blasphemy law was a political tool. It was not being used to protect God. It was being used to protect the ruling class.”
“We still have not fully settled how a free society should respond to the sacred.”
Host
Alastair Budge
person
Leonardo English
organization
Thomas Aikenhead
person
Salman Rushdie
person
Richard Carlyle
person
The Satanic Verses
book
Gay News
other
Monty Python
organization
Mary Whitehouse
person
Percy Bysshe Shelley
person
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