Letter: Workable blasphemy laws in a liberal society

Sir: The reason why I, as a Christian, am not anxious to see the continuance of the blasphemy law is that, while the names of God and Jesus Christ are constantly taken in vain in the everyday conversation of this country (and not least on television), it seems to me hypocritical to maintain a special law which in any case is rarely invoked. Is this not, as somebody once said, straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel?

No, no, let us do away with these pretences. Abolish the blasphemy law, disestablish the Church of England, and then let Christians - and any Muslims who agree with me - patiently try to show to their fellow citizens why the names that are precious to our religions ought not to be profaned.

Yours faithfully,

PATRICK RODGER

Edinburgh