Rare Common Sense: July 2002 Archives

James Kirkup's banned poem The Love That Dares To Speak Its Name will be published in leaflet form and read out in London on Thursday 11th July. The date is the 25th anniversary of Gay News' conviction for blasphemy for publishing the poem. Several people, including gay rights activist Peter Tatchell and author Iain Banks, have put their names to the publication with the challenge arrest us or abolish the blasphemy law. Peter Tatchell said:

The blasphemy law gives the Christian religion privileged protection against criticism and dissent. No other institution enjoys such sweeping powers to suppress the expression of opinions and ideas.

The protest will take place at 11am on the steps of St Martins-in-the-Field Church, Trafalgar Square. St Martin's was chosen because it has been traditionally associated with dissent, protest and free speech. Blasphemy Law Defied - Bid for Abolition, Press release from Peter Tatchell, July 3rd 2002.
British Humanist Association.
National Secular Society.
Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association.
Rationalist Press Association.