Statement on the 12 Danish Cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed
On September 30, 2005, a newspaper in Denmark named Jyllands-Posten published 12 editorial cartoons by different cartoonists of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed and other Muslim figures. One cartoon depicted Mohammed wearing a turban in the shape of a bomb with a lit fuse.
Because many Muslims regarded the cartoons as disrespectful, Muslims around the world protested against them. In many places, the protests were peaceful, but in several Asian countries, the protests turned violent. Rioters burned Danish flags, threatened people, and sacked Danish and other Western embassies. Injuries and deaths resulted.
Most news agencies around the world reported the protests; a few organizations reprinted the cartoons as well. In Canada, news editors initially refrained from reprinting the cartoons, but in early February 2006 at least four Canadian publications reprinted them. Offended Muslims demonstrated peacefully in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
The debate over the wisdom of republishing the 12 Danish cartoons of Mohammed in Canada is ongoing and vigorous. To contribute to this debate, the Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council wishes to declare its position.
Since 1978, the committee has defended Canadians’ right to free expression and their freedom to read. The committee has also encouraged understanding for and tolerance of opposing opinions. Today, the committee reaffirms those basic principles and specifies the following points.
- Canadians have the right to publish the cartoons. Publishers may reprint all, some or none of the cartoons for their readers.
- Private retailers in Canada have the right to sell publications that have reprinted the cartoons. Private retailers may sell or not sell such publications.
- Public libraries have the right to stock publications that have reprinted the cartoons.
- Canadians may read or ignore the cartoons.
- Canadians may participate in the public debate or remain silent.
- Canadians who find the cartoons offensive have the right of peaceful response. They may
- speak their minds in public;
- write letters to publishers and editors;
- write letters to elected representatives;
- publish their views in editorials and advertisements;
- demonstrate in public; and
- boycott goods and services.
- The Freedom of Expression Committee condemns all censorship of the cartoons as an obstacle to informed debate and greater understanding.
- The committee condemns all violence and threats of violence.
The debate over the 12 Danish cartoons of Mohammed has produced a constructive dialogue about free expression, religious sensibilities and the responsibilities of the news media. The Book and Periodical Council encourages Canadians to continue this debate peacefully, responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
