Freedom of expression

There was a furore in religious circles over Birmingham Rep's staging of the play Behzti, which features scenes of murder and abuse in a Seikh temple. And just a big a cry of outrage when they pulled the play.

Some have expressed dismay over politicians who say with freedom of speech comes the responsibility not to offend. Artists have countered with Freedom of expression is nothing without the freedom to offend.

I will have to depart from the line taken by my younger liberal coleagues here. With rights and freedoms come duties and responsibilities. They go hand in hand. With freedom of expression comes the responsibility not to abuse it.

I can't comment directly on the merits of Behzti as I know nothing about it beyond the crude precis the media have presented. However I will say that I consider that if the play seeks to offend simply for the sake of causing offence then the playwright may be abusing his freedom of expression. However the play may very well be making a good point, and be exploring important issues, which may excuse the offense caused.