Sir, – Dee Delany (Letters, April 13th) writes that “Catholicism is considered fair game but if the same happened to other faiths, it would be considered racist and identity-based bullying on the grounds of religious beliefs”.
People have rights. Beliefs do not. Every person should be treated with respect and dignity.
There should be no requirement to respect all beliefs. We should respect others’ right to hold a belief, but beliefs themselves should not have to be respected.
Some people contend that religious beliefs should be afforded special category status when it comes to challenge, satire, freedom of speech and freedom of expression.
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Why should religious beliefs get a free pass and others not?
All beliefs – including religious beliefs – should be open to challenge, satire and yes, ridicule. – Yours, etc,
ROB SADLIER,
Rathfarnham
Dublin 16
Sir, – It should be no surprise to Dee Delany that, among religions, Catholicism is subjected to the most disdain and disrespect in Ireland.
As she points out herself, it is the dominant faith in the country.
And, for many of us, it has caused the most damage. – Yours, etc,
DR JOHN O’SULLIVAN,
Stoneybatter,
Dublin 7.
