The Satanic Verses

EDM number 643 in 1991-92, proposed by Max Madden on 07/02/1992.

That this House regrets the publication of The Satanic Verses despite warnings from Penguin's Indian editorial consultant and others that the book's publication would stir controversy and cause offence to many Muslims; condemns without reservation all threats against the life of Salman Rushdie and the deaths, threats and damage to property against those associated with the publication of the book; expresses sympathy to the relatives of those who died in demonstrations overseas against the book; urges Mr Rushdie and his supporters not to publish The Satanic Verses in paperback; believes unfettered freedom of speech is impossible in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-faith society such as the United Kingdom; calls upon Her Majesty's Government to repeal the blasphemy laws and to introduce laws which would make incitement of racial or religious hatred a criminal offence; and notes the need for a debate on these profoundly important issues which have aroused so much public concern and discussion over the past three years.

This motion has been signed by a total of 3 MPs.