 | Press ReleasesHigh Court blasphemy bid fails – BBC statement |
The BBC issued a statement this morning following a High Court decision in relation to the broadcast of Jerry Springer – The Opera: "We are pleased to note the High Court's decision today. We note the court's decision that a private criminal prosecution for blasphemy in relation to Jerry Springer – The Opera had no prospect of success and should not proceed. "The BBC took the decision to broadcast Jerry Springer – The Opera after the most careful consideration. We believe the work, taken in its proper context, satirises and attacks exploitative chat shows and not the Christian religion. The Court's judgement today vindicates that decision in full. "Today's decision addresses the way the law of blasphemy applies to broadcasters, and the Court has found that criminal prosecutions for blasphemy should not be permitted in relation to broadcasts. This is an important decision in the defence of free speech. We, of course, believe that broadcasters should continue to exercise great care and sensitivity when dealing with potential religious offence, and that has not changed. "It is a matter of regret that considerable public money has been spent on a case with no merit. The BBC had no choice but to defend this case, but in our view it should never have been brought." BBC Press Office | 
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