Elforkani justifies his demand by creating a false equivalence: “when our Jewish brothers are attacked, it quickly becomes anti-Semitism and that is not allowed.”
Where in the Netherlands or in Europe at large is criticism of Jews prohibited? Meanwhile, some of Elforkani’s Muslim brothers in the Netherlands have engaged in viciously anti-Semitic rhetoric, as well as actual physical attacks on Jews and Jewish-owned businesses. The idea that Jews are protected class in the Netherlands today is laughable. But if Elforkani’s demands are met, Muslims will be.
“Blue Mosque Imam wants legislation against insulting Mohammed,” translated from “Imam Blauwe Moskee wil wetgeving tegen beledigen Mohammed,” by Bas Soetenhorst, Het Parool, October 30, 2020 (thanks to Breitbart):
The freedom to insult the Prophet Muhammad must be curtailed by legislation. So says Yassin Elforkani, imam of the Blue Mosque in New West.
In his Friday sermon, he discussed the tense situation in France after a number of terror attacks. He told of a conversation he had with a young Muslim on Thursday who showed sympathy for the attacks. “I was shocked, because with everything I have in me I reject the attacks,” Elforkani said in an explanation.
“I have always condemned attacks in the past. But then he said, ‘Yassin, just explain this to me: when our Jewish brothers are attacked, it quickly becomes anti-Semitism and that is not allowed. I understand that. But why then is insulting the Prophet under freedom of speech?’ That got me thinking.”
Elforkani hopes with his appeal to start a discussion in the Lower House. “These insults against Islam create a very negative dynamic and a toxic atmosphere in society, with all the associated risks. We have to get rid of that. We will not resolve it if we continue to insist upon freedom of speech and that you should be able to say anything. It seems like a competition who can offend Islam the most.”
Give in to terror?
Elforkani does not believe that legislation protecting Islam from insults should be seen as giving in to terror. “Insulting Islam is about neither today nor yesterday. You should see this separately from the attacks in France. The point is that in the Netherlands we now talk past each other. Muslims say this has nothing to do with Islam. And right-wing parties say: this is now Islam.”
“Legislation and political debate are a good answer to terrorism. You send a signal with it: this is how we do it in a democracy. ”
“In addition, there is less and less attention to Islamophobia among the authorities. I am concerned about where all this will lead, when I sense the sentiment among especially younger Muslims. The prophet is insulted in a context of discrimination against Muslims in the labor market and insulting of Muslims. That makes it even grimmer and more complex.”
“At the same time, I think that Islamic organizations should shed their fears and go to court if they feel insulted. Then you can test whether it is okay. It makes no sense to dwell in anger.”