Preston religious group holding live international debate after France attacks

Three of the speakers (L-R): Ustadha Khola Hasan, Dr. Shaykh Umar al Qadri, Bishop Tony Robinson — Three of the speakers (L-R): Ustadha Khola Hasan, Dr Shaykh Umar al Qadri, Bishop Tony Robinson

A Preston Muslim group is holding a live international debate on free speech in response to the recent France attacks.

Light Foundation is bringing together seven leading scholars for the event entitled Free Speech, Vigilantism and Protecting the Rights of Religious Minorities.

The event aims to explore the meaning of free speech, its limitations and how people can co-exist peacefully.

Promotional material from Light Foundation says: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, expression and speech; this right includes the right to safety, security and protection.

“Should the gift of free speech and expression be at the expense of mocking or defaming a religion and its followers?”

The speaker line-up includes Rabbi Jeremy Schneider from the USA, Dr Shaykh Umar al Qadri from Ireland and Father Patrick McInerney from Australia, plus Imam Qari Asim MBE, Ustadha Khola Hasan, Dr Anne Moseley and Bishop Tony Robinson from the UK.

A spokesperson for Light Foundation said: “All of the speakers are involved in some truly remarkable and inspirational work globally, trying to break difficult barriers through dialogue and debate, and bring communities together.”

Light Foundation is a non-profit organisation that describes itself as building bridges of peace, understanding and tolerance among all communities, while providing a safe platform for anyone wanting to know about Islam.

The event will be streamed live on the Light Foundation Facebook page on Thursday 12 November from 7.30pm.

Will you be joining the event? Let us know in the comments.