Hi Steve, and when I submitted my complaint to the BCCSA, this was their
response:
We acknowledge receipt of your complaint and would like to advise that
when lodging a complaint we require the Complainant's full name, address
since e-mail addresses are not sufficient and contact numbers.
The BCCSA Tribunal's finding as far as blasphemous language is
concerned, is that not every use of the Name of God or Jesus Christ
amounts to blasphemy. Although, from a principled view, each version is
as offensive as the other, it is also true that usages of certain forms
have become more common than others and even more acceptable or
tolerable. In analysing them, factors such as whether Christ was mocked,
the context in which the words were used, the intention of the words and
the artistic merit of the broadcast in which they were used should be
considered. It can be argued that in the context, these names were used
as exclamations, and were integral to establishing the personalities and
circumstances of the characters.
It must be borne in mind that many films reflect reality and a film
cannot be condemned because it offended some viewers. The test is not
whether the language complained about is regarded as appropriate, the
question to be addressed is whether the film has exceeded the limits of
the broadcaster’s freedom of expression to such an extent that the
word’s judged within context, sanctions, promotes, glamorise, violence
based on religion.
The Broadcaster has freedom of expression, and the right to freedom of
expression is entrenched in section 16 of the Constitution of the
Republic of South Africa. Freedom of expression, according to section
16(1)(a), of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa includes
freedom of the press and other media. This section contains its own
internal limitation in subsection (2) by determining that the right does
not extend to advocacy of hated that is based on race, ethnicity, gender
or religion that constitutes incitement to cause harm.
The movie in question was passed by the Film and Publication Board in
2003 with an age restriction of 16-years and warnings as to "Sex and
Violence".
Enclosed for your information please find the BCCSA's decision with
regards to blasphemous language. The judgment is definitive and binding
on the broadcasters as well as the viewers.
Your complaint will be forwarded to the SABC for their information.
Post by Steve HayesPost by ProfQThe movie, The Life of David Gale, in conversation between actors, the
words "JESUS CHRIST" are mentioned. We are SO sick and tired of all
television channels broadcasting movies where our God and Lord's names
are debased and used as swear words. Why do they not bleep or silence
them out like MWEB does? How would the Muslims react if instead of the
above words, we heard "Muhammed F***king Allah" all the time?
I'm fascinated by the frequency with which Americans say "Oh my GUARD!"
There's a TV programme called "Overhaulin'" where people fix up other people's
cars free of charge and present it to them as a surprise, and the only thing
they all say is "Oh my Guard!"