This is why the French seem to have a point. In France you can adhere to any religion you wish and express any point of view you may hold. If you want to promote the Jewish, Christian or Moslem faith, this is perfectly O.K.
But the French believe you can only enjoy these freedoms in a secular society where government and politics must follow republican ideals.
Now, what would happen if I travelled to Iran, stood up on a soapbox and began to critizice Islam? You guessed it, I'd be stoned and called an infidel and that would be the end of Carrera.
However, technically speaking, you should be able to make such open criticisms in Europe, specifically in France. Yet Blair is selling out (as is always the case). Blair is so worried about upsetting religious sentiment, he seeks to ban free criticism of religion and make it a criminal offence. In fact, Blair has stated his dream is to create a Christian/Islamic society.
So, where does that leave rational people and free expression?