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- Every September 30
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Blasphemy Day takes a stand every September 30 against laws that punish speech critical of religion. This day highlights the plight of millions worldwide who face persecution for their thoughts and words. Join the movement to advocate for universal free speech, support organizations fighting for secular rights, and educate others on the importance of intellectual freedom.
Want to sponsor Blasphemy Day? Learn how
Expected Blasphemy Day Deals
For Blasphemy Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to supporting organizations dedicated to free speech and secularism. Groups like the Center for Inquiry, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch often run donation drives and awareness campaigns. Expect calls to action for signing petitions, sharing educational resources, and contributing to legal defense funds for those persecuted under blasphemy laws. While no retail promotions are typically associated, supporting publishers of secular literature or human rights-focused media can be a meaningful way to observe the day. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as September 30 approaches.
Platform Guide for Blasphemy Day
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Mention @NatlToday and use #BlasphemyDay. Share articles, legal analyses, and personal stories highlighting the impact of blasphemy laws globally.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BlasphemyDay. Join discussions in groups dedicated to free speech and human rights, sharing educational videos and calls to action.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #BlasphemyDay. Engage in professional dialogues about human rights, international law, and the role of secularism in global governance.
Blasphemy Day Hero
Christopher Hitchens
History of Blasphemy Day
On 30 September 2005, a Danish newspaper named “Jyllands-Posten” posted 12 editorial cartoons of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. The move, justified by the newspaper as an attempt to criticize Islamic censorship, angered prominent Danish-Muslim groups. After a failed court case and lack of support from the government, a congregation of Danish imams, led by Ahmed Akkari visited the Middle East to drum up support for the cause.
After months of hysteria and manufactured lies, Ahmed Akkari sought enough support from Muslim-majority nations to launch a movement against the Danish government. The protests reached far and wide and had major international implications. Danish embassies around the world were bombed and over 100 people, including the protestors, were killed.
This stunning act of religious intolerance shook the world and triggered many debates about freedom of speech. Years after the matter settled down, Ronald A. Lindsay, CEO of the Center for Inquiry, was presented with the idea of honoring the right to free speech on the anniversary of the Danish article. The idea was accepted and since 2009, every September 30 is celebrated as International Blasphemy Rights Day.
It is important to clear the air on the intent of this day. International Blasphemy Rights Day is observed in defense of free speech, not in support of ridiculing a particular religious belief. Blasphemy laws violate the tenets of our collective freedom. International Blasphemy Rights Day is observed in reaffirmation of our belief that no religion or sect is beyond criticism.
Blasphemy Day timeline
Centuries after its colonization by England, Australia enacts the first constitutional ‘Blasphemous and Seditious Libels Act’ in New South Wales.
On September 30, 2005, Danish newspaper “Jyllands-Posten” publishes a caricature of Mohammad, triggering worldwide protests.
To defend freedom of speech, the Center for Inquiry honors September 30 as International Blasphemy Rights Day.
The Danish parliament votes to repeal blasphemy laws in practice since 1866.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Blasphemy Day
Local businesses, particularly those in publishing, education, or legal services, can observe Blasphemy Day by hosting educational events or discussions on free speech. Bookstores might feature sections on secular literature or human rights. Law firms could offer pro bono advice on free expression issues. Businesses can also partner with human rights organizations to raise awareness, perhaps by sharing informative content on their platforms or offering to match employee donations to relevant causes, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and critical thinking.
Blasphemy Day FAQs
When is Blasphemy Day?
Blasphemy Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 30. It’s a day dedicated to raising global awareness about the dangers of blasphemy laws and advocating for universal free speech.
How many countries have blasphemy laws?
According to the Center for Inquiry, over 69 countries currently have blasphemy laws. These statutes often lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment or even death, for those accused of insulting religious beliefs.
What is the history of Blasphemy Day?
Blasphemy Day was established by the Center for Inquiry in 2009, coinciding with the anniversary of the publication of controversial cartoons of Muhammad in a Danish newspaper. The day aims to defend freedom of expression and challenge laws that criminalize blasphemy.
What is the difference between blasphemy and hate speech?
Blasphemy typically refers to speech or actions that insult or show contempt for a deity, religion, or sacred things. Hate speech, on the other hand, targets individuals or groups based on characteristics like race, religion, or sexual orientation, inciting discrimination or violence.
How to celebrate Blasphemy Day
Raise awareness about the issue
Many countries have constitutional blasphemy laws. In many places, a blasphemous comment or speech is punishable by death. And then there are extra-judicial killings. On September 30, educate as many people as you can about the grim statistics of blasphemy-related casualties.
Create a social media campaign
The right to speech is critical to freedom. As we navigate life in these precarious times, we cannot take our freedom of speech for granted. Post your personal thoughts and feelings on social media with the hashtag #InternationalBlasphemyRightsDay.
Promote open dialogue
Have an open dialogue with the people you disagree with. Be it politics, lifestyle choices, or food preferences, the diversity of thought and the freedom to express it must be celebrated.
5 Blasphemy Laws That Will Blow Your Mind
Afghanistan
Afghanistan prohibits blasphemy under Sharia law and the perpetrator can be sentenced to execution by hanging.
Pakistan
Trespassing a burial ground or defiling a place of worship in Pakistan is punishable by imprisonment.
Iran
Criticizing the Islamic government or insulting Islam is punishable by death under the Islamic theocracy of Iran.
Jordan
Scorning any of the Prophets is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years in Jordan.
Qatar
Blasphemy is punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment in Qatar.
Why We Observe Blasphemy Day
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere
Reiterating the words of the great Martin Luther King Jr., human beings everywhere are “tied in a single garment of destiny.” Turning our heads away from the grave injustices that others face can be catastrophic. It is our moral imperative to raise our voices against the injustices happening thousands of miles away from us.
Blasphemy laws deserve global condemnation
It is our shared belief that no religion is beyond criticism. The freedom to voice our opinions against discrimination and injustice cannot be threatened. Yet, this is the reality of millions of people. By coming together on September 30, we send an astounding rejection to the enablers of blasphemy laws everywhere.
Change is possible
Resistance to oppressive policies is never futile. There has been a tremendous social change in the last decade alone. We believe we will one day see a future free of blasphemy laws, and that is why we observe International Blasphemy Rights Day.
Blasphemy Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 30 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 30 | Thursday |
| 2028 | September 30 | Saturday |
| 2029 | September 30 | Sunday |
| 2030 | September 30 | Monday |
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