The host of MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports” asked French ambassador to the United States Gérard Araud why “provocative” anti-Muslim cartoons were permissible in France, when they had taken steps to ban Holocaust denial.
“The tradition of free speech, it all began in France during the 1700’s and 18th century,” Mitchell said. “But there are laws in France, laws that say you cannot deny the Holocaust, laws that say you cannot deny the Armenian genocide.” (RELATED: College Professor: Paper Attacked By Islamists Was ‘Devoted To Hate Speech’)
“So why is it permissible to be as provocative as these anti-Muslim cartoons were?” she asked, before ominously adding, “This is a debate we’re having in the United States as well, you know.”