If Americans Are Indians Ruled by Swedes, Who Are the Swedes Ruled by Again?

The Washington Post reported Saturday that a Swedish appeals court had reversed the conviction of a pastor who was found guilty of propogating "hate-speech" in a sermon condemning homosexuality. The appeals court found that although sexual orientation was a protected category under the law, it "was never intended to stifle open discussion of homosexuality or restrict a pastor's right to preach."

Well, this is a fine kettle of lutefisk. Sociologist Peter Berger has famously argued that if India is the most religious country in the world and Sweden the most secular, America is a country of Indians ruled by Swedes. Berger may owe the Swedes something of an apology if this ruling stands. Depending on the jurisdiction, it is at least arguable that Swedish pastors now have somewhat more leaway than American pastors to speak their conscience on the topic of homosexual sex. A couple years ago, the sign announcing the weekly sermon topic at a conservative African-American congregation in Dr. Potomac's neighborhood was dismantled and removed, by city employees because the sign said, "God Made Adam and Eve Not Adam and Steve" which, by comparison with these fire-breathing Swedes, is pretty tame stuff indeed.

Could it possibly be that we have reached the point where religious liberty is more secure in the home-office of secularism, Sweden, than it is here in the U.S.? Dr. Potomac awaits the answer from Sweden's high court.