Blasphemy Day (September 30th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every September 30th
It's also known as:	International Blasphemy Rights Day
Tagged as:	Life & Living Religion & Belief
What are the hashtags?	#BlasphemyDay #InternationalBlasphemyRightsDay
When was it founded?	2009
We first published this page on:	May 18th, 2025
We last updated this page:	May 18th, 2025

Contents

Think of a day that boldly protects open speech—even when that speech stirs discomfort. Blasphemy Day gives space for people to speak their minds about religion, no matter how unpopular their views.

It’s not an attack on belief. It’s a defense of the right to question, debate, and disagree. In some countries, this kind of talk risks jail, violence, or even death.

The day pushes back against fear, asking people to stand firm for free expression.

This isn’t just about words. It’s about laws that still punish people for offending religious ideas. In many places, blasphemy charges come with heavy penalties, even death in some cases.

Blasphemy Day challenges those rules, pressing for change. It supports the freedom to think critically and speak honestly. When people lose that right, silence spreads. And when silence wins, progress stops.

How to Celebrate Blasphemy Day

Blasphemy Day encourages open dialogue and challenges societal norms. Here are several engaging ways to observe this day.

Host a Free Speech Gathering

Organize a local event where individuals can share thoughts on religion and free expression. Encourage respectful conversations and diverse viewpoints.

Such gatherings foster understanding and highlight the importance of dialogue.

Create Thought-Provoking Art

Use your creativity to express ideas about belief systems and freedom. Paintings, poems, or digital art can convey powerful messages.

Sharing your work can inspire others to reflect and discuss.

Engage in Online Discussions

Participate in forums or social media platforms to discuss topics related to blasphemy laws and free speech. Sharing articles and personal insights can raise awareness and promote critical thinking.

Support Relevant Organizations

Contribute to groups advocating for freedom of expression and against oppressive laws. Your support can help protect individuals facing persecution for their beliefs.

Research organizations to ensure your contributions make a meaningful impact.

Educate Yourself and Others

Read books or watch documentaries that explore the intersection of religion and free speech.

Hosting a discussion group can further deepen understanding and encourage open conversations. Knowledge empowers individuals to challenge unjust systems.

History of Blasphemy Day

Blasphemy Day began in 2009. The Center for Inquiry, an organization based in the United States, introduced the idea. They wanted to defend the right to speak freely, even about religion.

A college student suggested the concept after a world-shaking event. In 2005, a Danish newspaper published cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.

The drawings caused international outrage. Protests broke out. Some turned violent. Over 100 people died in the unrest that followed.

The Center for Inquiry saw how dangerous it could be to question religious ideas in public. In many places, doing so brings harsh punishment. People face prison, threats, or worse.

The group believed everyone should have the right to express disagreement with any belief. They created this day to support those who speak up, even when their words offend. Their goal wasn’t to attack faith—it was to protect free thought.

Blasphemy Day has grown since that first year. It now sparks events, debates, and online discussions in different parts of the world. It draws attention to laws that still punish people for speaking their minds.

This day challenges silence and fear. It reminds people that freedom of expression must include the freedom to question ideas—any ideas.

See what else is happening…

There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!

Blasphemy Day