The Dutch mistake

Opinion Journal:

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The court yesterday overruled this decision, arguing that the lawmaker should be prosecuted for "inciting hatred and discrimination" and also "for insulting Muslim worshippers because of comparisons between Islam and Nazism." This is no small victory for Islamic regimes seeking to export their censorship laws to wherever Muslims reside. But the successful integration of Muslims in Europe will require that immigrants adapt to Western norms, not vice versa. Limiting the Dutch debate of Islam to standards acceptable in, say, Saudi Arabia, will only shore up support for Mr. Wilders's argument that Muslim immigration is eroding traditional Dutch liberties.

That is a good analysis. The ruling is also likely to backfire on the Dutch as freedom lovers begin boycotting their products if the prosecution goes forward.

Jacob Laskin points out the absurdity of the Courts argument against having an opinion. Gates of Vienna also looks at the charges.