Three Dutch opposition parties are arguing that a ban on blasphemy is discriminatory, and want it scrapped.

According to leftwing liberal D66, Socialist Party and conservative VVD, the law should not offer more protection to religious opinions than to worldly ones. Liberal MP Boris van der Ham told Dutch TV that the current law on what is called "abusive blasphemy" is superfluous and the three parties are introducing a bill for its abolition.

A majority in the lower house is expected to approve the bill, with only governing Christian Democrats and Christian Union, and opposition orthodox christians voting against. The proposal will not be discussed until early next year.

Augustinians' Church in Eindhoven (Photo: FlickR/kees@eindhoven)