This most likely is given in support of free speech.

William O Douglas, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1939 - 1975 said:

"Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversion's, it is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us"

By Hank Kemp | October 24, 2008 3:44 AM

Hank Kemp quote" "Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversion's, it is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us"

I agree with you Hank, It is un- american and also un-European

By sandra | October 24, 2008 7:39 AM

It's good to see Wilders getting some recognition for his work as a politician; whether you agree with his policies or not, he is surely one of the hardest working and uncorrupted in the whole of Europe.
Shame on the rest of the Netherlands Parliement, who think that by ignoring him and being extremely bad-mannered in their behaviour when he speaks, he will disappear.

Well Done Mr Wilders.

By Stefan | October 24, 2008 9:30 AM

It seems the American Freedom alliance all for freedom of speech and religion, that is unless you're a muslim.
"The American Freedom Alliance’s mission is to promote the free exchange of ideas, freedom of inquiry and freedom of conscience among the practitioners of the world’s religions. It seeks to build alliances between such communities and people of faith in order to protect and defend common values, principles and ideals. Its programs, publications and websites explore the means by which peoples of faith around the world can protect their ethical principles and moral values against the scourge of anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism, coercion, penalties for blasphemy and fascist ideologies.

By Garry | October 24, 2008 10:17 AM

I am really shocked by this award going to a misguided politician. The AFA should try to get to know Geert Wilders somewhat better before going ahead.

By Ingrid Pieters | October 24, 2008 11:05 AM

Is it free speech or racism or hate-mongering when Geert Wilders says the Koran should be destroyed?

By Louise | October 24, 2008 1:27 PM

The match between the right wing intolerable Wilders and the Right wing AFA is a logical one. But believe me that neither groups have anything to do with Freedom of speech. and Stefan, it is Wilders that behaves "Bad mannered" in our parliament, as well as being racist and hate spreading, not the rest of the parliament.

Personally I'm not impressed at all at this price, as it stands for intolerable indoctrination.
AFA does for example not allow any discussion about misconducts of the Israel government towards the Palestinian government and people.

By DeBoezeleare | October 24, 2008 2:41 PM

Sadly it is another group in another country that recognizes a man that is truly speaking to try and help the Netherlands. Someone who has paid an enormous price for saying things many believe but are probably afraid to say.
Is he racist? He speaks against a religion he believes is harmful. I would say that he truly is a rightful winner because what he does say many do not want to hear

By bet | October 25, 2008 1:03 PM

And as the Dutch say: one hand washes the other...

By Q | October 25, 2008 4:20 PM

Wilders is giving an overdue wake-up call to the Nederlands, but the Dutch people are sleeping. The Netherlands needs to return to the one true God, the Jesus of the Bible.

By D.A. Jongsma | October 25, 2008 9:16 PM

I quote: "and Stefan, it is Wilders that behaves "Bad mannered" in our parliament, as well as being racist and hate spreading, not the rest of the parliament."

That is nonsense. I don't agree with most of what Wilders stands for. But watch the others when Wilders speeches. Nothing but contempt, smirks on their faces, irritation, impatience. Why? Because they know Wilders has a point.

Wilders is not a racist. Religion is not race. And he is not anti-Jew either.

I don't agree that he spreads hate. The ones that do not agree with him are far more aggressive in their language than Wilders is.

Other parties would not have a Wilders if they would properly defend the values of our secular democracy against immigrants who bring their own package of religious anti-democratic demands.

By Fe | November 1, 2008 8:54 PM