By DPA
London : The British government Wednesday defended the decision to award a knighthood to author Salman Rushdie and said it would not apologise for honouring him.
Home Secretary John Reid conceded that the issue was "sensitive," but added that the protection of people's right to express their opinions in literature, argument and politics was "of over-riding value to our society."
The award for Rushdie, whose 1988 book "The Satanic Verses" was considered blasphemous in large parts of the Muslim world, has sparked anger and demonstrations in Pakistan, Iran, Malaysia and other countries.
Britain has voiced its "deep concern" over reported remarks by a Pakistani minister that the honour for Rushdie could be seen by some as justifying suicide bombings.
"I think we have a set of values that accrues people honours for their contribution to literature even when they don't agree with our point of view. That's our way and that's what we stand by," said Reid.
His remarks, reported by Britain's Press Association, came in response to a question at the end of a speech to the Citizens' Crime Commission in New York Wednesday.