Blasphemy resolution passes U.N. committee
From Weasel Zippers:
(RNS) A resolution combating the “vilification of religions” was adopted Tuesday (Nov. 23) by a United Nations committee, but religious freedom advocates who oppose the measure say support for it continues to diminish.
The resolution by Islamic countries is scheduled to be considered by the U.N. General Assembly in December.
The vote — 76 yes, 64 no, and 42 abstentions — received fewer affirmative votes than last year, said Freedom House, a human rights group that has worked against the resolution.
“We are disappointed that this pernicious resolution has passed yet again, despite strong evidence that legal measures to restrict speech are both ineffective and a direct violation of freedom of expression,” said Paula Schriefer, director of advocacy at Freedom House.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent bipartisan panel, said the measure’s diminished support shows some countries think the resolution can do more harm than good.
“Religious intolerance is best fought through efforts to encourage respect for every individual’s human rights, not through national or international anti-blasphemy laws,” said USCIRF Chair Leonard Leo.
Days before its passage, the Organization of the Islamic Conference relabeled the resolution as condemning “vilification of religions” instead of “defamation of religions,” but U.S. officials and advocates continued to oppose it.
Since "vilification" means "to defame or malign" it's difficult to see what this particular bit of window-dressing is meant to accomplish. The good news it that the "yes" vote went down. The bad news, of course, is that it was introduced in the first place.
ReplyDeletePastorius,
ReplyDeleteOnce again, the U.N proves itself to be worse than useless. I really hope that those in power here, or at least most of the people in power here are smart enough and brave enough to tell the UN to pound sand. Most nations in Europe unfortunately, already at least partially subscribes to this. I've got to hand it to Paula Schriefer, Chair Leonard Leo and the U.S Commission on International Religious Freedom for standing up for free speech through.