The NGOs, which include Christian, Muslim and Jewish organisations as well as humanist and secular groups from around the world, argue that “unlike traditional defamation laws, which punish false statements of fact that harm individual persons, measures prohibiting the `defamation of religions’ punish the peaceful criticism of ideas”.
Really? The peaceful criticism of religion is so dangerous that measures need to be taken against it? At least in this country it is our right to criticize anything we see fit. Let’s keep it that way.
Another statement counters this by saying, “United Nations resolutions on the `defamation of religions’ are incompatible with the fundamental freedoms of individuals to freely exercise and peacefully express their thoughts, ideas, and beliefs.” On the other hand, “Such calls will be strengthened as the UN General Assembly looks set to pass another controversial resolution next month entitled “Combating the Defamation of Religion”, its fifth in five years.”
So, it looks like a struggle and one that’s been going on for some time. Let’s just hope we keep our right to say things like, “Islam promotes violence,” “Intelligent design is full of lies,” and “Mormons are complete nutjobs.” And Scientology? Don’t even get me started.
Cuddles,
Kate
The UN is usually ineffectual, like a benign tumor. Still, it bugs me that anyone thinks abridging my right to say ‘fuck God and the virgin he rode in on’ is a good idea.
Is that why you say it all the time? I’m proud of you. :)
I find it fascinating that the very people who insist it’s their right to harass, beat and even execute gay people believe it should be illegal to say anything bad about their religion.
I couldn’t even imagine a world without Tim Minchin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=696mHaD5tv0