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Saturday, March 31, 2007


UN Human Rights Council Condemns Defamation Of Religion

Another proud accomplishment for the world body.

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations top human rights body condemned “defamation” of religion on Friday and, in an apparent reference to the storm over the Prophet cartoons, said press freedom had its limits.

With the support of China, Russia and Cuba, Moslem and Arab states comfortably won a vote on the 47-state Human Rights Council to express concern at “negative stereotyping” of religions and “attempts to identify Islam with terrorism.”

Right.  Wouldn’t want to associate jihadism with Islam or anything.  Because all those suicide bombers and aircraft hijackers could be Presbyterian or something.  And good thing we’ve got moral authorities like Cuba, China and Russia on the Human Rights Council to guide the rest of the world on how to respect human rights.

“The resolution is tabled in the expectation that it will compel the international community to acknowledge and address the disturbing phenomena of the defamation of religions, especially Islam,” said Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

Something tells me that the “Moslem and Arab states” like Pakistan who signed on to this thing aren’t considering any laws to protect, say, Judaism from defamation in their countries.  Hypocrites.

The resolution urged countries to ensure their laws gave adequate protection against acts of “hatred, discrimination, intimidation and coercion resulting from defamation of religions.”

While everybody had the right to freedom of expression, this should be exercised according to limitations of the law and respect for others, including respect for religions and beliefs, it said.

Just to translate, the resolution is urging countries to pass laws that would punish people for criticizing Islam.  Or any religion, I suppose, but again I suspect these folks aren’t talking about Judaism or Christianity.  But regardless, that sort of limitation on free speech should be repugnant to anyone who values that right.  As a free citizen I don’t just value my ability to speak out on religion even if it offends the religious, I demand it.

Does this tick you off? Click here to email your elected representatives right here on Say Anything, or comment below.

Comments

Avatar for Seth Williams

So, wait a minute there…did the Moslem and Arab states just come out in favor of freedom of religion? Because this sure seems to indicate that:

The resolution urged countries to ensure their laws gave adequate protection against acts of “hatred, discrimination, intimidation and coercion resulting from defamation of religions.”

While everybody had the right to freedom of expression, this should be exercised according to limitations of the law and respect for others, including respect for religions and beliefs, it said.

That’s great! I think I’ll pack my Bible and crucifix and take that Middle Eastern tour I’ve always wanted to take, starting in Saudi Arabia!

Seriously though, call me underwhelmed—this is just par for the course for this body.

Seth Williams on March 31, 2007 at 04:47 am

So how would they punish people? This is UNbelievable. The UN is so stupid. The best thing we could do is get out of the UN & use that lovely piece of real estate some other way. Silly me, what do I know???

Zsa Zsa on March 31, 2007 at 07:07 am

Religion, democracy and fundamentalism

Religion and democracy work. In fact, the two nations where religious values and democracy are ‘at peace,’ Israel and the United States, are two of the most open, progressive and successful on the face of the earth, each with high standards of living.

Nations where religious values are imposed and democratic principles of equality and freedoms for the individual are rejected, are among the most backward and failed nations on the face of the earth.

Jewish and Christian expressions of fundamentalism are predicated on free will and behavior. Islamic fundamentalism is predicated on Sharia Law. Jewish and Christian fundamentalists can practice their faith anywhere. Islamist expressions of fundamentalism cannot be satisfied until the demand that Sharia Law is imposed, even on non-Muslims, is met.

With very few exceptions, Jewish and Christian fundamentalists do not advocate, preach or justify violence. With very few exceptions, Muslim fundamentalists do advocate, and justify violence.

The majority of Jewish and Christian fundamentalists are motivated in their religiosity in terms of elevation- that is, they believe gentle and kind behavior will ‘find favor in God’s eyes,’ and thus, they will find both earthly and Heavenly rewards. Muslim fundamentalists are motivated by ‘humiliations,’ heaped upon them not by their own behaviors, but by the behavior of others. They believe they can find redemption and salvation through violence directed at others. The fundamentalists speak not only for God and take actions on His behalf, but they also insist that their logic is His logic and that their politics is His politics.

Fundamentalism, Jewish, Christian or Muslim, is in fact a political ideology, not a religious one. Jewish and Christian fundamentalists understand that God is universal, given to all mankind. That they choose a fundamentalist lifestyle that does not lessen God’s attachment to others. Their expressions of faith are a personal choice, or calling. Jewish and Christian fundamentalism is not to be imposed.

Islamist fundamentalism are various ideologies that are meant to be imposed on all believers (and non believers). Not accepting imposed fundamentalism can lead to being labeled an ‘apostate,’ and being subject to all manner of punishment, including death. Islamist fundamentalists also believe that they and they alone, are God’s ‘gatekeepers.

Think about it.

Mickey on March 31, 2007 at 07:09 am
Avatar for Andrew

Funny how the UN nations love to criticize America. I think we should just withdraw all of our financing and troop commitment. We’ll see how long that pathetic organization lasts.

And just wait until the next global crisis comes along that threatens Europe. They’ll be begging us to get involved just like we did in their other conflicts. A lesser nation would refuse, but I know we’d get involved because it would be the right thing to do (and let’s be honest, it would be in our best interest as well).

Andrew on March 31, 2007 at 08:03 am

Mickey: Excellent post, as were Rob’s comments, which are quite often very wise and fair to people of faith, despite his own atheism. Both Rob’s comments and your post were very welcome.

Just go the The Voice of the Martyrs or WND and almost daily you will read of Christians being denied any human rights, being tortured and killed in Muslim countries and in India.


In keeping silent about evil, in burying it deep within us, so that it appears nowhere on the surface, we are implanting it, and it will rise up a thousandfold in the future.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn. The Gulag Archipelago

Neiman on March 31, 2007 at 08:21 am
Avatar for Costa Rica Hotel Reviews

I find religion to be just another way to keep order amongst people. Did you knew that 70% of the world reals estate affairs are being held by the Vatican? A church having majority over real estate. Is that a sin?

Costa Rica Hotel Reviews on January 28, 2008 at 08:09 pm
Avatar for anuthachristianmoron

You clowns are hilarious. Don’t get me wrong; I’m against this proposal. But not because Islamic beliefs should be open to abuse…but because all religious beliefs should be fair game. If—for no other reason—than all of the bs that’s put out “in the name of ______”. Everything from the fact that it’s difficult for me to purchase beer on sundays, to the oppression of women in this country, to slowing the pursuit of science, to the justification for beating on homosexuals, to flying planes into the WTC. All based on superstition. Piss on religion….####ing morons.

anuthachristianmoron on April 10, 2009 at 11:51 am
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