Defend your Freedom of Religion


Attempting to use the U.N. to circumvent existing protections
I don't think this will happen, but it's something to watch closely. Emphasis added.

A draft resolution scheduled for consideration by a committee of the United Nations General Assembly threatens to criminalize criticism of religion.

In its current form, the resolution would declare defamation of religion to be a violation of international law. The resolution’s drafters hope to circumvent free-speech statutes in other countries, including the United States’ own First Amendment.

The resolution is the culmination of many years of quiet work by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, representing more than 50 Muslim nations. The OIC has set as a goal the criminalization of any “defamation of religion, especially Islam” — and is perversely advancing the resolution under the guise of protecting human rights.

By making “defamation of religion” a crime under international law, nations would be able to seek extradition and trial abroad of persons who make statements critical or offensive to one or all faiths anywhere in the world.
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This sensitivity is understandable. But imposing civility by force of law is incompatible with a free society. Rules of etiquette are one thing, criminal sanctions quite another. It is a mistake to confuse sensitivity with criminality.

Is it — should it be — criminally defamatory to say that Judaism has been superseded by Christianity, or is devoid of spirit, being dominated by law, or that the belief in an incarnate God is idolatry? Was Martin Luther a criminal because of his attacks on the papacy? What of reciprocal Catholic attacks on Protestantism — in this country, as late as the last century, prior to Vatican II? Should it be criminal to say that some African faiths (and perhaps Hinduism) are pagan? That belief in God is a delusion? What of best-selling books by Christopher Hitchens and others insisting that over time religion has given rise to much violence and done little good? Are these books all to be banned?

I really question if the United Nations has the authority to pass this "international law."

I certainly wouldn't stand for it. Much of this blog is built on criticizing people who insist that the rules of their chosen religion applies to other people who haven't chosen that path.

I still say that it's not moral if it has to be imposed by force.

I also say that if someone can't stand for their religion to be mocked, there is something wrong with their personal faith.

Hat tip Wren's Nest.

— NeoWayland

Posted: Tue - November 25, 2008 at 02:33 PM  Tag


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