Blasphemy Resolution Passes U.N. Committee
Blasphemy Resolution Passes U.N. Committee
Adelle M. Banks
Religion News Service
A resolution combating the “vilification of religions” was adopted Tuesday by a United Nations committee, but religious freedom advocates who oppose the measure say support for it continues to diminish.
The Blue Helmet
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.
