That's Blasphemy

The United Nations has recently comitted blasphemy, by ruling against sacred Free Speech. They recently backed an anti-blasphemy measure that was being pushed forward by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Combating Defamation of Religions was passed 85-50 in a key UN committee. While their decision is non-binding, it clears the way for Islamic and other nations to move forward on the issue. Pakistani Ambassador Masood Kham has stated that the OIC is looking to implement a 'new instrument or convention' on member states, which would be a binding resolution.

The OIC laments that Islam is often wrongly associated, particularly in the West, with human rights violations and terrorism, and this measure "underscores the need to combat defamation of religions, and incitement to religious hatred in general, by strategizing and harmonizing actions at the local, national, regional, and international levels (Ottawa Citizen, Nov 25, A1)." However passing laws that restrict freedom of speech is no way to change people's views on your human rights violations.

What this law does is shift the focus of protecting the rights of the individual to protecting the idea that is religion itself. People should be free to practice whichever religion they choose and say and think what they choose, and this is now at stake. Of particular concern is the inclusion of the term 'defamation,' which carries legal significance. In order for defamation to occur, the statement must not just be offensive, but also be false. That requires a value judgement of religious principles, and deciding that they are 'truth.'

At the heart of the issue is still the idea that a state can control the thoughts and will of the people, and this resolution (with UN backing!) sets that ideal back. Iran has even stated they are considering a draft amendment that would impose capital punishment for apostasy (renunciation of one's beliefs or principles). No state should have any business in who is thinking or believing what. Only when those beliefs descend to the level of inciting violence should the state have any reason to intervene. This resolution brings to mind the various European laws against Holocaust Denial. They have effectively made it illegal to believe something, which in itself is more terrifying than Holocaust Denial itself. It is also, theoretically, a law which you may not be able to avoid breaking.

I am not in favour of denying or diminishing the atrocities of the Holocaust. I do believe, however, that every person should have every right to hold such beliefs, and even share them with other people. I believe that every person should have the unalienable right to blaspheme if they so choose, and even flat out renounce their beliefs, without the fear of execution. These should be universal goals of human rights, and the United Nations should in no way condone measures that restrict these rights in any way. And for that, they have commited blasphemy, against the sanctity of Human Rights.

RM