UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL DROPS RELIGIOUS DEFAMATION RESOLUTION

The United Nations Human Rights Council has dropped a resolution condemning religious defamation, putting in its place one that supports an individual's freedom of belief.  Critics said that resolution mainly protected Islam, mirroring the harsh blasphemy laws used to persecute Christians and other minorities in Muslim nations. The U.S. Commission on Religious Freedom hailed the new resolution, saying it "properly focuses on protecting individuals from discrimination or violence, instead of protecting religions from criticism."

For years, Muslim countries pushed for a resolution making it a crime to criticize religions. The unanimous vote by the 47-member council in Geneva was also welcomed by free speech activists. U.S.-based Human Rights First praised the resolution as "a huge achievement because for the first time in many years it focuses on the protection of individuals rather than religions." The nonbinding resolution calls on countries to guarantee people's right to have or adopt a religion or belief of their choice.

During the debate at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, several delegations referred to Salmaan Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti from Pakistan who were both recently assassinated for their stand against Islamic blasphemy laws. Nigel Rooke, CEO of Open Doors Australia, said: "The most disturbing aspects of the defamation resolutions have been addressed in this new resolution. Open Doors warmly welcomes this effort of the Human Rights Council to address both freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief in a more balanced and constructive way."

Source: CBN News