UN Vote (non-binding) to ban defamation of religion passes

[jancantor]

The non-binding resolution, championed by Islamic states and opposed by Western countries, passed by only 12 votes in the General Assembly's Third Committee, which focuses on human rights, 76-64 with 42 abstentions.

Opponents noted that support had fallen and opposition increased since last year, when the Third Committee vote was 81-55 with 43 abstentions. The 192-nation General Assembly is expected to formally adopt the measure next month.

The resolution was amended from versions passed in previous years in an attempt to secure support from Western nations. Instead of defamation of religion, it speaks of "vilification." It also condemned acts of violence and intimidation due to "Islamophobia, Judeophobia and Christianophobia."

Last year's resolution, as in previous years, focused on Islam and did not mention Judaism and Christianity.

http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-53114620101124

Note that contrary to the claim, the "vilification" standard is actually an effectively lower standard. Defamation standard would not apply if truth could be shown. Iow, truth is a defense to defamation. It is NOT a defense to vilification, necessarily.

Regardless, let's be heartened that the same people who are ok with executing gays want it to be a crime to "vilify religion"

The mind boggles

[Behind the Aegis]

1. Wrong to vilify religion, A-OK to murder gays!

:eyes:

[Lance_Boyle]

2. Well, murdering gay people is a tenet of some religions.

Those sacrosanct views can't be vilified, now can they? :sarcasm: