The Government say something I agree with...Oh noes.

[AshtonBlack]

Thursday 6 August 2009
UNreligion - epetition response

We received a petition asking:

“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to ensure that the UK Government uses all of its powers to reject and, if possible, veto any attempt at the United Nations to limit free speech in relation to religion and any associated attempt to criminalise the criticism of religion and encourage other governments to similarly reject/veto any such attempt.”
Details of Petition:
“The Organisation of the Islamic Conference, a voting block within the United Nations, is currently attempting to use its power within that organisation to seek to have a binding resolution made attempting to force governments to criminalise freedom of expression. In pursuing this course of action it seeks to promote the idea that religion can be defamed and that criticism of religion should be outlawed. This is a gross violation of the most basic and fundamental of Human Rights, that of freedom of speech. It must be countered by all governments wherever possible and properly identified for what it is, a blatant attempt to stifle debate and criticism of religion. Religions do not have rights, people do. Whilst this is being introduced by Islamic countries it is not specific to the religion of Islam. The original non-binding resolution can be found on the UN web site.”
· Read the petition
· Petitions homepage

Read the Government’s response

Thank you for your e-petition.

The British Government is committed to protecting the human rights of all, including the rights to freedom of expression, and to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. These rights are guaranteed by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The resolution on defamation of religions was first introduced at the Commission of Human Rights in 1999 and again during the 10th session of the Human Rights Council held in March 2009 in Geneva. The United Kingdom, as with all other members of the European Union, has consistently opposed this resolution on the grounds that it limits the right to freedom of expression. The UK does not accept that defamation of religion is a human rights concept. International human rights law protects individuals in the exercise of their freedom of religion or belief: it does not protect beliefs, faiths or philosophies. However, we strongly support the right to freedom of religion or belief, and believe that it is complementary to the right to freedom of expression.

The right to freedom of expression is not absolute and can be subject to certain restrictions that are provided by law and are necessary for respecting the rights or reputations of others, or for the protection of national security or of public order, public health or morals. In line with our domestic legislation, we have argued that that any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence should be prohibited by law, in accordance with the international obligations of States and that these prohibitions are consistent with freedom of opinion and expression.

The United Kingdom will continue to protect and promote freedom of expression internationally, including by opposing attempts to curtail it by deploying the concept of defamation of religions.

From here:

http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page20244


I signed that petition.

[lordpasternack]

They still think that "Incitement to religious hatred" should be illegal...

[AshtonBlack]

They still think that "Incitement to religious hatred" should be illegal...

Indeed, I don't see how calling for someone's death, because of religion, is worse that calling for their death, because of another reason.

[lordpasternack]

They still think that "Incitement to religious hatred" should be illegal...

Indeed, I don't see how calling for someone's death, because of religion, is worse that calling for their death, because of another reason.

The law isn't "incitement to violence or murder of religious folk" - it's "incitement to hatred" of people with certain religious worldviews. It is so wide open to interpretation that virtually anything could be made of it.

Also, incitement to murder or violence against persons is already adequately covered by the law.

[Feck]

Does "incitement to violence" include saying anything against Islam ?

[AshtonBlack]

Does "incitement to violence" include saying anything against Islam ?

I suspect that is the plan.

[Xamonas Chegwé]

Does "incitement to violence" include saying anything against Islam ?

I suspect that is the plan.

Not officially. But you can bet it will get used that way.

[The Dawktor]

Let's face it- it is very hard philosophically to find anyting to criticise about "THE religion of peace"!