Atheists hail defeat of UN blasphemy resolution
Larry Mundinger
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org
For more information, please contact:
Ed Buckner, President 908-499-9200 (cell) or 770-803-5353 (office/fax)
Dave Silverman, Communications Director 732-648-9333
VICTORY AS UN & INTERNATIONAL BODIES REJECT "BLASPHEMY" LIMITS ON FREE
SPEECH! ATHEIST GROUP HAILS PROGRESS, CANCELS DEMO
RESOLUTIONS that would have banned "defamation of religion" were
rejected by international bodies this week, prompting an Atheist group
to call off plans to demonstrate at the United Nations building.
The so-called "blasphemy" resolution introduced by Pakistan and
supported by some Middle East regimes called upon governments to combat
critical, insulting or defamatory statements about religion,
specifically the Islamic faith. The measure lacked sufficient votes in
the UN General Assembly to become a binding resolution; and the proposal
will not be on the agenda at the Durban II conference slated for Geneva
next month.
Dr. Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists said that he was
encouraged by these developments.
"The 'blasphemy' resolutions were aimed at regulating personal opinions
and expression, and had nothing to do with acts of violence against
ethnic or religious groups," said Buckner. "Religious creeds and
movements should not enjoy special rights or protections, especially
where freedom of speech is concerned."
Dave Silverman, Communications Director for American Atheists cautioned
that the "blasphemy" proposal is not dead.
"Religious groups and some faith-based states will continue to push this
type of resolution," said Silverman. "Secular and even moderate
religious organizations need to continually monitor this effort, and
speak out vocally in defense of freedom of conscience and free
expression."
Mr. Silverman said that a demonstration planned for this Saturday (March
28) outside the UN building in New York has been canceled.
"If this proposal is resurrected again," said Silverman, "we'll be ready
to speak out and defend our freedom from religion!"
AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for
Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and
addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.
American Atheists, Inc.
PO BOX 158
Cranford, NJ 07016
Tel.: (908) 276-7300
Fax: (908) 276-7402
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Larry Mundinger (aa#451) American Atheists Internet Representative
<irep @ atheists.org> <http://www.atheists.org/>
<http://www.americanatheist.org/> <http://www.atheistviewpoint.tv/>