Media Advisory: "Defamation of Religions" Panel Discussion

Oct 27, 2009

Media Advisory

What:

"Defamation of Religions”:

The Relationship between freedom of expression and freedom of religion

When:

Wednesday, 28 October 2009 from 1-3pm

Where:

Delegates Dining Room,
405 E 42nd St, at 1st Avenue
United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY

Who:

Panelists include:

Professor Cole Durham
Brigham Young University Law School
OSCE Advisory Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief

Dr. Peter Petkoff
Oxford University

Nasser Weddady
American Islamic Congress

Angela C. Wu
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty

Suhail Khan
The Institute for Global Engagement

Elizabeth Cassidy
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Why:

     For the first time since non-binding resolutions on "defamation of religions" were passed at the UN starting in 1999, a binding treaty citing "defamation of religions" is being considered by a UN body. This week, the Ad Hoc Committee on the elaboration of complementary international standards (established by the Durban Outcome Document) is debating an optional protocol to the ICERD incorporating "defamation of religions" in Geneva. The issue also promises to be a high-profile matter at the General Assembly this year.

     Critics of "defamation of religions" say that the concept undermines the foundations of human rights law by protecting ideas instead of people, and empowering states instead of their citizens. Does the concept foster understanding and accomplish what its proponents say it does, or does it destabilize rights that international instruments currently protect?

     This roundtable discussion, moderated by Professor Durham, will seek to foster philosophical, sociological, and legal understanding of a timely and important issue.

The Becket Fund has been a leading advocate against the resolutions and “defamation of religions” concept, and has delivered several interventions before the Human Rights Council and issued a brief on this topic as well as having testified before various governmental bodies, non-governmental bodies and the press.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is a non-profit public interest law firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Becket Fund defends religious freedom for people of all faiths. Its clients have included Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and Zoroastrians. The Becket Fund is a non governmental organization with consultative status before the United Nations.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kristina Arriaga at karriaga@becketfund.org or cell +1.703.582.8962.

Becket Fund Resources and Documents:

What is “Defamation of Religions?”

Legal Brief

United Nations Human Rights Council testimony (2006)

United Nations Human Rights Council testimony (2009)

Emory Law Review article