Becket Fund Submits Brief on “Defamation of Religions” to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Jun 2, 2008

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty submitted an issues brief on “Defamation of Religions” to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 2 June 2008  The brief highlights the procedural history, international legal framework, and the philosophy behind the “defamation of religions” resolutions.

The “defamation of religions” issue is fundamentally inconsistent with the principles outlined in the United Nation’s founding and legal documents. Also, it violates the very foundations of the human rights tradition by protecting ideas rather than the individuals who hold ideas. Further, “defamation of religions” resolutions force the state to pick and choose which religious viewpoints are valid. The empowerment of the state (as opposed to protection of individuals against the state) through “defamation of religions” measures is thus unique in the human rights regime. “Defamation of religions” resolutions at the UN operate as international anti-blasphemy laws.

“If these resolutions continue to pass, the United Nations will be providing cover for authorities to harass and prosecute believers whose religion does not have state approval. The United Nations has always been the champion of human rights.  It needs to return to its mandate by promoting freedom of expression and religion rather than restricting them,” said Bennett Graham, International Programs Officer at the Becket Fund.

Read the brief here.

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