A THREAT TO RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
This year the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, linking 57 countries with majority or significant Muslim populations, will once again introduce the Defamation of Religions Resolution in the United Nations.
It allows governments the power to determine which religious views can and can’t be expressed in their country, and it gives the state the right to punish those who express ‘unacceptable’ religious views as they see fit. So in effect, it makes persecution legal. This year the Resolution could be defeated, with your help.
Add your signature to Open Doors’ global petition which they will deliver to the UN later this year.
THE GLOBAL PETITION
I believe that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance’ (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18).
I am deeply concerned that the Defamation of Religions Resolution has the effect of severely restricting these foundational freedoms and undermines the right to religious liberty. I urge that everything possible is done to ensure that the United Nations rejects this resolution.
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