Islamic fundamentalists have already succeeded in passing a non-binding resolution on “Combating the Defamation of Religion” in part due to 42 abstentions. It “Urges all States to provide, within their respective legal and constitutional systems, adequate protection against acts of hatred, discrimination, intimidation and coercion resulting from defamation of religions.”
Now the United Nations is considering making that resolution binding. If passed “anti-blasphemy laws” would effectively criminalize freedom of speech.
And while many western nations will no doubt refuse to adhere to this absurdity (even if it does pass), just being a part of an organization that legitimizes totalitarian states is shameful.
It’s also worth noting that the only religion specifically mentioned is Islam, which “is frequently and wrongly associated with human rights violations and terrorism.” I wonder how many Islamic votes this would get if a clause about respect for Judaism was included.
