A United Nations measure called “Combating Defamation of Religions,” backed mainly by Muslim-majority countries and opposed by the United States and Western Europe, was passed this week. It paves the way, critics believe, for international legitimation of laws restricting free speech and freedom of religion. It also raises interesting questions about whether religions, as such, possess legal rights, according to Canwest News Service:
Canada and other Western countries emphasize the distinction between granting an “idea” rights – and defending the right of people not to be discriminated against.
“Canada rejects the basic premise that religions have rights; human rights belong to human beings,” said Catherine Loubier, spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon.
“The focus (here) should not be on protecting religions, but rather on protecting the rights of the adherents of religions, including of people belonging to religious minorities, or people who may choose to change their religion, or not to practice religion at all.”
More at Canada.com.