The non-binding “defamation of religion” resolution that has been an annual fixture at the United Nations Human Rights Council was passed again yesterday – but only narrowly. Voting in favour were 20 states, including China, Cuba and Saudi Arabia. 17 — mostly Western nations — opposed, including the United States and the Netherlands. Eight states abstained. (Last year the vote was 23 in favour, 11 opposed and 13 abstentions).
The resolution was similar to one passed last year, but also included a section slamming the recent Swiss referendum vote to ban the construction of minarets in the country. [National Secular Society] Read more
UN rights council slams 'defamation of religion' Geneva - In a tight vote Thursday, the United Nations Human Rights Council voted in favour of a resolution condemning so-called "defamation of religion."
A coalition of 17 mostly Western nations, including the United States and the Netherlands, opposed the resolution, but 20 states, including China, Cuba and Saudi Arabia, voted in favour. Eight states abstained.
The resolution adopted by the 47-member council was similar to one passed last year, but also included a section slamming the recent Swiss vote to ban the construction of minarets in the country. [The Earth Times] Read more [via Islam in Europe]
