Should the United Nations(mainly western republics) pressure/force the countries(mainly muslim) to repeal apostasy and blasphemy laws?
In most muslim countries both apostasy and blasphemy are punishable by death!
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Hitch: "Should the United Nations(mainly western republics) pressure/force the countries(mainly muslim) to repeal apostasy and blasphemy laws?"
Yes. In fact I am in favor of making any such laws illegal under penalty of life incarceration with absolutely no parole.
rmfr
First off, the United Nations is more of a place for nations to meet and exchange ideas instead of being an enforcer. And if even such a resolution was passed, how could it be enforced? And how about the question of interfering in any nation's self-determination?
Personally, such a position to punish apostates is repugnant to me.
a resolution should be passed whereby punishing people in the name of a deity or any other religious phenomenon should be made illegal.
Many muslim countries have an article in or a preamble to the constitution which states that sovereignty over the state (in some cases Universe) belongs to god. Repealing this would be a start!
@Hitch original post.
Absolutely, unsubstantiated opinion should never result in imprisonment or injury/death of another human. It is barbaric and the human race should strive to be better than that.
Funny/sad part is, all the relgiodiots would scream bloody murder if they even saw a billboard proclaiming there is no god based on evidence (or lack of.) Let alone imprisonment or death if their view was not the current popular religion in their area.
If the UN somehow became able to set world-wide law concerning nations’ religious practices, then that pendulum could certainly be swung the other way and secular nations could be forced to adhere to some crackpot religion. IMO, the U.N. has already gone too far in its support of religion (e.g. resolution 22/31) to the detriment of free speech. So any thought that it could, or even would, try to do what you propose sure wouldn’t happen any time soon.
You are correct. Declarations in favor of blasphemy laws have already been supported by the 'Human Rights' commission (composed, ironically of nations with horrible human rights records). They are also pushing for more influence over the internet (after Obama essentially gave away the US authority over it) and they are looking for ways to make it more controlled.
While the idea sounded nice when created, the UN is a ideological disaster, and the less power it has, the better.
"While the idea sounded nice when created, the UN is a ideological disaster, and the less power it has, the better."
An ideological disaster for whom? Just because it does not mirror US policy and allows smaller nations a voice on the world stage?
Since 1985, the U.S. Congress has refused to authorize payment of the UN dues, in order to force UN compliance with U.S. wishes, as well as a reduction in the U.S. assessment. They don't do what we want them to do ---- Fk off and die! It's the American way!
There is no chance the UN would repeal blasphemy laws (and it would not be enforceable). Too many nations in the UN have and support them. Do not expect the UN to take a stand.
And in the Western democracies that don't have such laws, the are effectively being replaced by 'hate speech' laws. Perhaps even more dangerous
NeverHappened: "And in the Western democracies that don't have such laws, the are effectively being replaced by 'hate speech' laws. Perhaps even more dangerous."
Good point. And all Hate Speech needs to do is prove it is religious and it is no longer Hate Speech. I think those laws need rewriting to include religious speech spewing Hate Speech.
In my honest opinion, laws should be emplaced stating it is illegal for any religious speech to be spoken in public. It should be kept behind closed doors. Nothing is more apostate and blasphemous to all humanity than any Religious Absolutist and/or Apologist to be allowed to speak in public.
But that is only my opinion and it counts for nothing.
rmfr
EDIT: added clarification
For what it's worth, the United Nations already has banned blasphemy and apostasy laws.
http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/
"Article 18.
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."
Has the UN ever acted or even spoken in defense of religious freedom (or freedom from religion)?
I will support any movement that strives to repeal blasphemy laws.
International law is nothing but suggestion at best. It's a joke. The UN is not a global government and has no real power to move against blasphemy. In other worlds, our planet is a literal anarchy. Blasphemy Laws are so bronze age and I agree they need to go, but all I'm saying is don't hold your breath.
By the way, I completely concur w/Cyber.