Posted by David Post:
Another Reason (As Though We Needed Another) Why We Should Never Let the U.N.
Run the World
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2009_03_22-2009_03_28.shtml#1238288726
The U.N.'s Human Rights Council has [1]passed a Resolution, put
forward by a coalition of Muslim nations, condemning the "defamation
of religions." The resolution urges states to provide "protection
against acts of hatred, discrimination, intimidation and coercion
resulting from defamation of religions and incitement to religious
hatred in general," and "deplores the use of printed, audio-visual and
electronic media, including the Internet, . . . to incite acts of
violence, xenophobia or related intolerance and discrimination towards
Islam or any religion." (Calling All Danish Cartoonists!)
It notes that
"as stipulated in international human rights law, everyone has the
right to freedom of expression, [but] the exercise of this right
carries with it special duties and responsibilities, and may
therefore be subject to certain restrictions . . . provided by law
and necessary for the respect of the rights or reputations of
others, or for the protection of national security or of public
order, or of public health or morals."
The U.S. is not a member of the Council, so it did not cast a vote.
Canada and nine other nations voted against; Terry Cormier of Canada
helpfully pointed out that "It is individuals who have rights and not
religions."
Thanks to Curt at [2]the Committee to Protect Bloggers for the
pointer.
References
1. http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/E/HRC/resolutions/A_HRC_RES_7_19.pdf
2.
http://committeetoprotectbloggers.org/2009/03/26/united-nations-adopts-anti-free-speech-resolution/
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