|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iRHXSIoJJdXQpG3kPrRO2LWMnWTAD975TOK00
UN Body Votes to Curb Criticism of Islam
[AP] Frank Jordans - The 47-nation UN Human Rights Council approved a proposal by Muslim nations Thursday urging passage of laws around the world to protect religion from criticism. The proposal put forward by Pakistan on behalf of Islamic countries received the support of 23 nations. Eleven nations opposed the resolution, including Canada, all European Union countries, Switzerland, Ukraine and Chile, while 13 countries abstained. Muslim nations have argued that religions, in particular Islam, must be shielded from criticism in the media and other areas of public life. They cited cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad as an example of unacceptable free speech. "It is individuals who have rights and not religions," Canadian diplomat Terry Cormier said. India abstained in protest at the fact that Islam was the only religion specifically named as deserving protection.