Atheists Concerned Over UN Defamation of Religions Resolution

03.11.09, OPPOSING VIEWS (US). An Atheist civil rights group today expressed concern that a proposed U.N. Resolution banning "defamation" of religion threatens civil liberties and gives religious groups "special rights" at the expense of free speech and intellectual inquiry. The proposed measure is backed by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and encourages member states of the UN to enforce measures prohibiting "any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence." Dr. Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists described the proposal as "overly broad and a clear threat to anyone who questions religion or is critical of religion."