The Inversion Of Human Rights

Johann Hari draws attention to a disturbing shift:

The UN's Rapporteur on Human Rights has   always been tasked with exposing and shaming those who prevent free speech –   including the religious. But the Pakistani delegate recently demanded that   his job description be changed so he can seek out and condemn "abuses   of free expression" including "defamation of religions and prophets".   The council agreed – so the job has been turned on its head ...

Anything which can be deemed "religious" is no longer allowed to be   a subject of discussion at the UN – and almost everything is deemed   religious. Roy Brown of the International Humanist and Ethical Union has   tried to raise topics like the stoning of women accused of adultery or child   marriage. The Egyptian delegate stood up to announce discussion of shariah "will   not happen" and "Islam will not be crucified in this council"   – and Brown was ordered to be silent. Of course, the first victims of   locking down free speech about Islam with the imprimatur of the UN are   ordinary Muslims.

Those of us who are believers - and who do not believe that real religious faith has anything to fear from a completely open debate - should wake up and defend freedom. And that includes, as it must, the freedom to believe nothing, and to say whatever the hell one likes about religion.