Clinton Takes a Stand Against Islamic Censorhip

Hillary Clinton has actually done the right thing and is taking a stand against the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), and the United Nations which in the past had banned any criticism of Islam in regards to human rights. Miracles do happen!

Clinton Denounces Proposed 'Defamation of Religions' Policies
By Michelle A. Vu|Christian Post Reporter

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced strong opposition Monday to proposed U.N. resolutions on “defamation of religions,” saying that such policies would restrict free speech.

“The United States will always seek to counter negative stereotypes of individuals based on their religion and will stand against discrimination and persecution,” Clinton stated. “But an individual’s ability to practice his or her religion has no bearing on others’ freedom of speech.”

The protection of speech about religion and religious discourse is important in a world with many different faith beliefs, asserted the high-ranking U.S. diplomat.

Earlier this year, the U.N. Human Rights Council adopted an anti-defamation draft resolution that human rights groups warn would protect a religion rather than adherents of religions.

Leonard A. Leo, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, last week testified to Members of Congress that the only religion and religious adherents that are specifically mentioned in the “defamation” resolutions – this year’s and past years – are Islam and Muslims.

“Aside from Islam, the resolutions do not specify which religions are deserving of protection, or explain how or by whom this would be determined,” Leo stated.

Several prominent groups working with persecuted Christians have also spoken out against the resolutions, which are sponsored annually by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, because they say the policies would be manipulated to further harass Christians and other religious minorities in Muslim-majority countries.

“Many Christians living in these countries [that make up the Organization of Islamic Conference] are already severely impacted by restrictive laws – especially those living under strict Shariah law,” said Open Doors USA President/CEO Carl Moeller. “From the right to worship freely to the ability to share the Gospel, the Defamation of Religions Resolution threatens to justify local laws that already marginalize Christians."

Since 1999, the Organization of the Islamic Conference has annually sponsored a "defamation of religions" resolution in the U.N. Human Rights Council, and, since 2005, in the General Assembly.

The resolution adopted this past March by the U.N. Human Rights Council is currently non-binding, but OIC has publicly stated that its goal is for the U.N. to adopt a binding international covenant against the “defamation of religions.” Next month, a similar resolution will be considered for adoption by the General Assembly.

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