Question by Obama – Wimp in the White House: Why is the UN trying to outlaw criticism of Islam?
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/01/14/2009-01-14_unacceptable_censorship_the_united_natio.html
Almost 500 years ago, on the wall of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses, characterizing as “madness” the notion that papal pardons could absolve individuals for their sins. As viewed from Rome, Luther had maligned, even defamed, the church. Luther was eventually excommunicated. His conduct ultimately led to the creation of a Protestant Church in Germany and a Reformation throughout Europe.
It is difficult to believe that in the 21st century anyone would seriously propose that conduct such as Luther’s should be deemed illegal. But a few weeks ago, the General Assembly of the United Nations took a giant step in that direction. It adopted – for the fourth straight year – a resolution prepared by the 57-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference calling upon all UN nations to adopt legislation banning the “defamation” of religion. Spurred by the Danish cartoons of 2005, some of which portrayed the Prophet Muhammed in a manner deemed offensive by the OIC, the resolution was opposed by the United States, most European nations, Japan, India and a number of other nations.
Nonetheless, it has now been adopted.
From an American perspective, the resolution so plainly violates the First Amendment that it is not a close question. Salman Rushdie’s “The Satanic Verses,” which offended many Muslims, is protected here. So are movies such as Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” which offended many Jews, and “The Last Temptation of Christ,” which offended many Christians. In 1940, in a unanimous ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court observed that “in the realm of religious faith,” despite “the probability of excesses and abuses,” the liberty to speak out freely must be rigorously protected.
Best answer:
Answer by l2izwan
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