Critics say UN resolution paves way for ‘blasphemy’ laws

FOR the first time in more than a decade, the UN General Assembly yesterday condemned religious intolerance without urging states to outlaw “defamation of religions”, an appeal critics said opened the door to abusive “blasphemy” laws.

The call on countries to prohibit “defamation” had been included in a non- binding resolution on combating religious intolerance passed annually by the 193-nation assembly.

The resolution approved yesterday declares that “discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief constitutes a violation of human rights”. It also expressed concern about incitement to religious hatred and the failure of some states “to combat this burgeoning trend”.