A new report from Humanists International warns that blasphemy or apostasy is a crime in over 80 countries, and in 13 of these countries, the punishment for violating laws against insulting religion or living a non-religious life is death.
“There are legal restrictions against expressing blasphemy, defaming or insulting religion or religious beliefs, or offending religious feelings in dozens of countries,” the Freedom of Thought Report states.
In a preface to this year’s report, Andrew Copson of Humanists International comments, “This year’s Report provides evidence of clear and systematic discrimination against humanists and non-religious people, and this discrimination is most prevalent in countries with less state secularism. State secularism appears to be a prerequisite for the full enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief.”
In a foreward to last year’s edition of the report, United Nations Special Rapporteur Dr. Ahmed Shaheed wrote: “I have repeatedly called on States to repeal anti-blasphemy and anti-apostasy laws since they undermine both freedom of religion or belief and the ability to have healthy dialogue and debates on a wide range of human concerns, including religion or belief. I am deeply concerned that several States have maintained these oppressive laws and even impose the death penalty for those found in breach. Far from promoting public order, as many states that use these laws claim, these laws inhibit social capital and undermine the rule of law and frequently empower vigilante attacks.”
