‘Defamation' of Islam Resolution Set to Pass, but Losing Ground

Excerpt:

A United Nations committee has passed a controversial "defamation of religions" draft resolution but, amid freedom of expression concerns, the measure looks set to get less support when it comes to a final vote next month, than in previous years.

Monday's vote in the General Assembly's Third Committee, which deals with social, cultural, and humanitarian issues, saw more countries either abstain or oppose the resolution than vote in favor – an indication, critics say, that the push back against the Islamic bloc-driven campaign is gaining traction.

The measure, which calls on all countries to ensure their legal systems provide protection against "acts of hatred, discrimination, intimidation and coercion resulting from defamation of religions," passed in the Third Committee by a 85-50 vote, with 42 countries abstaining.

By comparison, a similar resolution passed in the full General Assembly last December by a vote of 108-51, with 25 abstentions.

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