Atheist Group Petitions U.N. to Reject Islamic Calls for Global Blasphemy Laws
Christians, no doubt, fall victim to discrimination across the globe, but there’s another group that is increasingly calling out the crimes and offenses that are committed against it: Atheists and non-believers.
TheBlaze already told you about the International Humanist and Ethical Union’s (IHEU) recent report, which found widespread global mistreatment of non-theists. Now, the same organization has approached the United Nations during its Spring opening session and is appealing for attention to be drawn to the global assault that it says is underway against atheists, agnostics and humanists.
Additionally, the group is combating attempts by some Muslim nations to seek out a global blasphemy ban. In defending the rights of these minority groups, the organization is also supporting the freedom of any and all theistic beliefs.

Muslim anger over perceived Western insults to Islam has exploded several times, most recently in Tuesday’s attacks against U.S. diplomatic posts in the Middle East. (Photo: AP/Adel Hana)
In its report to the international body, the IHEU, a group that represents more than 120 non-theist groups in 45 countries, said that atheists are severely penalized in some states, with the death penalty serving as the most severe ramification for a refusal to embrace God. The submission to the U.N.’s Human Rights Council read, in part:
“The universal human right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as laid down in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent treaties, protects the freedom of conscience of every human being. Just as freedom of religion or belief protects the right of the individual to follow a religion, it also protects the right to reject any religion or belief, to identify as humanist or non-religious, and to manifest non-religious convictions through expression, teaching and practice. Whilst this fundamental right includes the right not to reveal your beliefs or religious identification, and the right not to take part in religious ceremonies, it also includes the freedom to argue for those beliefs in public, and to seek to persuade others of the merits of your beliefs, or the flaws of theirs, through debate and criticism.
“The right to criticize religion is protected also by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” Atheist speech is therefore protected by both Articles 18 and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Despite having protection under international law, the atheist collective claims that non-believers are regularly tormented and often face legal hurdles. These issues can range from more benign ramifications to death, depending on the nation these individuals reside in.

Moroccan women shout slogans during a demonstration against a film deemed offensive to Islam, on September 12, 2012 near the US consulate in Casablanca. A film at the center of anti-US protests in the Middle East which killed a diplomat was made by an Israeli-American who describes Islam as a ‘cancer,’ the Wall Street Journal reported. The movie, ‘Innocence of Muslims,’ was directed and produced by Sam Bacile, a 52-year-old real-estate developer from southern California who says Islam is a hateful religion.Credit: AFP/Getty Images
While atheists and Christians often clash in the public sphere, there are many sentiments that people of faith will agree with. The document defends the right to both practice — and reject — religion. Additionally, the IHEU’s efforts are aimed at preventing a world-wide ban on the defamation of religion, a sentiment that some Islamic nations have been seeking through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Reuters has more about calls for a blasphemy ban:
…Earlier this month a top official of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said the body would be focusing on getting agreement on criminalizing denigration of religion in coming talks with Western countries.
In November last year, the head of the 21-country Arab League told the U.N. Security Council in New York his organisation wanted a binding international framework to ensure “that religious faith and its symbols are respected”.
The IHEU, and other non-governmental rights groupings, argue that many Muslim governments use this terminology and the concept of “religious blasphemy” within their own countries to cow both atheists and followers of other religions.
The IHEU fears that this designation would empower nations to denigrate both non-believers and those who embrace other faiths outside of the Islamic sphere. The organization specifically called out Afghanistan, Iran, Maldives, Mauritania, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Sudans as nations that give the death penalty in cases pertaining to personal beliefs.
The IHEU also argued in its document that religious systems do not have human rights and that individuals do, thus there should be no conflict between “the rights of religion and the right to free speech.” It’s main argument? People should be protected, regardless of what they believe (or don’t believe, for that matter).
“There is no conflict in law between these rights and freedoms,” explained Sonja Eggerickx, president of IHEU. “The conflict arises where national laws oppress the rights to freedom of thought and expression which we all deserve.”
You can read the report in its entirety here.
(H/T: Reuters via Yahoo!)
–
Related:
Report: Atheists, Religious Skeptics Face Persecution & Execution Across the Globe
In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.













































































































Comments (89)
Larry E
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 6:12pmThe idea that the UN or anyone else can realistically control what people say or think is so silly and absurd. Mslms apparently feel that it’s fine to insult other religions and attack the followers of other religions, but want special protections. Good luck fellas. Might be one big religious war soon, Everyone vs Mslms.
Report this comment
Chuck Stein
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 8:40pmDreamer
Report this comment
layosh
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 8:09amGood. second the proposition. That is the only way. The other, tech them a make them abandon the insane, aggressive part of the religion would take time that we probably do not have.
Report this comment
media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 5:51pmGlobal laws on blasphemy would be the euivalent of planting a flag of sovereignty on the entire globe, as you would place the entire population under your dominion? The United Nations is not my ruler.
Report this comment
crystalsky
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 5:43pmI sign petitions I did’nt know we can sign petitions to U.N. Good for them. I would of signed that. I have lived a life and I have Christ and I love freedom. So I would have signed that.
Report this comment
Rayblue
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 4:25pmBluff.
Report this comment
jdc0101
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:58pmGood luck with that one..
I have a feeling that
the next thing these atheists will feel is
a sharp rusty knife at their throats
or the blast wave from a sucide bomber.
So good luck your gonna need it
DeavonReye
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 10:04amThe muslim will see your comments against Allah as blasphemy, too. These groups are trying to do you a favor, as well.
Report this comment
princesscanadian
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:57pmYou heard the saying – “what goes around ……” By the way, God Bless and Merry Christmas
Report this comment
princesscanadian
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 4:07pmMerry Belated Christmas
Report this comment
jdc0101
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:57pmGood luck with that petition..
I hate to say this but..
unlike christians and catholics who dont kill, blow up, suicide bomb, behead anyone who criticises thei religion..
Muslims Definantly will chop their heads off
blow up their homes and business and sue , intimidate, beat rob, and do all kinds of nasty things to anyone who insults their FALSE religion of pieces Islam ..
Good luck with that – i have a funny feeling atheists next feeling will be of
either a rusty knife at their throats
or
A pressure wave after a bomb goes off inside their office..
Just call it a preminition..
good luck your gonna need it
Report this comment
DeavonReye
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 10:27amThey will do the same to you.
Report this comment
SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:12pmWell then you just gave us another reason for 30 round mags huh?
Report this comment
shorelineliz
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:33pmARCHAICSEAL
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:25pm
If we Christians join with the atheists in protecting their right to criticize religion, who is to say that they won’t turn on us in the end and take away our right to believe whatever we want? Almost every atheist I have met in my life (not all, but the vast majority) believe that people who believe in a God are not mentally stable and are a detriment to human civilization. Their argument (more or less) is that if we believe that fairy tales are real then we are not capable of “bettering” mankind as a species because we live in a fantasy world that does not recognize reality.
@ArchaicSeal: Let the Atheists use the UN to fight Islam. Stay out of it. Then when the Islamists have cut off the heads of all the Atheists us Christians can weigh in since we will be the only ones left. Looks like a repeat of the Crusades are in our future, huh? Bring it on!
Report this comment
Atrum Angelis
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 6:24pm@Shorelineliz
First they came for the Atheists, and I did nothing…
I’d also add, the Crusades ended with them still holding the Middle East and Jerusalem. I don’t think Christians would want a repeat, per se. More of a second chance.
Report this comment
virgie morgan
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 8:13pmit’s not just the atheists that islam wants this blasphemy law against and not just other countries. The idiot in chief here is seeking to sign this treaty or law with the U.N. so that Americans, no matter what they believe cannot say anything against islam. They want to make it a crime by which you (an American) can be convicted and sentenced for. The muslims do believe they will accomplish this goal of islam being the ONLY religion allowed and anyone who does not agree is an infidel and must be killed. That is the end goal and oblamo is in lock step with them. Remember, he said he would stand with the muslims should the political winds change. Well, I’d say the political winds have changed since obozo claimed to the world that we are no longer a Christian nation and that Israel is on her own defense wise. Sharia law creep is already here. Armageddon anyone?
Report this comment
SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 1:18pmHey atrium-
First they came for my right to pray, where were you? Then they took God out of the pledge, where were you? Now you cant say Christmas because some sissy atheist wants to score points and make a name for themselves with the dawkins lemmings and you use that saying?
Have fun fighting islam by your self. Ive been waiting for the show. We will clean up the mess afterwards.
Report this comment
NinjaJuice
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:28pmI would pay to see liberals and these ratical islamist in one room.
Report this comment
jdc0101
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 4:04pmOh yea put it on pay per view..
Call it liberals either they EAT or get EATEN
Put a bunch of liberals on one side of the room
Put a bunch of muslims from Gitmo on the other side
and put the atheists in the middle
and throw a bunch of rusty knifes to the muslims
and throw a bunch of semi auto pistols to the liberals
and throw a logic dictionary to the atheists
And just watch them go at it
Who will pick up the weapons first?
Who will use them the first?
Will the liberals even try to defend themselves with a gun or just lie down and die
Who will win?
Will the atheists win with their logic against the muslims?
my bets are all on the muslims
Report this comment
Chatikh
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 12:57amThat’s a bit psychopathic, isn’t it? Especially JDC0101.
“EAT OR GET EATEN”?
Report this comment
SquidVetOhio
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:19pmNow here’s a quandary, do I side with Muslims who want to kill me because I reject their false prophet or Atheists who would like to see me dead because they believe I’m holding back their secular utopia? Hmmm…..
Well, since it’s the U.N. and they are a meaningless joke, I’ll play Switzerland on this one.
Report this comment
Free_Thought
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:34pmTake it easy drama queen. No atheists want you dead.
Report this comment
The_Doors_Of_Perception
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:45pmYeah this coming from a “christian” who wished my mother stopped by an abortion clinic for advice. Think you are projecting…classy.
Report this comment
vaman
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 4:31pmHistory clearly shows us it is christians who have killed non believers throughout time. It is only the secular laws of legitimate governments that prevent the Sharia style christian law from returning to Western society.
Report this comment
DLV
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 4:34pmDoors- Did he actually say that or are you just wanting him to say that? Even so, since you atheists are so into abortion if your mother did do that? You wouldn’t object right?
Report this comment
Atrum Angelis
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 6:26pmYou know, not all atheists want Christians dead.
Nor, do all of us think a utopia is possible. Secular or not.
Report this comment
God_Is_Not
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 7:33pmYou’ll have to forgive Squid. After reading the bible, it’s easy to see why a Christian would assume death is the penalty for religious disagreement.
No worries, Squid. Atheists will continue to fight against tyranny on your behalf.
Report this comment
DLV
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 8:15pmCute we’ve got a little atheist gathering. Trolls, hating the blaze yet coming here anyway. Seriously, do you guys have lives or what?…..
Report this comment
God_Is_Not
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 9:58pmQuote of the day from DLV:
“All I can say is I am actively looking forward to when god destroys this nation.”
Report this comment
ModerationIsBest
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 10:15pmOh here it is again.
The Christian cry of persecution.
“everyone wants me dead because of my belief in Jesus.”
You wish you could die a martyr.
Stop looking to be the victim in everything.
Report this comment
survivorseed
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 11:54pmHey DLV…10 posts in 1 day, get off the welfare and find a job
Report this comment
DeavonReye
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 10:31amAnd neither do I wish “death upon christians”. Absurd! Some of my good friends are christians.
Report this comment
DLV
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 10:32amOh survivor you’re so funny… I’m in college right now… and plenty of people have posted more than that like moderation above me and classes and jobs only take up a margin of that day. We were having a debate earlier and we both easily did more than 10 posts a day. It’s not that uncommon.
God is not- Huh? So when did justice become a a thing to mock? I guess you’re for the guilty. I’ll write that down here… For… the….guilty… ok thanks. Quote of the day? Thanks it really is.
Report this comment
mtsnj
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:55pmooo that one in purple is a babe.
Report this comment
desertspeaks
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:05pmblasphemy? from the same religion that brings us be-headings, stoning, murder, rape, pedophilia,
Yeah im pretty sure they really believe in a loving god that is insulted by blasphemy.. drips with sarcasm!
Report this comment
ArchaicSEAL
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:25pmIf we Christians join with the atheists in protecting their right to criticize religion, who is to say that they won’t turn on us in the end and take away our right to believe whatever we want? Almost every atheist I have met in my life (not all, but the vast majority) believe that people who believe in a God are not mentally stable and are a detriment to human civilization. Their argument (more or less) is that if we believe that fairy tales are real then we are not capable of “bettering” mankind as a species because we live in a fantasy world that does not recognize reality.
I really want to support atheists in their beliefs and the right to have those beliefs. But it is VERY difficult when I see them trying to shut down Christian driven things in American society on a constant basis. Hell, you want to argue with me about how my belief is idiotic and dangerous, then go ahead, we can argue. However, if you want to stop me from celebrating my religion or from using religious iconography then we have a problem, a SERIOUS problem.
So yeah, atheists, I want to support you and your right to believe in nothing except for a random natural universe. But show me that you want to support my right to believe in a non-random, created universe from its inception. After all, neither of us can prove one way or the other what the truth of reality is with absolute certainty. We just have to take it on our faith.
Report this comment
SquidVetOhio
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:33pm@MTSNJ
Awesome…
Report this comment
Cavallo
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:34pmHow often do atheists spend actually criticizing Islam? I think they’re worried that it could be used in defense of their favorite whipping boy. However, regardless of their intentions, they’re right to oppose such idiocy.
Report this comment
The Third Archon
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:27pm“GROUP PETITIONS U.N. TO REJECT ISLAMIC CALLS FOR GLOBAL BLASPHEMY LAWS — AN ATHEIST GROUP, THAT IS”
Well yeah, because APPARENTLY we’re the ONLY group that understands the dangers of rejecting secularism–that when the state establishes a religion (or what constitutes “blasphemy”) it won’t be YOURS.
Report this comment
SquidVetOhio
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:32pmNo, apparently you’re the ONLY group that keeps pi$$ing everybody off.
Report this comment
The_Cabrito_Goat
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 4:08pmIs it possible religions might be different in content? Golly gee I would have never thought.
There are fathoms you don’t know, kid.
Report this comment
BlackCrow
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:25pmBBBAAAHHHAAAHHHHAAA!!!! I saw this coming years back. Those lefty “multiculturalists” would be the first ones to feel Islamic steel at their necks. Now it’s time to sit back and watch the show while making sure the rifle is spotless.
Report this comment
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:32pmWhy do you assume they represent only the Left?
Lots and lots of atheist/agnostic libertarians and even some conservatives are (quietly) atheist/agnostic.
If these people are ultimately helping our cause, then we should welcome their help.
Report this comment
UMMAH GUMMAH
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:46pm.
We all need to stick together on this. I prefer atheists over PIGSlamists any day of the week. If ONLY Obama were an atheist as he pretends to be, rather than the full-fledged stealth moslem he relly is!
.
Report this comment
naughtycal
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:50pmJefferson the enemy of my enemy theory only applies when they aren’t also your enemy as well. I see atheist as just another fascist group that wants to limit freedom. They are only better than Islamics in the sense that they are bombing buildings …Yet. Other than that they are on par with Islamics in thier opression of Christianity.
Report this comment
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:21pm@Naughtygal
Then you are guilty of collectivist group think. I know plenty of libertarian atheists who know WAY more about the underpinnings and Foundation of this nation than a good 90% of the people on this site. They not only know it, they live it and breath it. They stand on the front lines defying government and they are quite proud of it. If you think “they” are all the same then I think you’re buying the pre-packaged boogey man story that a lot of churches use to get more donations in the plate on Sundays. They’re as much individuals capable of good and evil as any of the rest of us, and no one represents the whole.
Report this comment
The_Doors_Of_Perception
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:48pmThanks jefferson….Naughty just has no idea what he is talking about.
Report this comment
DLV
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 4:37pmGhost- True…. and I would support those conservative/ libertarian atheists who just want Christianity to be left alone and have similar views about the government being too involved. But for the militant atheists, they can eat dirt by my book.
Report this comment
Pontiaku
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 4:44pmWow, thanks naughtycal for helping to alienate atheist & agnostics from Fiscal Conservatism… What would republicans do without primitive simpletons such as your selves still swinging from the trees?
“I see atheist as just another fascist group that wants to limit freedom.”
You’re free to keep your superstitious nonsense and I will continue to belittle it freely. However you are not going to continue using “government” as your propaganda machine or to push your nonsensical religious agenda. Doing so gives other religions and non-religions (islam, scientology, atheism) the same right to do so. Religion is not a legitimate function of government, thus it does not belong there and “your” individual freedoms are no way limited. When you’re ready to accept that atheist are not interested in believing in unicorns, leprechauns, or your god, nor allow you to have a theocracy, then you can join the rest of us in the 21st century in keeping both government out of religion and religion out of government.
Report this comment
naughtycal
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 8:00am1. Jefferson those conservative athesit aren’t ones this article is about.
2 You fail to grasp the true nature of man in your assessment of atheist conservative. That being acceptance not through tolerance but through force. People with isms in the end have to enforce their believe structure as the majoral oppinion. If the world was all atheist they would still find disagreement within their religion and it would boil in yet another religious war. Look at Christanity and the lenths that people had to go to practice their views of Jesus’s teachings.
So yes in te short term atheist could be an ally but only to till the mutual enemy id defeated then it right back to preaching their religion in school and denying alternatives like intelligent design from even being discussed. It’s back the faith in science as answers to the unknown questioned and ridiculing Christian for having faith in God.
Report this comment
kat747
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:17pmGreat to hear that the atheists can join the Christians and Jews against the cult-like, preverted,
anti-women’s rights, anti-every-religion-but-their-own, murderous people who are denying the atheists THEIR rights.
Welcome to the club.
Report this comment
DeavonReye
Posted on February 27, 2013 at 10:59amI’ll stand with christians, jews, others against radical Islam, . . . sure!
Report this comment
spirited
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:14pmWhole-y Sharia !!! –How’s that “pig”-name-calling going?
Oh, and
~>The loud-mouthed atheist group(s) ought to practice what they preach.
Report this comment
UMMAH GUMMAH
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:14pm.
Am I the only one to notice that these porcine moslems busy protesting against this that and the others seem rather well-fed with lots of leisure time on their idle hands?
Why are WE working our butts off to send THEM foreign aid?
How come not a SINGLE Republican can verbalize this question in public?
.
Report this comment
IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:12pmI am proud of all religion that practice good and not evil throughout the world. I respect all others that do not infringe on my right to practice my religion and I would not infringe on others. However, if you go to another country you may not agree but must abide with their laws and religion beliefs and the same as if someone comes here they have to do the same. If we don’t have evil but good, if we do have truths not lies, if we do have love not hate we would have a much better place to live no matter where you are. … It may be a pipe dream but peace and freedom for all. . We all need prayers and it is time to act upon those needs for ourselves and others. If you don’t believe then just be thankful for the gift of life and peace be with you.
Report this comment
Locked
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:02pmWell, that should settle the “atheists never say anything against Islam!” strawmen issue… for a few days. Good to see some other groups standing up against radical Islam.
I agree with the atheists on this one but I don’t have much faith in the UN stepping up when so many of their members represent this fundamentalist view.
Report this comment
UMMAH GUMMAH
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:08pm.
The UN can’t legislate a thing to us unless our government agrees.. whoops.. we have a moslem in the White House and a Cowering Congress.. things look pretty bleak right about now.
People voted in this moslem in exchange for a few dimes..
.
Report this comment
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:20pmYeah, I am glad to see that they’re standing up to Muslim fundamentalists. And they are right, in many countries you can be killed dead on the spot if it’s discovered that you’re atheist or even agnostic. In those situations and nations, they really are free thinkers, unlike the majority of “Fundamentalist Atheists” here in the West who sneer at and belittle anybody who dares to not hold to their atheist beliefs.
But this is good. And seriously, what real power does the U.N. have to create any “law” that governors our freedom of speech? They are not a government body, their resolutions are about as powerful as a five day dead mouse.
Report this comment
civilwarcometh
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:02pm6.2 trillion!!!! http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/341589/gao-report-obamacare-adds-62-trillion-long-term-deficit-andrew-stiles
Report this comment
civilwarcometh
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:11pmGoing to give 300.000 free health care. Ann Coulter’s guy… http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/christie_budget_details.html#incart_river_default
Report this comment
UMMAH GUMMAH
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:02pm.
Hey moslems, take ur false Satanic moongod “profet” and shove him up ur arse.
Signed: THE WEST.
Now **** OFF.
.
Report this comment
barber2
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:31pmWish you were traveling with Kerry !
Report this comment
UMMAH GUMMAH
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:01pm.
It’s basically islam vs. THE REST OF THE WORLD.
Why are we even entertaining these “talks”? We need John Bolton back in there to tell them to shove off.
.
Report this comment
barber2
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 1:57pmSay a prayer for the atheists who had the courage to stand up to the intolerant killers .
Report this comment
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 1:54pmGood for this group. And what chance in hell do these cave men have of getting such a “ban” enforced in these united State? Zero to none, I can tell you that much for free. For all I care they can go cry to their girly-man child molesting prophet.
Report this comment
UMMAH GUMMAH
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:11pm.
I know this would have sounded ridiculous until Nov. 2008. But don’t underestimate this threat. They’ve managed to get one of their own into the White House.
.
Report this comment
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:17pmObama has no power to enforce any such ban, not even Congress can do such. It would fall in courts so fast it would make gravity look slow to act.
Report this comment
Fubared
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 1:53pmGod bless the atheists. They have made the hajis angry.
Report this comment
Xanderson
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:32pmPerhaps it was an Atheist-Virginian driving around with the ICUHAJI plates :D
Report this comment
Zipit
Posted on February 26, 2013 at 2:48pmIf only JUSTANGRY could focus his attention on them as well, and leave us alone for a while!
Report this comment