DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The Muslim world has created a battle plan to defend its religion from political cartoonists and bigots.
Concerned about what they see as a rise in the defamation of Islam, leaders of the world's Muslim nations are considering taking legal action against those that slight their religion or its sacred symbols. It was a key issue during a two-day summit that ended Friday in this western Africa capital.
The Muslim leaders are attempting to demand redress from nations like Denmark, which allowed the publication of cartoons portraying the Prophet Muhammad in 2006 and again last month, to the fury of the Muslim world.
Though the legal measures being considered have not been spelled out, the idea pits many Muslims against principles of freedom of speech enshrined in the constitutions of numerous Western governments.
"I don't think freedom of expression should mean freedom from blasphemy," said Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade, the chairman of the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference. "There can be no freedom without limits."
Delegates were given a voluminous report by the OIC that recorded anti-Islamic speech and actions from around the world. The report concludes that Islam is under attack and that a defense must be mounted.
"Muslims are being targeted by a campaign of defamation, denigration, stereotyping, intolerance and discrimination," charged Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the secretary general of the group.
The report urges the creation of a "legal instrument" to crack down on defamation of Islam. Some delegates point to laws in Europe criminalizing the denial of the Holocaust and other anti-Semitic rhetoric. They also point to articles within various U.N. charters that condemn discrimination based on religion and argue that these should be ramped up.
"In our relation with the western world, we are going through a difficult time," Ihsanoglu told the summit's general assembly. "Islamophobia cannot be dealt with only through cultural activities but (through) a robust political engagement."
They should have NO RIGHT to do this. NONE AT ALL. EVERY other religion out there has had ranks made on them--Islam shouldn't have special rights! I think this sets a horrible precedent! _________________ Meow.
I think they are wrong. It's stupid to think they can extort money out of groups for making fun of their religion. That's just too bad. It's not our fault they follow absurd concepts and are too sensitive about it. If we allowed people to sue others for making fun of stupid beliefs, the world would be worse off. I think Denmark ought to respond to this by taking a picture of a dog humping a fire hydrant with the face of the prophet photoshopped onto it. Under it they can write the words : "proposal rejected, have a nice day." _________________
It makes me mad that especially eurpean countries, and ESPECIALLY denmark, france and sweden, totally let the muslims get away with their cultural war on freedom and freedom of speech. They ought to be ashamed.
If I was in charge of Denmark, I wouldn't just send them a picture to offend them; I would straight up deport every single muslim in all of denmark and say "Assimilate or get the fuck out." Islam is ruining the best countries of Europe.
I usually don't feel that way. I am accepting of almost every culture. But I am done with pussyfuting around with a religion such as Islam. Islam should die. (Along with scientology.)
It is, I suppose, better than suicide bombing as a response. At least it is a use of non-violent means.
Of course, it must be laughed out of court...it is going too far along the path of political correctness.
Religion is fine, but people have to accept that others have their own views and are entitled to those and to freedom of speech, particularly in countries where other religions and cultures exist.
Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: 2785 Location: Tacoma, WA USA
Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:25 pm Post subject:
Viv wrote:
It is, I suppose, better than suicide bombing as a response. At least it is a use of non-violent means.
That is very true, but...
Quote:
Of course, it must be laughed out of court...it is going too far along the path of political correctness.
Religion is fine, but people have to accept that others have their own views and are entitled to those and to freedom of speech, particularly in countries where other religions and cultures exist.
This may be an appropriate platform to establish this beyond any doubt.
I agree.
I just wish so many people weren't cowering down to political correctness when it comes to Islam because we don't cower down to any other religion. If we did, then I'd feel differently. _________________ Meow.
It is, I suppose, better than suicide bombing as a response. At least it is a use of non-violent means.
That is very true, but...
Quote:
Of course, it must be laughed out of court...it is going too far along the path of political correctness.
Religion is fine, but people have to accept that others have their own views and are entitled to those and to freedom of speech, particularly in countries where other religions and cultures exist.
This may be an appropriate platform to establish this beyond any doubt.
I agree.
I just wish so many people weren't cowering down to political correctness when it comes to Islam because we don't cower down to any other religion. If we did, then I'd feel differently.
I know. I don't know what the answer is though. I think it is an improvement to be somewhat more sensitive and PC to an extent, but it has opened the door to this...situation
It is down to each justice system to deal with this appropriately. Personally, I'd spend time in prison before paying any such fine and I think there would be riots here if they even tried to enforce any ruling regarding it. _________________ http://z11.invisionfree.com/Politics_Now/index.php?
I think a country needs to simply have certain principles they stick by that they don't allow to be compromised by any certain group. As for muslim extremists, I think it is important that we target terrorist groups and that we treat individuals on an individual level based on our laws.
Well I really am liberal and do not mind people having their own lifestyles and ethnic groups.
Where there is a problem is when one attempts to impose their ways on others. Also, the UK is multicultural and that is fine, diversity is good, but people are really tiring of adapting and adapting to the noisy minority.
The recent case when it was suggested by the Archbishop of the Canterbury that UK law must be changed to incorporate Sharia law demonstrated this. There was uproar...people are tired of it. _________________ http://z11.invisionfree.com/Politics_Now/index.php?
Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: 2785 Location: Tacoma, WA USA
Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 3:23 pm Post subject:
Viv wrote:
Well I really am liberal and do not mind people having their own lifestyles and ethnic groups.
Where there is a problem is when one attempts to impose their ways on others. Also, the UK is multicultural and that is fine, diversity is good, but people are really tiring of adapting and adapting to the noisy minority.
The recent case when it was suggested by the Archbishop of the Canterbury that UK law must be changed to incorporate Sharia law demonstrated this. There was uproar...people are tired of it.
I agree with this. The problem truly IS when one attempts to impose their ways on others. _________________ Meow.
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