A UN General Assembly committee has once again voted to condemn the “vilification of religion”, but support narrowed for a measure that Western powers say is a threat to freedom of expression.
The non-binding resolution, championed by Islamic states and opposed by Western countries, passed by only 12 votes in the General Assembly’s Third Committee, which focuses on human rights, 76-64 with 42 abstentions.
Opponents noted that support had fallen and opposition increased since last year, when the Third Committee vote was 81-55 with 43 abstentions. The 192-nation General Assembly is expected to formally adopt the measure next month. [The Freethinker] Read more
