For the first time in more than a decade, the U.N. General Assembly on Monday condemned religious intolerance without urging states to outlaw "defamation of religions," an appeal critics say opened the door to abusive "blasphemy" laws.
The call on countries to prohibit "defamation" had been included in a non-binding resolution on combating religious intolerance passed annually by the 193-nation assembly.
The resolution approved on Monday declares that "discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief constitutes a violation of human rights."
It also expressed concern about the incitement to religious hatred and the failure of some states "to combat this burgeoning trend." [Reuters] Read more
