Recording of the SPI International Call — June 4, 2015

Conference-Call1

About the International Coalition Calls

Every first Thursday of the month, the Secular Policy Institute holds an international coordinating call for its 300 members to discuss the future of the secular movement.

Call for June 4, 2015

Here’s the latest recording of the Secular Policy Institute’s international coordinating call.

Agenda

I ÔÇô┬áSPI International Hot Spot of the Month – Bloggers Killed in Bangladesh

Please Join SPI in agreeing to be included in a sign on letter to international decision makers to demand reforms in Bangladesh.Avijit Roy, activist, blogger, and founder of┬áMukto-Mona, a freethinkers blog, was attacked and killed while on his way home home with his wife on February 26, 2015 by machete-wielding members of the Ansarullah Bangla Team, an Islamic Extremist Organizations.┬á RoyÔÇÖs wife claims police stood by while the attack took place and did nothing.Washiqur Rahman,┬áatheist blogger, killed by members of the Ansarullah Bangla Team for his anti-Islamic writings March 30, 2015.

Ananta Bijoy Das┬á– A writer for┬áMukto-Mona┬áwhere Avijit also worked, was on an extremist hit-list for his writings, and killed by masked assailants on May 12, 2015.

US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Senator Bob Corker, Chairman
425 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member
509 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

US House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman
2310 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Congressmen Eliot Engel, Ranking Member
2462 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515

Ambassador Mohammad Ziaduddin
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington, DC
3510 International Drive, NW
Washington, DC 20008, USA

His Excellency Abdul Namid
President
Peoples Republic of Bangladesh
Bangabhaban President House
No: 5/14,5 No Gate – Dhaka
1000 Dhaka, Bangladesh

Assistant Secretary General Ivan Šimonović
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations Headquarters
OTCHR in New York
Room S-130, 13th Floor
Secretariat Building
New York, New York 10017, USA

Mr. Heiner Bielefeldt
UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief
UN Human Rights Council
Ôäà Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations at Geneva
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland

freedomofreligion@ohchr.org
urgent-action@ohch.org

Draft Proposal Letter Language

Dear _____________:

As members of the Secular Policy Institute, we are saddened that three bloggers in Bangladesh have been killed with machetes and meat cleavers for voicing their opinions on religious belief.

The full range of religious beliefs should be respected, even when they differ substantially from others. Both religious groups and their adherents must remember that they are not immune from having their beliefs questioned, nor do they have the right to kill others who do not share their faith.

We are asking that you stand up for religious freedom and freedom of expression by lodging formal complaints with the government of Bangladesh over these violations of the most basic human rights.

Please use all means with your power to right these wrongs and demand justice and protection of basic human rights.

Sincerely,
_____________

I ÔÇô┬áSPI Overview
(Edwina Rogers, CEO, edwina@secularpolicyinstitute.net, 202-674-7800)

  • SPI Mission
    • The Secular Policy Institute (SPI) is a think tank organization of thought leaders, writers, scholars, and speakers with a shared mission to influence public opinion and promote a secular society. We believe governmental decisions and public policies should be based on available science and reason, and free of religion or religious preferences.
  • World Future Forum & International Secular Leaders Summit
    • The Secular Policy Institute convenes some of the worldÔÇÖs most prestigious scholars and scientists to develop and disseminate compelling resources to influence the worldÔÇÖs decision makers. Open to policymakers and the public alike, the inaugural World Future Forum provides an unparalleled opportunity for an informed discussion of authoritative perspectives on the critical issues facing contemporary societies across the globe.
    • Registration opens Friday, May 8, 2015 at┬áwww.secularpolicyinstitute.net
      • Cost will be $295 per person.
    • The World Future Forum will take place at the Phoenix Park Hotel, at 520 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001
      • Hotel Room Blocks available at the Phoenix Park Hotel:
      • Single/Double Occupancy, 1 Bedrooms are $249 a night (tax addÔÇÖl)
      • Additional $30 per person / per day for triple/quadruple occupancy.
      • Reservations can be made at┬áphoenixparkhotel.com, using the Group Code┬á19849┬áin order to obtain the GroupÔÇÖs rate.
    • Sunday, October 25, 2015, @ Phoenix Park Hotel
      • 2 ÔÇô 5 PM: International Secular Leaders Summit and Training
      • 6 ÔÇô 7 PM: Cocktail Reception
      • 7 ÔÇô 9 PM: VIP Dinner ÔÇô Keynote Speaker on the Future of Nations and Humanity
    • Monday, October 26, 2015, @ Phoenix Park Hotel
      • World Future Forum ÔÇô Emcee Lawrence Krauss
      • 9 ÔÇô 10:30 AM: Future of EarthÔÇÖs Climate
      • 10:45 ÔÇô 12:15 PM: Future of Violence and Terrorism
      • 2 ÔÇô 3:30 PM: Future of Space Exploration
      • 3:30 ÔÇô┬á4┬áPM: Conclusion
      • 7 ÔÇô 9 PM: World Future Forum Great Debate, @ GWU Lisner Auditorium
        • Separately ticketed event: $30 ÔÇô $100; students $20.
  • Community Action Network (www.CommunityActionNetwork.org)
    • Community Action Network (CAN) promotes the development and application of science and reason in an ongoing quest for secular solutions to local problems. As an inclusive, affirming, and action-oriented initiative, CAN seeks to promote rational relationships and effective community building in support of collective problem solving and the ongoing advancement and enjoyment of a more just and reasoned world.
    • World Future Guide
    • Secular Demographic Guide
    • Monthly Conference Call Schedule:
      • First Thursday of Every Month┬áat┬áNoon Eastern Standard Time (GMT –4):┬áJune┬á4; July 2;┬áAugust 6;┬áSeptember 3;┬áOctober 1;┬áNovember 5; and┬áDecember 3, 2015.
        • Recruit National and Regional Leaders
        • International Hotspots in Need

II ÔÇô┬áFellowsÔÇÖ Corner
(Madeline Schussel, Director of Policy, madeline@secularpolicyinstitute.net)

  • FellowsÔÇÖ Update
    • 30 Fellows:
      • 11 International, 19 US
    • Daily News Clip Now Available- How to sign up

III ÔÇô┬áCoalitions & Resources

(Johnny Monsarrat, Alliance Director, johnny@secularpolicyinstitute.net)

  • World SPI Calendar┬áÔÇô Upcoming Major Conferences
  • Volunteers & Interns ÔÇô SPI Volunteers/Interns Recruitment
  • Coalition Update ÔÇô 312 groups
  • Newsletter ÔÇô weekly, please sign up.
  • Resources:
  • Abuse in American Faith Based Initiative System
  • Religiousness by Country
  • Religiousness by US State
  • Back Office Support
  • Help secure Volunteers and Interns
  • Help Draft Press Releases
  • Access to Press Database
  • Brochures
  • Website Design
  • Secular Directory

V ÔÇô┬áUS Public Policy Update

ÔùÅ┬á┬á┬á┬á U.S. Supreme Court on Same-Sex Marriage

  • Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of gay marriage.
  • The justices are considering whether the Constitution requires states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and, if not, whether states must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states where they are legal.

ÔùÅ ┬á ┬á┬áAnti Science Bill in Alabama

  • HB 592, introduced in the Alabama House of Representatives on┬áApril 30, requires education authorities┬á “assist teachers to find effective ways to present the science curriculum framework developed by the State Board of Education as it addresses scientific subjects that may cause debate and disputation” such as “biological evolution, the chemical origins of life, and human cloning.”

V ÔÇô┬áInternational Public Policy Update

  • Uganda Humanist Schools Trust
    • SPI Coalition member UHST as well as Humanist Schools in Uganda have received a 6,500 euro grant.
    • UHST strives to build and maintain secular schools, an uncommon commodity in Uganda.
  • Former Ultra-Orthodox Jews Sue over poor education
    • Former students of state sponsored Israeli seminaries say they did not receive an adequate education
    • The only subject of study of the Torah, leaving young men in their twenties with the education level of a grade school student in most subjects.

VI ÔÇô┬áProject and Member Spotlight

SPI Staff:
Edwina Rogers ÔÇô edwina@secularpolicyinstitute.net
Madeline Schussel ÔÇô madeline@secularpolicyinstitute.net
Johnny Monsarrat ÔÇô johnny@secularpolicyinstitute.net



Recording of the SPI International Call — May 7, 2015

Conference-Call1

About the International Coalition Calls

Every first Thursday of the month, the Secular Policy Institute holds an international coordinating call for its 300 members to discuss the future of the secular movement.

Call for May 7, 2015

Here’s the latest recording of the Secular Policy Institute’s international coordinating call.

Agenda

PLEASE HELP NEPAL

As you may know, Nepal experienced a 7.8-magnitude earthquake on April 25. Over 14,000 people have been injured, and over 7,000 people have died as a result of this massive earthquake.

┬À┬á┬á┬á┬á┬á┬á The Center for Inquiry will be donating 100% of the funds collected through their charitable program SHARE (Skeptics and Humanists Aid and Relief Effort), directly to Doctors without Borders. Donations can be made at secure.centerforinquiry.net/share

┬À┬á┬á┬á┬á┬á┬á The Society for Humanism (SOCH) Nepal has mobilized more than 1,000 volunteers throughout Nepal to assist victims. 100% of donations collected will go directly to victims without any administrative fees. Please contact Uttam Niraula at sochnepal@gmail.com

I – SPI Overview

(Edwina Rogers, CEO, edwina@secularpolicyinstitute.net, 202-674-7800)

  • SPI Mission

The Secular Policy Institute (SPI) is a think tank organization of thought leaders, writers, scholars, and speakers with a shared mission to influence public opinion and promote a secular society. We believe governmental decisions and public policies should be based on available science and reason, and free of religion or religious preferences.

  • World Future Forum & International Secular Leaders Summit

The Secular Policy Institute convenes some of the worldÔÇÖs most prestigious scholars and scientists to develop and disseminate compelling resources to influence the worldÔÇÖs decision makers. Open to policymakers and the public alike, the inaugural World Future Forum provides an unparalleled opportunity for an informed discussion of authoritative perspectives on the critical issues facing contemporary societies across the globe.

  • Registration opens Friday, May 8, 2015 at www.secularpolicyinstitute.net
    • Cost will be $295 per person.
  • The World Future Forum will take place at the Phoenix Park Hotel, at 520 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001
    • Hotel Room Blocks available at the Phoenix Park Hotel:
    • Single/Double Occupancy, 1 Bed Rooms are $249 a night (tax addÔÇÖl)
      • Additional $30 per person / per day for triple/quadruple occupancy.
    • Reservations can be made at phoenixparkhotel.com, using the Group Code 19849 in order to obtain the GroupÔÇÖs rate.
  • Sunday, October 25, 2015, @ Phoenix Park Hotel
    • 2 ÔÇô 5 PM: International Secular Leaders Summit and Training
    • 6 ÔÇô 7 PM: Cocktail Reception
    • 7 ÔÇô 9 PM: VIP Dinner ÔÇô Keynote Speaker on the Future of Nations and Humanity
  • Monday, October 26, 2015, @ Phoenix Park Hotel
    • World Future Forum ÔÇô Emcee Lawrence Krauss
    • 9 ÔÇô 10:30 AM: Future of EarthÔÇÖs Climate
    • 10:45 ÔÇô 12:15 PM: Future of Violence and Terrorism
    • 2 ÔÇô 3:30 PM: Future of Space Exploration
    • 3:30 ÔÇô 4 PM: Conclusion
    • 7 ÔÇô 9 PM: World Future Forum Great Debate, @ GWU Lisner Auditorium
      • Separately ticketed event: $30 – $100; students $20.

Community Action Network (CAN) promotes the development and application of science and reason in an ongoing quest for secular solutions to local problems. As an inclusive, affirming, and action-oriented initiative, CAN seeks to promote rational relationships and effective community building in support of collective problem solving and the ongoing advancement and enjoyment of a more just and reasoned world.

  • World Future Guide
  • Secular Demographic Guide
  • Monthly Conference Call Schedule:

First Thursday of Every Month at Noon Eastern Standard Time (GMT -4): June 4; July 2; August 6; September 3; October 1; November 5; and December 3, 2015.

  • Recruit National and Regional Leaders
  • International Hotspots in Need

II ÔÇô FellowsÔÇÖ Corner

(Madeline Schussel, Director of Policy, madeline@secularpolicyinstitute.net)

  • FellowsÔÇÖ Update
    • 30 Fellows:
      • 11 International, 19 US
    • Daily News Clip Now Available- How to sign up

III ÔÇô Coalitions & Resources

(Johnny Monsarrat, Alliance Director, johnny@secularpolicyinstitute.net)

  • World SPI Calendar – Upcoming Major Conferences
  • Volunteers & Interns – SPI Volunteers/Interns Recruited
  • Coalition Update ÔÇô May 7, 2015 = 312 groups
  • Newsletter ÔÇô weekly. Please sign up.
  • Resources:
  • Religiousness by Country
  • Religiousness by US State
  • Back Office Support
  • Help secure Volunteers and Interns
  • Help Draft Press Releases
  • Access to Press Database
  • Brochures
  • Website Design

IV – US Public Policy Update

  • Supreme Court Leaves Ban on Churches in School
    • New York City may continue to ban churches from renting public school facilities after the nationÔÇÖs highest court refused to hear a challenge to the practice.
    • The Supreme CourtÔÇÖs refusal to act ends a 20-year legal battle over the ban. It is typically legal for churches to meet in public schools when class is not in session, but New York City enacted a policy banning worship and other activities, such as partisan political rallies and private parties.
  • Oklahoma House OKs Bill for Ministers to Refuse Gay Marriage

Last month, we reported to you that Oklahoma will no longer issue civil marriage certificates from clerks offices, in an attempt to stop gay weddings. As a side effect, it would also prevent atheists from getting married.

Now the Oklahoma House has approved legislation that grants immunity from civil liability to ministers who refuse to officiate a same-sex marriage.

House members voted 88-7 Thursday for the bill by Republican Rep. David Brumbaugh. The measure now goes to the state Senate.

  • Florida Bill Would Allow Discrimination Against Atheist Parents In Adoptions

Under the federal Faith Based Initiatives program, religious organizations can provide social services like adoption agencies with the understanding that they may not proselytize or discriminate. In other words, they must act secular. Churches of course do not want to act secular. They cheat on the rules. Now this cheating is set to become Florida state law.

According to AdoptFlorida.org on any given day there are about 750 children awaiting permanent placement and are without identified families. According to FosteringFlorida.com on any given day there are about 8,000 children in family foster care.

According to the proposed bill, CS/HB 7111: Conscience Protection for Actions of Private Child-Placing Agencies, it ÔÇ£Prohibits specified actions from being taken against private child-placing agency that refuses to place child or be involved in placement of child or facilitate licensure of foster home which would violate agencyÔÇÖs written religious or moral convictions or policies; provides that such refusal does not provide basis for claim for injunctive relief or compensatory or punitive damages.ÔÇØ

If you live in Florida, contact Rep. Brodeur, who introduced the bill and is Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, and contact Rep. Porter, who is co-sponsor and is the Chair of Higher Education & Workforce Subcommittee.

  • Supreme Court Sends Birth Control Case Back to Appeals Court

The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered a federal appeals court to take a second look at the University of Notre DameÔÇÖs challenge to the birth control mandate in Obamacare, and the rules for opting out of the required coverage.

The law allows religious charities and educational institutions to opt out of providing employee and student birth control coverage by signing a one-page form.

But Notre Dame contends that the act of signing that opt-out form makes it complicit in providing coverage that the Catholic university objects to on religious grounds.

V – International Public Policy Update

  • United Nations ÔÇô Access to the Public Gallery:
    • For the vast majority of human rights meetings taking place in the UN, there is no requirement for ECOSOC status to attend public meetings.
    • A limited number of seats in the Public Gallery, above the main conference room, Room XX, are available for persons wishing to observe proceedings without being accredited as participants. Access is granted depending on the availability of seating and other circumstances.
    • Requests to attend should be sent by email to hcraccreditation@ohchr.org 24 hours in advance with the following information:
      • Date and purpose of visit;
      • Full names of those wishing to attend (please use an Excel spreadsheet if more than 5 persons).
    • Information about getting accredited status at the UN available HERE.
    • A short guide to what you can do at the UN once accredited, including making an oral statement, available HERE.
  • United Nations 2015 Meetings and Events
o┬á┬á Human Rights Council ÔÇô Organizational meeting May 26, 2015
o┬á┬á Meeting of special rapporteurs/representatives, independent experts and chairpersons of working groups of the special procedures of the Human Rights Council June 8 ÔÇô 12, 2015
o┬á┬á 29th Session of the Human Rights Council June 15 ÔÇô July 3, 2015
o┬á┬á Human Rights Committee ÔÇô Working Group on Communications June 22 ÔÇô 26, 2015
o┬á┬á Meeting of Chairpersons of the Human Rights Treaty Bodies June 22 ÔÇô 26, 2015
o┬á┬á 114th Session of the Human Rights Committee June 29 ÔÇô July 24, 2015
o┬á┬á Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women June 7 ÔÇô July 24, 2015
o┬á┬á 15th Session of the Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council August 10 ÔÇô 14, 2015
o┬á┬á Human Rights Council ÔÇô Organizational meeting August 24, 2015
  • The Campaign for Free Expression website has lots of important information about the appalling state of blasphemy rights around the world.
  • Saudi Arabia – In the news is the harsh punishment of Raif Badawi, a Saudi blogger, for ÔÇ£insulting IslamÔÇØ online, and the imprisonment of BadawiÔÇÖs lawyer Waleed Abu Al-Khair, for standing up for human rights.
  • The IHEU (International Humanist and Ethical Union) are holding their General Assembly on Saturday, May 30, 2015, in Manila, the Philippine Islands. More information can be found on their website HERE.
  • Italians Debate Role of Prayer in Public School

A coalition of parents and teachers in Italy recently filed a lawsuit over a Bologna public schoolÔÇÖs plan to host Roman Catholic prayers.

Giosuè Carducci Elementary School intended to hold a series of prayers to mark the Easter holiday last month. Although the prayers were voluntary and were to be held after school hours, some still object to what they characterize as an endorsement of Roman Catholicism.

In an interview with the New York Times, Adele Orioli of the Union of Atheists and Rationalistic Agnostics argued that the practice could alienate religious minorities. ÔÇ£Is it fair that everyone has to see this, even if some students are Muslims, Buddhists or atheists?ÔÇØ she asked.

Supporters of the prayers contend instead that Catholicism is simply part of ItalyÔÇÖs cultural legacy and that offering sectarian prayers doesnÔÇÖt amount of proselytization.

ÔÇ£It is not a matter of faith. It is a matter of belonging to a tradition,ÔÇØ the Rev. Rafaelle Buono told The Times.

  • CanadaÔÇÖs Supreme Court Rules Against Allowing Prayer At City Council Meetings

CanadaÔÇÖs Supreme Court has ruled that a small town in Quebec may not open its council meetings with prayer.

In a unanimous ruling Wednesday (April 15), CanadaÔÇÖs highest court ruled that the town of Saguenay can no longer publicly recite a Catholic prayer because it infringes on freedom of conscience and religion.

The case dates back to 2007, when a resident of Saguenay complained about public prayer at City Hall.

VI ÔÇô Project and Member Spotlight

  • International Freethought Film Festival 2015
    • When: Friday, May 8, at 5:30 PM to Sunday, May 10, at 10:00 PM
    • Where: Gallery at Avalon Island, 39 S. Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL
    • Andrea Meyer, Founder and Executive Director of the IFFF will join us on the call to discuss the upcoming event.
    • The Association of Atheism (Republic of Turkey)
      • The first legally organized Atheist group in Turkey and the Middle East.
      • The organizationÔÇÖs goals are:
        • To give the Turkish public an unbiased, objective, and intelligent identity concerning who is and what it means to be an Atheist.
        • To stimulate and foster the thriving community that supports, promotes and protects the rights of individuals and groups identified as Atheists; and to combat negative attitudes toward such individuals and groups.
        • To stand up for the victims of the haranguers of Atheists and free-thinkers in the courts, either as active council or as a supporting party to the defendant.
      • Morgan Elizabeth Romano, VP of the Board of Directors & Director of International Relations, will join us on the call to speak about atheism in the Middle East.

SPI Staff:

Edwina Rogers ÔÇô edwina@secularpolicyinstitute.net

Madeline Schussel ÔÇô madeline@secularpolicyinstitute.net

Johnny Monsarrat ÔÇô johnny@secularpolicyinstitute.net



Recording of the SPI International Call — April 2, 2015

Conference-Call1

About the International Coalition Calls

Every first Thursday of the month, the Secular Policy Institute holds an international coordinating call for its 300 members to discuss the future of the secular movement.

Call for April 2, 2015

Here’s the recording of the Secular Policy Institute’s international coordinating call from April 2, 2015.

Agenda

Agenda Item I: About the Secular Policy Institute

Presenter: Edwina Rogers, CEO, edwina@secularpolicyinstitute.net, 202-674-7800

  • SPI Mission: The Secular Policy Institute (SPI) is a think tank organization of thought leaders, writers, scholars, and speakers with a shared mission to influence public opinion and promote a secular society. We believe governmental decisions and public policies should be based on available science and reason, and free of religion or religious preferences.
  • World Future Forum. The Secular Policy Institute convenes some of the worldÔÇÖs most prestigious scholars and scientists to develop and disseminate compelling resources to influence the worldÔÇÖs decision makers. Open to policymakers and the public alike, the inaugural World Future Forum provides an unparalleled opportunity for an informed discussion of authoritative perspectives on the critical issues facing contemporary societies across the globe.
  • Community Action Network (CAN) promotes the development and application of science and reason in an ongoing quest for secular solutions to local problems. As an inclusive, affirming, and action-oriented initiative, CAN seeks to promote rational relationships and effective community building in support of collective problem solving and the ongoing advancement and enjoyment of a more just and reasoned world.
  • World Future Guide
  • Secular Demographic Guide
  • International Secular Leaders Summit, in Miami, Florida, January 2016
  • Monthly Conference Call Schedule: First Thursday of Every Month at Noon Eastern Standard Time (GMT -4): April 2; May 7; June 4; July 2; August 6; September 3; October 1; November 5; and December 3, 2015.
  • Recruit National and Regional Leaders
  • International Hotspots in Need

Agenda Item II: FellowsÔÇÖ Corner

Presenter: Madeline Schussel, Director of Policy, madeline@secularpolicyinstitute.net

  • FellowsÔÇÖ Update: 30 Fellows, of which 11 outside the US.
  • SPI Secular Daily Digest is your daily news update on science, politics, religion, and our Fellows.

Agenda Item III: Coalitions & Resources

Presenter: Johnny Monsarrat, Alliance Director, johnny@secularpolicyinstitute.net

Coalition Opportunities:

  • Submit your project for funding and acceleration
  • Become a National Coordinator to build country-by-country policy guides
  • Get free or “pay what you can” website work
  • We’re Hiring!

Other Reports:

  • World SPI Calendar – Upcoming Major Conferences
  • Volunteers & Interns
  • Coalition Update: 300 groups
  • Newsletter
  • Resources

Agenda Item IV: US Public Policy Update

  • Despite federal courts telling a growing number of states that they do not have a religious freedom-based right to prevent gay couples from marrying, many lawmakers are once again pushing legislation that would stop the expansion of same-sex. North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia have all entertained this sort of legislation so far this year.
  • Legislators in Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, and Wyoming are looking to either pass or expand so-called “religious freedom” laws that are actually forms of religious coercion! These states are trying to legalize discrimination against entire groups of people simply because they don’t conform that what fundamentalists claim the Bible commands.
  • Lastly, there are voucher programs that would use tax dollars to fund the teaching of creationism in public schools. These are serious threats to church-state separation and have been on the rise in recent years. And the Religious Right is also trying to force Bible classes in public school curricula. Such bills have appeared in Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, New York, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.

Agenda Item V: International Public Policy Update

  • The Campaign for Free Expression website has lots of important information about the appalling state of blasphemy rights around the world.
  • Saudi Arabia – In the news is the harsh punishment of Raif Badawi, a Saudi blogger, for ÔÇ£insulting IslamÔÇØ online, and the imprisonment of BadawiÔÇÖs lawyer Waleed Abu Al-Khair, for standing up for human rights.

Agenda Item VI: Project and Member Spotlight

Foundation Beyond Belief will present two projects that the SPI is proud to help fund and accelerate:



SECULAR RECOMMENDATIONS ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS

international-human-rights-300x1891Freedom of religion, freedom of belief, and freedom of expression are at the heart of international human rights agreements, just as they are at the heart of the U.S. Constitution. All persons deserve to be able to freely select their beliefs, to practice their religion or lack thereof as they choose so long as no harm is done to others, and to engage in public discussion and debate on religion. The U.S. government has both a moral and a legal duty to defend and protect these rights around the world.

U.S. diplomatic staff can and should work with secular non-governmental organizations (NGOs) just as they work with religious NGOs when abroad. NGOs can often help communicate with people on the ground in foreign countries ÔÇô including persecuted dissenters, their families, friends, and legal experts. An active network of secular NGOs is committed to protecting freedom of conscience and speech. Such NGOs include the Secular Coalition for America, the Center for Inquiry, International Humanist and Ethical Union, and the American Humanist Association. These organizations often work with religious groups to achieve common goals.

The U.S. government is the largest single financial supporter of the UN, contributing roughly one quarter of its budget. Unfortunately, many of the UNÔÇÖs key human rights enforcement mechanisms lack funding. As elected officials of a government that supports the UN, U.S. lawmakers must help ensure effective implementation of programs that promote freedom of belief, religion, and expression.

POLICY RECOMMENDATION: The U.S. government should apply political pressure whenever possible to countries violating their international human rights obligations



SECULAR RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF RELIGION, BELIEF, AND EXPRESSION IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

Several key international agreements approved by the United Nations (UN) enshrine freedom of religion, belief, and expression as basic international human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, states:

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.ÔÇØ (Article 18)

ÔÇ£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.ÔÇØ (Article 19)

The UNDHR gained the force of international law in 1966 under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which states:

ÔÇ£Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.ÔÇØ (Article 18)

ÔÇ£Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.ÔÇØ (Article 19) As an international treaty, the ICCPR is legally binding on its signatories.

The ICCPR not only protects the right to believe, it also protects the right to reject belief, the right to identify as humanist or atheist, and the right to express or practice nontheism. As the United Nations Human Rights Committee has explained:

  1. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (which includes the freedom to hold beliefs) in article 18.1 is far-reaching and profound; it encompasses freedom of thought on all matters .
  2. Article 18 protects theistic, non-theistic and atheistic beliefs, as well as the right not to profess any religion or belief. The terms ÔÇÿbeliefÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿreligionÔÇÖ are to be broadly construed. Article 18 is not limited in its application to traditional religions or to religions and beliefs with institutional characteristics or practices analogous to those of traditional religions.

There are, however, limits to these international agreementsÔÇÖ support for free expression. Article 20 of the ICCPR has the potential to conflict with U.S. law where it states:

ÔÇ£Any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law.ÔÇØ

The United States has always opposed Article 20 of the ICCPR and was one of eighteen countries to issue a reservation to it. The U.S. reservation to Article 20 clarifies that the U.S. does not adhere to Article 20 in instances where compliance would restrict freedom of speech and association as defined by the U.S. Constitution.

 

Many countries that ratified Article 20 have used it as a pretext to quash criticism of religious orthodoxies. In response, the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights in 2011 and 2012 sponsored a series of workshops with human rights experts around the world to clarify Article 20 and the term ÔÇ£incitement.ÔÇØ

In early 2013, these experts released the Rabat Plan of Action, which noted in part:

ÔǪnational legal systems should make it clear, either explicitly or through authoritative interpretation, that the terms hatred and hostility refer to ÔÇÿintense and irrational emotions of opprobrium, enmity and detestation towards the target groupÔÇÖ, that the term advocacy is to be understood as ÔÇÿrequiring an intention to promote hatred publicly towards the target groupÔÇÖ and that the term incitement refers to ÔÇÿstatements about national, racial or religious groups which create an imminent risk of discrimination, hostility or violence against persons belonging to those groupsÔÇÖ.ÔÇØ

The UN Human Rights Council, which considers non-binding resolutions in the area of freedom of belief and religion, and the UN General Assembly have recently made progress in this area. Anti-defamation resolutions rejecting robust protection for free speech have fallen out of favor at the UN, and a significant number of member states have now recognized that blasphemy laws violate basic human rights. The UNDHR and the ICCPR expressly promise the right to freedom of religion, belief, and expression. Only a small minority of countries have refused to sign and ratify these treaties, though some signatories persist in persecuting people based on their religious practices and beliefs or lack thereof.