Atheists around world suffer persecution, discrimination: report

[rug]

By Robert Evans
Sun Dec 9, 2012 9:20pm EST

GENEVA (Reuters) - Atheists and other religious skeptics suffer persecution or discrimination in many parts of the world and in at least seven nations can be executed if their beliefs become known, according to a report issued on Monday.

The study, from the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), showed that "unbelievers" in Islamic countries face the most severe - sometimes brutal - treatment at the hands of the state and adherents of the official religion.

But it also points to policies in some European countries and the United States which favor the religious and their organizations and treat atheists and humanists as outsiders.

The report, "Freedom of Thought 2012", said "there are laws that deny atheists' right to exist, curtail their freedom of belief and expression, revoke their right to citizenship, restrict their right to marry."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/10/us-religion-atheists-idUSBRE8B900520121210

The full report:

http://www.iheu.org/files/IHEU%20Freedom%20of%20Thought%202012.pdf

Tomorrow, December 10, is Human Rights Day.

[love_katz]

1. Kicking.

[rug]

3. Welcome to DU!

You've been busy!

[Politicalboi]

2. See, religion IS dangerous

We should try and do away with it every chance we get. In the US, we should only allow ONE church per 20 miles. And take away ALL their tax exemptions. This shit is more dangerous than having a liquor store next to a school.

[rug]

4. Ok, why don't you post your proposals tomorrow on the penalty if they don't?

[humblebum]

5. Of course we know that organized atheism has never been a danger.

Last edited Mon Dec 10, 2012, 12:12 AM - Edit history (2)

Sarcasm intended. You might want to learn a little history. Tibet, China, South Asia, Eastern Europe, Russia, etc.

But no group deserves such persecution and condemnation.

[cbayer]

7. LOL. I think the founding fathers would have real issues with your POV.

Do you want to repeat the 1st amendment?

[Starboard Tack]

9. It's no more dangerous than anything else.

It's how it is used that counts. Your proposals sound dangerous.

[dimbear]

6. Scroll down to the first comment in the Reuters article, a true piece of work.

Excellent article, BTW.

[cbayer]

8. Good article.

The blasphemy laws in some Islamic countries also lead to persecution of non-Islamists, don't they?

I am glad to be seeing more data and publicity on this and believe progress is being made, at least in the West.