Support Congress in Opposing Blasphemy Laws Worldwide

[TechBear_Seattle]

I got this letter from the American Humanist Association in my email today, and wanted to pass it on.

Support Congress in Opposing Blasphemy Laws Worldwide!

An increasing number of foreign governments, including some in Europe, are regarding criticism of, or poking fun at, religion as a form of "defamation." Moreover, several United Nations resolutions that are now under consideration would have a chilling effect on free speech by criminalizing such activity.

To counter this trend, a new bill was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that, if passed, would stand up for the First Amendment principles of free speech, free press, and religious liberty. HR 6146, introduced in May by Representative Steve Cohen, would amend the Federal Judicial Code to forbid U.S. courts from recognizing or enforcing any foreign court judgment of defamation unless the ruling is consistent with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In other words, if this recent bill becomes law, our courts will be empowered to refuse to recognize any foreign judgments that punish blasphemy.

We humanists need to support this important move within Congress! Governments have no business punishing thoughts, ideas, or free expression. The freedoms to form one's own conclusions about religion and to then speak openly about them are among our most long-standing and cherished legal traditions. But many countries around the world don't share our concepts of free speech, free press, and religious liberty. So they have passed what are essentially blasphemy laws. This means that, in many parts of the world, it could be considered illegal to offend someone by saying that the Hindu gods are ancient folklore, Moses never lived, Jesus didn't die for humanity's sins, or Mohamed wasn't a prophet. HR 6146 would protect Americans who might be charged with breaking such laws.

Take a stand today for free expressions and religious liberty. Send a letter to your representatives in Congress and ask them to become cosponsors of HR 6146. Let's help the United States share with the world the enlightened principle that blasphemy laws are unacceptable infringements on human rights!