Arab League Seeks Blasphemy Ban
The head of the Arab League called on September 26 for the international community to criminalize blasphemy, warning that insults to religion pose a serious threat to global peace and security.
The comments put him squarely at odds with the United States and many of its western allies, which are resolutely opposed to restrictions on freedom of expression.
Arab League's Nabil Elaraby, who told the UN Security Council that if the West has criminalized acts that result in bodily harm, it must also criminalize acts that insult or cause offense to religions.
Elaraby said, "We are warning that offending religions, faiths and symbols is indeed a matter that threatens in international peace and security now."
By Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Muslims Protest Blasphemous Film, Cartoons in Northern Nigeria
Thousands of Nigerians Protest Film Insulting Prophet
Iran Boycotts 2013 Oscars to Protest Anti-Islam Film
Thousands Protest Anti-Muslim Film in Toronto
