Defend International Free Speech, Right to Question and Criticize Religious Ideologies!
American Atheists Action Alert
October 29, 2006
Defend International Free Speech, Right to
Question and Criticize Religious Ideologies!
http://www.atheists.org/action/alert-29-oct-2006.php
<http://www.atheists.org/action/alert-29-oct-2006.php>
Across the world, religious groups and their supporters are attempting to
muzzle any remarks which criticize, question or "mock" their beliefs. They
cite a number of disingenuous rationales -- everything from combating "hate
speech" to the claim that we must "respect" religious opinions.
The Romanian Humanists (http://www.humanism.ro/ ) are asking for
international support in their campaign to stop the latest effort by
government and religious authorities to muzzle criticism of religion. That
country's Chamber of Deputies may soon adopt a rule that stipulates: "Any
form, means, act or action of religious defamation and enmity, as well as
any public offense against religious symbols, shall be prohibited in
Romania."
An information release from the Romanian Humanists warns: "Should this
article be adopted by the Chamber of Deputies, it would impose serious
limitations on the fundamental liberties of the human being of freedom of
speech and freedom of conscience. Books, works of art, movies, plays,
concerts and rock groups could then be easily banned. To all those who
treasure the freedom, the critical intellect, and religious tolerance of
values which have become dominant in Europe after centuries of religious
conflict and persecution, this new censorship is unacceptable."
To defend free speech, the Romanian Humanists have launched a campaign known
as "Solidarity for Freedom of Conscience." They are asking for
international support, and request that e-mail be sent to :
freedomofconscience@gmail.com
Among the US supporters of the campaign is Dr. Fred Whitehead, Vice
President of the International Committee to Protect Freethinkers
(fredwh@swbell.net). He has sent the following statement:
"I fully support the current protest the proposed law in Romania, which
would prohibit any defamation of religion or public offense against
religious symbols. This runs directly contrary to norms of freedom of
press, speech and conscience, widely adopted in all civilized countries."
SPEAK OUT NOW!
American Atheists urges you to join this international campaign! Express
your support of the Romanian Humanists against this attempt to muzzle
freedom of expression and inquiry. Send your messages to
freedomofconscience@gmail.com, or visit our Action Alert page which includes
an easy-to-use form at http://www.atheists.org/action/alert-29-oct-2006.php
(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for
Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses
issues of First Amendment public policy.)
