The Freedom From Religion Foundation is applauding a renewed bipartisan effort to repeal blasphemy laws worldwide.
This week, Sens. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Chris Coons, D-Del., introduced a resolution that calls for the “global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws.”
“Freedom of expression and religion are fundamental human rights that are the bedrock of any open society,” Coons stated upon introduction of the resolution. “As a person of faith, I am proud to introduce this resolution which aims to protect religious and secular minorities by calling for the repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws around the world.”
“The U.S. government can and should use our leverage as a world leader to help protect religious minorities in nations with whom we have or form international agreements and relationships,” Lankford added.
The language in the resolution is identical to H.R. 349, which was introduced in the House in May of 2017, and similar to another resolution that was introduced in 2015, neither of which gained traction.
“This resolution deserves widespread bipartisan support,” says FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “Blasphemy is a victimless crime, but blasphemy laws create many innocent victims.”
FFRF is encouraging everyone to contact their senators and ask them to support this resolution in the interest of protecting religious minorities and freethinkers worldwide, emphasizing that this resolution is a universal win for freedom of speech and religious liberty.
FFRF is a national nonprofit organization with more than 32,000 members across the country and members in every state. FFRF’s purposes are to protect the constitutional principle of separation between church and state, and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.
