Defamation of Religion

A week or so ago I caught some news that the UN Human Rights Council has passed a new resolution banning the defamation of religion saying that defamation violates human rights. What made me take notice of this is that the story was followed shortly by another which seemed to imply that the Pope was implicate in a cover up of sexual abuse cases. These accusations against the Church and the Papacy have since been continuing news.

It strikes me that these news agencies should be mindful that defamation of religion does not only concern Islam. Any implication that the Pope was complicit in the appointment of a Pedophile Priest or participated in some covered up is now a violation of Human Rights according to this new "defamation of religion" resolution. In Catholicism, the Pope has a special position in the Faith as successor to Peter, the Prime Bishop and the Vicar of Christ (as are all Bishops). Because of this, maligning the Pope and his office clearly defames the faith of all Catholics.

If the Defamation of Religion resolution passes and stands, well.. where will freedom of speech stand again? Everyone should be concerned.