Current religious liberty issues in France, China and several other Asian nations were discussed in a recent briefing at the United Nations Church Center.
Current religious liberty issues in France, China and several other Asian nations were discussed in a recent briefing at the United Nations Church Center. Leaders of the International Religious Liberty Association were the speakers, while another IRLA official moderated the meeting, which was sponsored by the U.N. Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
Dr. John Graz, secretary general of the IRLA, addressed the current situation in France and the recent banning by the French government of all religious symbols in public. The ban has caused controversy among many Muslim girls who wear headscarves to schools and, under the new legislature, could face expulsion.
Graz said that religion for the French is something expressed privately. “Religious freedom to them means freedom from religion,” he said, adding that in some countries religious freedom is viewed as a threat to their societies. “Religious freedom is seen as a way the United States uses to interfere in other countries.”
Graz hopes the government will re-examine their position, and he fears the new law will alienate Muslims and other religious groups. “The French government should know the international community doesn’t appreciate this legislation,” he said. “It’s not the best thing to do to try to build bridges between people.”
Public affairs and religious liberty specialist Viola Hughes addressed current religious freedom and human rights issues in the Far East. She described legislation in China like the “Evil Cult” law of 1999 that left the definition of “evil” up to the prosecutors. She also talked about restrictions against minors that prohibit them from entering certain places of worship. She emphasized China’s fear of outside influences. “[The] state, rather than religion, dictates symbols of wisdom, morality, and common good,” Hughes said.
Hughes also touched on the current religious climates in Tibet, North Korea, Burma, Laos and Indonesia. Stressing the importance of religious freedom in all countries, she said, “Religious freedom and freedom of speech are directly related to human rights. True religious freedom is described in Article 18 of the U.N.‘s Declaration on Human Rights.”
She also highlighted the importance of education. “If a child is not taught tolerance, they will grow up to be an adult who is intolerant,” Hughes said.
“Advancing free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom to receive information represents not only core American values, but international standards of human rights,” said Hughes.
The Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief holds educational meetings on the third Thursday of every month at the United Nations Church Center. The meetings are designed to educate members on issues of religious freedom and to promote a culture of dialogue.
