But, Notes Resolution Received Fewer Yes and More No Votes

Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) today condemned the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) passage of the “Defamation of Religions” resolution. The resolution represents an effort to codify a right protecting religions from “defamation,” but not to protect an individual's right to believe. The UNGA has adopted the “defamation of religions” resolution annually since 2005, but this year and last it passed with only a plurality of votes, meaning more “No” and abstentions than “Yes” votes.

"The resolution which the UN General Assembly passed today fails to solve the very real problems of religious discrimination and hatred. Instead, it further promotes intolerance and human rights violations by curtailing individuals' rights to express their religious beliefs. It would permit governments to suppress and punish what they deem to be offensive speech about a favored religion or sect. That is a very dangerous, very slippery slope to be treading upon,” said Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

In November, Rep. Engel led 35 bipartisan colleagues in writing to more than 140 countries urging them to oppose these resolutions. “I am pleased to say that our efforts are paying off and more countries are voting against the ‘Defamations of Religions’ resolution.”
Today's final UNGA vote was 80 in favor, 61 against, and 42 abstentions. "I am encouraged more and more countries are unwilling to vote in favor of this resolution, and more countries abstain or vote against than vote for the proposal," said Rep. Engel.