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Rukmini Callamachi: Defame Islam, get sued? [LINK-ZUM]

The Muslim world has created a battle plan to defend its religion from political cartoonists and bigots. Concerned about what they see as a rise in the defamation of Islam, leaders of the world's Muslim nations are considering taking legal action against those that slight their religion or its sacred symbols. It was a key issue during a two-day summit that ended Friday in [Dakar, Senegal]. The Muslim leaders are attempting to demand redress from nations like Denmark, which allowed the publication of cartoons portraying the Prophet Muhammad in 2006 and again last month, to the fury of the Muslim world.

[Article continues at link. It is tempting to chide the leaders of the world's Muslim nations for their skewed priorities. Rather than express concern and make plans of action to prevent further murders in the name of Allah, they express concern and make plans of action to prevent further political cartoons. It is tempting to note the contradiction of these leaders seeking to limit other's ability to criticise them while maintaining their ability to criticise others. Or to point out the shameful contradiction found in some Muslims citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a reason to ban art while not citing the same as a reason to stop killing people. But the more important comment to be made is that this is a step toward the secularization of Islam, and this is a step that I support. Their religion states quite clearly that they are compelled to kill those who blaspheme. This is what the Muslim world has always done, and what it does in many quarters even today. These leaders, as confused as their priorities are, have made a step towards the rule of secular law rather than theocracy. They have made a step toward resolving conflicts by debate and money rather than murder. Where Muslims submit to the secular, I greet them as a friend. - Trevor Blake]

Labels: comics, islam, theocracy

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