During the release of the 2009 international religious freedom report Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that “an individual’s ability to practice his or her religion has no bearing on others’ freedom of speech.”
She was referring to anti-defamation policies supported by some at the United Nations which would suppress offensive speech about religion.
Citing the U.S. experience, Clinton said “the best antidote to intolerance is not the defamation of religion’s approach of banning and punishing offensive speech, but rather, a combination of robust legal protections against discrimination and hate crimes, proactive government outreach to minority religious groups, and the vigorous defense of both freedom of religion and expression.”
See Clinton’s full remarks here and more information on the report here at America.gov.
Alexandra Abboud has five years experience reporting on the legal and cultural dynamics that shape American society. At America.gov, she manages coverage of cultural diversity, the arts, education and sports. Abboud has also served as a managing editor of the State Department's eJournal USA series, producing internationally circulated publications on innovation and fighting corruption.
Comments (2)
Shahida Zareef Khan
Location: Islamabad
2 November 2009 at 14:55 EST
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Written by Shahida Zareef khan
America is terrorist and has not right to stop Muslim countries to make nuclear bombs
Pakistan is not like Afghanistan it has its own reorganization it is Islamic republic and first Islamic nuclear power country. America could not form polices for our country Pakistan according to its own desires, as it is trying to achieve confidence of the people of Pakistan. but this is fact that people do hate America and people have no good feelings for them .they are terrorists they could not tolerate the power of Asia and wants to be a super power for ever .
Many arm factories working there and they are sinning agreements with India, Rusia,France and Israel to more develop and strong their countries so they are not accepting the nuclear power of Iran ,north Korea and other Asian countries.
America is providing arms to Afghanistan and they are using it in Pakistan for killing innocent people as recent activities they are doing on our soil.
it is comparing our country with Afghanistan and said that Pakistan is unrest country and terrorists will find out its nuclear assets and it needs strong policy for the protection of these assets. according to the white house chief that Mr. Obama will soon make a plan for the counter terrorism in Pakistan .now Allah knows what would be their policy .they are directly killing to many innocent people by drone attacks ,targeting them by XE and trying to find our nuclear assets. here in Pakistan no governmental strategy to stop it from its doing in the country because they are getting money .people are very worry about Pakistan and they are thinking that America will occupy our assets and then they will lost their freedom of country .if USA s policies were better then why the disputes of Kashmir and philistine are remain to solve ?why it is not stopping Israel ,why their concern just for Pakistan and Afghanistan but no for other countries like Africa ,Chechnya and India .they should form policies for occupy Kashmir and provide aid for other poor countries .their concern must be on world development not on destruction of the countries .it is challenge if Obama administration present stance on Kashmir and the issue solve in his govt then he has right to fight against terrorism.
Pakistani Christian
Location: USA
10 November 2009 at 13:14 EST
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Muslim immigrants enjoy equal rights in western world but no rights for minorities where Muslims are in control ?