Editing Blasphemous libel (section)

== United Nations General Comment 34 ==
Blasphemy laws are incompatible with the [[International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights]] (ICCPR). In July, 2011, the [[UN Human Rights Committee]] released a 52-paragraph statement, [http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/docs/GC34.pdf General Comment 34] on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1976, concerning freedoms of opinion and expression. Paragraph 48 states:

{{quote|Prohibitions of displays of lack of respect for a religion or other belief system, including blasphemy laws, are incompatible with the Covenant, except in the specific circumstances envisaged in article 20, paragraph 2, of the Covenant. Such prohibitions must also comply with the strict requirements of article 19, paragraph 3, as well as such articles as 2, 5, 17, 18 and 26. Thus, for instance, it would be impermissible for any such laws to discriminate in favor of or against one or certain religions or belief systems, or their adherents over another, or religious believers over non-believers. Nor would it be permissible for such prohibitions to be used to prevent or punish criticism of religious leaders or commentary on religious doctrine and tenets of faith.}}