Sandra Dunham
On July 5 and 6 the UK hosted the 2022 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion and Beliefs. At this event, 22 countries signed a joint statement on freedom of religion, which has since been amended to remove references to “sexual and reproductive rights” and “bodily autonomy” for women. Since the change, 17 original signatories have not re-signed. It remains to be seen whether some or all of them will sign with this change.
Humanist International is urging humanists around the world to ask that our governments object to the changes. Global Affairs Canada has several priorities related to helping women and girls around the world, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (which include access to safe abortion).
If you wish to voice your opinion on this matter via the Honourable Mélanie Joly, MP, you can find contact information here.
“‘The removal of support for conscientious freedom in relation to one’s own body is only the latest in concerningly frequent attempts by some to use freedom of belief as a weapon rather than a shield. They want to use their religious belief to infringe the rights of others – but that is not what the human right to freedom of religion or belief means.”
Yes, of course. After all this time, religion remains “the opium of the people”. Now it’s also the AK-47 of their leaders.