Category: Announcement

Announcements. The newest of these posts get displayed on the front page.

End Blasphemy Laws Now!

Posted on By NED

A World Movement to End Blasphemy Laws Launches in 2015

On December 22, 2014, CFI Canada and Humanist Canada met with Ambassador Andrew Bennett of Canada’s Office of Religious Freedom.  During that meeting CFI Canada brought Canada’s blasphemous libel law to the agenda and communicated our view that this law is dangerous, problematic and hypocritical for the Canadian government to retain.  This first meeting soon led to partnerships across Canada and internationally!  CFI Canada is proud to be a co-founder of a new anti-blasphemy coalition (ICABL).

Now hundreds of  international organizations are calling for the removal of blasphemy laws wherever they exist.   Association humaniste du Quebec, Atheist Alliance International, Atheist Ireland, BC Humanist Association, Centre For Inquiry Canada, Humanist Society of New Zealand, International Humanist and Ethical Union and a growing list of organizations have formed a coalition to oppose all global blasphemy laws.

 

blasphemy-laws-map16

To visit the world’s biggest anti-blasphemy coalition and campaigns visit the End Blasphemy Laws website and find out how you can help.

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Announcement, Human Rights

Help stop the flogging of Raif Badawi

Posted on By Centre for Inquiry Canada Ottawa 1 Comment on Help stop the flogging of Raif Badawi
Help stop the flogging of Raif Badawi

 

photo: Diane Bruce
Across from the Saudi Embassy

Join CFI Ottawa with Amnesty International and other human rights groups to protest the flogging of Raif Badawi.

When: 4:00pm every Thursday (until Raif is released)
Where: Across the street from the Saudi Embassy, 201 Sussex Dr

Last week’s flogging was again cancelled.  No reason has been given.  The weekly protests at the Saudi Embassy will continue until Badawi is released.

19 Feb free raif protest

If you can’t join us please sign the petition spr.ly/6012x3oj and invite others!

Read More “Help stop the flogging of Raif Badawi” »

Announcement, Human Rights

Raif Badawi

Posted on By info 1 Comment on Raif Badawi
Raif Badawi

January 8, 2015:  CFI Canada has received information from Ensaf Haidar that her husband, Raif Badawi, is expected to receive lashes on January 9.  Ms. Haidar informs CFIC that “the lashing order says Raif should be lashed severely”.  Raif Badawi was imprisoned for insulting Islam by the Saudi government.

 

 

CFI Canada condemns the Saudi government for its barbaric and horrifying intention to torture Raif Badawi.   Kevin Smith, CFI Canada’s Chair said, ” It is terrible and horrifying that one day after the murders of people at Charlie Hebdo, a person will begin a punishment of 1000 lashes for expressing his thoughts on a blog.”

CFIC urges Canadians to express their outrage and condemnation to the Government of Canada.  Eric Adriaans, National Executive Director of CFI Canada said, “Freedom of speech is under threat by religious extremists.  Faith-based terrorists are attacking and killing journalists and cartoonists while governments use cruel blasphemy laws to torture their citizens.  It is time the Canadian government actively opposed blasphemy laws and the brutality and violence they precipitate.  The Canadian government should start by calling for the immediate release of Raif Badawi and by abandoning Canada’s own blasphemy law, Criminal Code Section 296.”

Should you wish to express your concern to the Canadian government:

Contact info for Rob Nicholson, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs:http://www.robnicholsonmp.ca/contact/ ;
Find the contact information for your MP via postal code here: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseofCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC
Announcement, Human Rights