Defend Free Speech and Secularism

To:  the International Community

We, the undersigned, unequivocally condemn the threats of death and bombings by Islamists to limit, censor and silence any critique of Islam.

Criticism of religion - any religion - including caricaturing religious figures, however offensive, are integral components of unconditional freedom of expression, secularism, and the separation of religion's intervention in the public sphere.

These are rights fought for and gained by the enlightenment and progressive social movements.

We must not allow anyone or any movement to erode these fundamental rights and values.

All states are duty-bound to:

* Condemn threats made by religious groups and movements to limit, censor and silence free speech
* Unconditionally defend free speech and the separation of religion's intervention in people's lives
*Immediately prosecute all those issuing threats against persons and places, e.g. threats to kill, or carry out suicide bombings.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Defend Free Speech and Secularism Petition to the International Community was created by and written by Maryam Namazie (m.namazie@ukonline.co.uk).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.