Humanists report on the rise of international authoritarianism & links to religion
Humanists International examines the link between religion and the rise of authoritarianism
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This was already written, scheduled to post tonight, but as awake to another war thought it relevant to post now.
From the web summary:
In the foreword to the report, Mubarak Bala, former President of the Nigerian Humanist Association, describes his imprisonment by the Nigerian authorities for expressing his non-religious beliefs in a part of the country dominated by conservative religious ideology and Sharia law,
“In August 2021, the Kano state High Court formally charged me over so-called “blasphemous” social media posts that they claimed had disturbed public order. Just under a year later, I was given a lengthy prison sentence.”
He also shares in the report his experiences and explains how he was eventually freed,
“My family and friends had not given up on me. As I was in prison being forced to undertake religious practices I didn’t believe in, a global campaign was underway to secure my release.”
The United States also features in the Freedom of Thought Report, and historically received a relatively good rating as a consequence of strong constitutional protections in favor of freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression. However, under the current administration, the country has experienced an unprecedented backsliding of democratic rights and fundamental freedoms.
Those that criticize the government’s policies – and the conservative Christian ideology which underpin them – are frequently labelled as “anti-American.”. Those expressing their right to freedom of expression are increasingly targeted and met with legal action or violence.
New report by Humanists International examines the link between religion and the rise of authoritarianism around the world
Report reveals that ‘blasphemy’ laws exist in at least 89 countries across the globe, affecting 57% of the global population
Gary McLelland
