Resolution to prohibit insults of Islam

I pulled this from an article in www.danielpipes.org.

A few months ago, "Saudi Arabia’s Consultative Council considered a resolution calling on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to "work in coordination with Arab and Islamic groups and others at the United Nations to draft an international pact for respecting religions, their symbols and leaders, and prohibit insulting them in any way."

The idea was to make it illegal for Denmark to publish the cartoons that ‘insulted’ Islam and prevent any future tolerance of this type of publication.

"The council overwhelmingly voted down the resolution, 77-33. Critics pointed out that such a pact would recognize polytheistic religions, and that "would be unacceptable." One opponent, Khaleel Al Khaleel, explained his vote against on the grounds that it would create a dangerous precedent for Muslims. "Some consider Buddhism, Qadianism and Baha'ism as religions. Can we make it obligatory for Muslims to respect these faiths and avoid criticizing them?" Another member, Talal Bakri, noted that "if we approve the resolution it will make it obligatory to recognize some religions and will facilitate establishing places of worship for them in Muslim countries.""

Please note how it is implied that criticism is avoided for things that Muslims respect. I guess criticism implies a lack of respect. This would lead to sensitivity to insults. The idea of the resolution was to make insults of Islam illegal. They voted it down because it would force them to become more tolerant of others within their own borders. The price was too steep.

The Muslim world needs a lot more tolerance. Being able to handle criticism is an important part of tolerance.