Christian Groups File Consultation Paper With United Nations On Interpretation of ICCPR

Last week, a group of Christian organizations submitted a 35-page consultation paper (full text) to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The paper responds to a call by the High Commissioner for papers addressing the interplay of two section of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. At issue is the relationship of Article 19 which guarantees freedom of expression with Article 20 that prohibits advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility of violence. The paper calls on the High Commissioner to also consider the impact of Article 18 that guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion.  The paper takes strong issue with language in the High Commissioner's concept paper that rephrases Article 20.  The consultation paper argues that the change in wording may favor hate speech codes or bans on defamation of religion "that will result in restrictions upon legitimate freedom of expression and upon the ability of minority groups to challenge reigning religious and political orthodoxies."  A press release issued on Tuesday by Alliance Defense Fund announcing the filing of the consultation paper says: "What’s at stake here is the ability of Christians to be able to share freely their belief that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation without fear of reprisal by any government that has signed on to this covenant."