House Resolution calls for global abolishment of blasphemy laws; U.S. colleges with overseas campuses should take note
House Resolution calls for global abolishment of blasphemy laws; U.S. colleges with overseas campuses should take noteHouse Resolution 512, sponsored by Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly on Monday with a vote of 386-3. The resolution calls “for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws.” These laws operate in dozens of countries and tend to punish religious minorities, non-believers, and secularists. This is a vital issue for human rights defenders around the world, and one that is relevant to American higher education as well.
The resolution urges countries to abolish their blasphemy and apostasy laws and ensure the freedom and safety of those imprisoned under such laws.
According to the resolution, “many countries continu...