Published on 30 January 2025 in Blasphemy news
Launching today, the Freedom of Thought Report 2024 by Humanists International, now in its 13th annual edition, examines each State’s record of upholding the rights of humanists, atheists and the non-religious around the world.
The Report reveals that ‘blasphemy’ laws — be they explicit or de facto laws against “hurting religious sentiments” often intended to curb communal violence — exist in at least 89 countries across the globe, affecting 57% of the global population. While these laws are enforced to varying degrees worldwide and although the severity of the punishment may vary, the effect remains the same: to stifle dialogue, criticism and expression.
Using examples drawn from among the 38 country entries updated in 2024 — including recent developments in Afghanistan, Italy, Nigeria, and Qatar — the Key Countries edition exposes the pernicious nature of ‘blasphemy’ laws.
Introducing this year’s Report, President of Humanists International, Andrew Copson, stated:
“Where ‘blasphemy’ laws are enforced, no one, whatever their religion or belief, is immune to persecution. Beyond their use in a court of law, their existence justifies, enables, and promotes discrimination, ostracism, and vigilante violence. Now more than ever, we must work together to ensure the repeal of ‘blasphemy’ laws globally, in favor of the promotion of dialogue and mutual respect for everyone’s right to freedom of religion or belief.”
While the use of ‘blasphemy’ and religious insult laws is indiscriminate — affecting all religion or belief groups in a country irrespective of the proportion of the population they represent — the non-religious face a unique challenge: just the mere fact that they do not believe in a supernatural power or god may prompt an accusation of “blasphemy”.
Data collected by Humanists International shows that the fear of being labeled as a ‘blasphemer’ — and the corresponding risk of violence and ostracism that such labels carry — is one of the primary drivers of non-religious people choosing to hide their beliefs. But this avoidance is at the expense of their health and wellbeing as well as their freedom. Those more outspoken in their views — be they humanists, atheists, rationalists or freethinkers — face not only the threat of legal prosecution, but also possible termination of employment, or they may fall victim to vigilante violence.
Through the testimony of award-winning Indian filmmaker, Leena Manimekalai, the Report exposes the lived reality of accusations of ‘religious insult’ on those on the front line of the defense of freedom of religion or belief.
Leena Manimekalai – Photo Credit Michael Miroshnik
Writing in the Report, Leena Manimekalai states:
“This may read as a story of trauma, but I see it as a story of a triumph. As an artist, my faith in the power of art is reiterated when a single image rattled the entire population of bigots, caste supremacists, hetero patriarchs, religious fundamentalists et al and rallied secular communities across the world to protest, cultivate solidarity, and push for systemic change. Art can be many things to many. For me, art is resistance.”
Humanists International — together with its partners — has long advocated for the repeal of so-called ‘blasphemy’ laws globally. While at least 10 countries have repealed their out-dated legislation in that time, recent developments in Denmark have demonstrated that we must not be complacent; ‘blasphemy’ laws, once abolished, can return in another form. Further, the long-held consensus at the UN on how to approach issues of ‘blasphemy’ has faced challenges in recent years. Despite this, in November this year, the UN Secretary General reaffirmed that ‘blasphemy’ laws are incompatible with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Report’s findings serve as a warning that the international community must come together to fight for the repeal of ‘blasphemy’ laws globally if we are to ensure that the right to freedom of religion or belief is extended to all, equally.
For more information, please contact Emma Wadsworth-Jones, Casework & Campaigns Manager, Humanists International, email: report@humanists.international