Saudis Vote Down Measure To Respect All Religions
The picture above is that of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, shown here with hundreds of thousands of worshippers gathered for prayer at sunset - in, around and on the mosque. The Prophet’s Mosque is the second holiest place in the world to Muslims.
NAPLES, MARCH 20 - A resolution calling for the enactment of an international pact to forbid religions from being defamed or insulted as well as their symbols, leaders and prophets has been voted out by the Saudi Shoura (Consultative Council).
A total of 77 members opposed the recommendation while 33 voted in favour, online newspaper Gulf News reports. According to the opponents, such a pact would force people to recognise religions, which advocate idol worship, and that “would be
unacceptable.”
The rejected resolution stated that “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall 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.”
“This recommendation is creating ‘much ado’”, said Khaleel Al Khaleel, a member of the Shoura. The recommendation would create a dangerous precedent that may produce a negative impact on Muslims rather than followers of other religions, he added. “Some consider Buddhism and Qadianism as religions. Can we make it obligatory for Muslims to respect these faiths and avoid criticising them?,” he asked.
Mohammad Al Quwaihes, who presented the resolution, told reporters that he had not expected that his move would be defeated in such a way as the overwhelming majority of members were in favour of introducing the resolution for deliberations.
(ANSAmed)
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