Thread by @Humanists_UK

Blasphemy and 'insult to religion' laws put 'religious feelings' above some of the most fundamental rights a human being has. They are absurdities that undermine human rights wherever they stand on statute books.

https://twitter.com/Humanists_UK/status/1442818704287358980

Insult to the 'finality of prophethood' is a common blasphemy accusation in Pakistan. The mere existence of the Ahmadiyya sect of Islam, for example, is deemed blasphemous on the basis that the founder Mirzā Ghulām Ahmad claimed to be a prophet.

Reports indicate that the accused was denying the 'finality of Prophet Muhammad' by claiming herself to be the prophet. The fact this has led to a death sentence is absurd, tragic, and deplorable. Since 1987 - 1,472 people have been charged under the blasphemy law in Pakistan.

Blasphemy laws in Pakistan, a quick history:

The laws are colonial-era legislation amended by former dictator General Ziaul Haq (1978 – 1988) which increased the severity of prescribed punishments - in order to 'Islamicise' the laws & deny the Muslim character of the Ahmadiyya.

Before 1986, only 14 cases of blasphemy were reported, but between 1987 and 2017 at least 1,500 people were charged with blasphemy and at least 75 people involved in accusations of blasphemy were killed in Pakistan according to the Center for Social Justice.

Today, blasphemy laws are further bolstered by the Anti-Terrorism Act, which states that any action, including speech, intended to incite religious hatred is punishable by imprisonment. This is used to oppress religious minorities, apostates, and humanists

As part of the @EndBlasphemyLaw coalition, we campaign to end blasphemy laws worldwide. Closer to home, we campaign to end them in Northern Ireland, so the UK as a whole can more effectively oppose these laws on a world stage.