Atheists, believers oppose free speech curbs at UN

Dozens of atheist and faith groups have called on governments to reject Islamic-backed proposals at the UN to restrict free speech on religion.

Christian, Jewish and secular groups say a Human Rights Council resolution to combat "defamation of religion" will worsen relations between faiths.

Free speech supporters and some Muslim groups also opposed Wednesday international limits on criticism of religion. Bennett Graham of The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty said that would lead to tit-for-tat accusations of defamation among different faiths.

He said in Geneva that religious discrimination can be prevented with existing human rights laws. Muslim countries are angry over cartoons of their prophet Muhammad, and Western criticism of Sharia law.