Via Ed Brayton, Reuters reports that the UN has passed a non-binding resolution condemning the "defamation of religion" for the fifth straight year, though with less support than the previous year.
The assembly passed the Islamic-sponsored resolution with 80 votes in favor, 61 against and 42 abstentions. That compared with 86 votes to 53 with 42 abstentions for a similar text last year and figures of 108-51-25 in 2007, the last time the measure commanded an absolute majority of U.N. members.
The measure has come under increased scrutiny from those (including Secretary Clinton, who recently condemned similar laws) arguing it wrongly protects a religious idea or national tradition at the expense of the free speech of individuals.
