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Contribution to Book
The Bottom Up Journey of 'Defamation of Religion' from Muslim States to the United Nations: A Case Study of the Migration of Anti-Constitutional Ideas
Special Issue Human Rights: New Possibilities/New Problems (2011)
  • Robert C. Blitt
Abstract
This chapter is intended to elaborate on the existing academic literature addressing the migration of constitutional ideas. Through an examination of ongoing efforts to enshrine “defamation of religion” as a violation of international human rights, the author confirms that the phenomenon of migration is not restricted to positive constitutional norms, but rather also encompasses negative ideas that ultimately may serve to undermine international and domestic constitutionalism. More specifically, the case study demonstrates that the movement of anti-constitutional ideas is not restricted to the domain of “international security” law, and further, that the vertical axis linking international and domestic law is in fact a two-way channel that permits the transmission of domestic anti-constitutional ideas up to the international level. In reaching the findings presented herein, the chapter also adds to the universalism–relativism debate by demonstrating that allowances for “plurality consciousness” on the international level may in certain instances undermine fundamental norms previously negotiated and accepted as authoritative by the international community. From this perspective, the movement in favor of prohibiting “defamation of religion” is not merely a case study that helps to expand our understanding of how anti-constitutional ideas migrate, but also indicative of a reenergized campaign to challenge the status, content, and stability of universal human rights norms. A final version of this article is available for download through the publisher: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/books.htm?issn=1059-4337&volume=56&chapterid=1943488&show=abstract.
Keywords
  • Defamation,
  • Defamation of Religion,
  • Organization of the Islamic Conference,
  • OIC,
  • United Nations,
  • Migration,
  • Anti-Constitutional,
  • Freedom of Religion,
  • Freedom of Expression,
  • Human Rights Council,
  • UN,
  • HRC,
  • Islam,
  • Blasphemy,
  • Discrimination,
  • Transplant,
  • Censorship,
  • Incitement,
  • Relativism,
  • Human Rights
Publication Date
2011
Editor
Austin Sarat
Publisher
Emerald
Series
Studies in Law, Politics, and Society
ISBN
978-1-78052-252-4
Citation Information
Robert C. Blitt. "The Bottom Up Journey of 'Defamation of Religion' from Muslim States to the United Nations: A Case Study of the Migration of Anti-Constitutional Ideas" LondonSpecial Issue Human Rights: New Possibilities/New Problems Vol. 56 (2011)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robert_blitt/9/