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World News

Humanists warn Government against a 'narrow' Christian persecution review

In an open letter, the organisation joined Humanists International in suggesting an alternative; the launch of separate reviews into the treatment of other groups, such as the non-religious.

It said: "The UK has one of the highest proportions of non-religious people in the world and our culture is a cradle of the modern humanist tradition.

"If our Government does not commit to standing with the nonreligious globally, as much as with all other victims of persecution, who will?"

Last month, Premier reported how Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt (pictured below) promised the review - led by the Bishop of Truro, Rt Rev Phillip Mountstephen - would ask "tough questions".

While, arguing that persecution against Christians "must end", humanist groups said the Government must not take a "narrow" approach when advocating for freedom of religion or belief.

The note continues: "It is correct to say that our country in recent years has a growing reputation as a principled advocate for the human right of religion or belief globally.

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"If we want to keep that reputation, however, it is vital that the Government should not narrow the scope of that work.

"Also persecuted are humanists and other non-religious people; 30 countries have some form of the most serious or brutal persecution against the non-religious up to and including the death penalty.

"A further 56 have serious social or legal discrimination, such as forcing the non-religious to comply with 'family law' as controlled by religion, or mandatory religious instruction in schools with families unable to opt-out."

Premier has contacted the Foreign Office for a comment.

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