One Law for All added its support to Protest the Pope. Spokesperson, Maryam Namazie, spoke at the 18 September march and rally along with others including Peter Tatchell, Richard Dawkins, Terry Sanderson, Johann Hari and Pragna Patel.
Here is Maryam’s speech:
One Law for All’s opposition to Sharia courts and religion’s adverse role in public life necessitates a criticism of the Pope and Vatican. Whilst the Pope is free to travel to meet his supporters, he cannot be free from criticism, particularly given that his visit is a state one and because of his and the Vatican’s regressive policies. Amongst other things, the Pope and Vatican are opposed to equal rights for women and homosexuals as well as condom distribution to AIDS-ravaged societies in Africa. They have refused to address many thousands of cases of child sex abuse and torture, deliberately perverting the course of justice in these cases, and moving predatory priests from location to location giving them the opportunity to re-offend. Moreover, the Vatican encourages the de-secularisation of societies around the world, attempting to directly influence law-makers and impose religious dogma, whilst offering a direct and powerful endorsement of other non-secular and medieval laws, including Sharia.
Public funds must not be used for the Pope’s estimated £20 million visit to spread his homophobia, misogyny and inhumanity. This is nothing short of scandalous when his visit comes at a time when public spending and wages are being cut or frozen so dramatically.
The Pope and Vatican represent a threat to secularism and human rights worldwide. One Law for All urges its supporters to join the 18 September protest against religious bigotry and in defence of equality, universal rights and secularism.
For more information on the rally and to hear other speeches, visit Protest the Pope website.
3 Comments
jack
The pope is a lump of s*** hanging on the ass-hairs of humanity
GodlessTruthSeeker
I have maintained for years that The Catholic church is a scourge, and should be hauled into the World Court for crimes against humanity, past and present. How dare they do what they do and get away with it time and again?! I cannot be with you on your march (being across the pond, and all), but I am with you in spirit. I’ve written a few words just a few days ago that scratch the surface of my thoughts on the matter of the Pope and his lies, hiding behind the aura and wealth of the church. Please forgive me for any self-promotion (to be fair, partially the reason for this comment), I just thought it would be appropriate here. I also do not want to make light of what is more of an existential threat to secular life in England and Europe than it is here in the U.S., but we Americans ignore your struggle at our peril. Good Luck.
http://apackoliesnow.wordpress.com/2010/09/05/is-the-pope-a-dope-nope-then-what/
Jac
Just like Christians can not be equated with the ummah you are wrong in lumping the Pope with the representatives of that other religion. The Pope came in peace and his efforts to reconcile and reunite Christians may prove to be the only buttress we have against the Religion of Peace. Don’t forget that our western civilization has developed in a Christian framework. Think.