Open apostasy is only the tip of the iceberg. In strictly religious societies, self-determination rights are curtailed in many ways. Thus, religious-critical expressions can lead to social ostracism, even if they do not contain any commitment to atheism.
Drastic invasions of privacy are commonplace in many Islamic countries. Although Western criticism of archaic practices such as forced marriage and forced circumcision is often fought off in a culturally relativistic manner with reference to the supposed “equivalence of all cultures”, it is regularly overlooked that there is massive resistance within the various societies to religious virtue terrorism.
Unfortunately, these critical voices can hardly be articulated due to the lack of freedom of expression and social pressure – but we should support those freedom-loving people who, under extremely difficult social conditions, are courageous enough to stand up for themselves.
The situation is particularly critical for women with a liberal mind in many countries. In Saudi Arabia, for example, they have to submit to a male guardian all their lives. Women must hide themselves in public, may not drive a car, may not travel without the guardian’s consent, may not choose their spouse, may not work without the guardian’s consent, and are severely restricted in their choice of profession.
In Iran, things are not looking much better: here too, women are not allowed to practise all professions, travel alone, etc. They are severely disadvantaged by the law on witnesses, marriage, divorce, custody and inheritance. In court, a woman’s life and health are only half the value of a man’s life and health. Those who rebel against it will be punished.
The situation of homosexuals is also catastrophic. Shortly after the Isla Mischen Revolution, Khomeini introduced the death penalty for sexual intercourse between men. Since then, about 4000 gays have been executed in Iran. Meanwhile, other Islamic countries have followed the Iranian example. Homosexual men are now threatened with death in Yemen, Brunei, Mauritania, Northern Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Northern Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, while in other Islamic states they are subject to long-term prison sentences, often including imprisonment.
I can count on whipping. In addition to the open apostasy, there are also other good reasons why refugees cannot return to Islamic states and should be recognized in Germany as “politically or religiously persecuted“. It is time to support these people in a special way and give them the opportunity to make their
to raise a voice against the injustices in their home countries! Through their courage, they could also be a role model for German politicians who should give up their “spineless appeasement policy against ruthless despots”. Only in this way will the world’s despots understand that humanistic values are not negotiable and Universal Human Rights apply to all people – not just Europeans!
