Religious Discrimination: a Persistent Global Challenge

Faith becomes chains when prejudice bars temple doors to different beliefs. This can encompass discrimination against religious holidays, beliefs, and even clothing. Unfortunately, in 2019, this issue remains prevalent across the globe. People continue to face discrimination and even violence due to their religious beliefs. This deeply rooted problem has been apparent since the beginning of recorded history and has resulted in numerous tragic events, such as the Holocaust. Religious discrimination manifests in all religions and in all regions of the world.

In the United States, the First Amendment protects individuals' rights to freely practice their religion. However, many other countries lack such protections, leaving their citizens vulnerable to persecution based on their beliefs. According to dosomething.org, a four-year study found that Christians were the most discriminated-against group worldwide, facing harassment from both government authorities and society in 168 countries. This may seem surprising, given that Christianity is widely practiced in America, yet Christians have been victims of various hate crimes. These include attacks on clergy, desecration of sacred sites, and destruction of symbols. In regions where Christianity is not the dominant religion, such as North Korea, Afghanistan, and parts of the Middle East and Africa, Christian persecution is particularly severe. In North Korea, Christians and missionaries are frequently imprisoned in labor camps, while Afghanistan's Muslim government does not even recognize any Christian citizens.

Muslims, the world's second-largest religious group, face discrimination in approximately 121 countries. In the United States, Muslim discrimination is particularly visible. Following events like 9/11, Muslims have often been unfairly stereotyped as "terrorists." Discrimination against Muslims in the U.S. surged during the early years of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. According to News Gallup, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations has identified Islamophobia as a critical area of concern.

Recent events highlight the ongoing tension between Muslims and Jews, rooted in territorial conflicts. However, Jews face prejudice from multiple religious groups in various regions. Despite constituting less than 1% of the global population, Jews are the third most discriminated-against religious group. Anti-Semitism, a long-standing issue, has gained renewed attention. We recall the horrific discrimination against Jews during the Holocaust, yet anti-Semitism persists today. A New York Times article recently discussed the alarming rise in anti-Semitic incidents. From 2017 to 2018, assaults against American Jews more than doubled, rising to 39, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Tragically, during Passover services at a synagogue in San Diego County, a shooting occurred, resulting in one death and three injuries. The perpetrator's actions were motivated by anti-Semitic hatred. For decades, American Jews felt safe practicing their religion, but now, like adherents of other faiths, they encounter increasing threats.

To address religious discrimination, it is crucial for national governments to enhance monitoring and information-sharing regarding groups and individuals that perpetuate such prejudices. Government agencies should be empowered to regularly assess the risks and train officers in effectively addressing them. Discrimination can also occur within government entities and various professions. Government-related biases may include favoritism based on religion, restricted career advancement, and attempts to suppress certain religious practices. Similarly, educational institutions and workplaces can exhibit biases. Not all schools acknowledge religious holidays as valid reasons for absences, nor do all workplaces accommodate the observance of non-Christian holidays. While some states have laws to address these issues, such as recognizing individuals who cannot work on specific religious days, these protections are not universal.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on religion. This federal law makes it illegal for businesses to discriminate against individuals due to their religious beliefs, including firing or demoting them. Furthermore, many states have enacted additional laws to combat religious discrimination. In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. Although not legally binding, it marked the first international agreement affirming religious freedom and expression. Subsequently, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights established the Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance to safeguard individuals' rights to change or abstain from religious beliefs.

In conclusion, religious discrimination remains a significant global issue, affecting individuals of various faiths. While legal protections exist, they are not universally applied, leaving many vulnerable to persecution. To combat this persistent problem, governments must strengthen their efforts to monitor and address religious discrimination, ensuring that all individuals can freely practice their beliefs without fear of prejudice or violence. By fostering greater understanding and tolerance, societies can work towards a more inclusive and harmonious world, where religious diversity is respected and celebrated.

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