TO OUR FOREIGN SUPPORTERS The Association of Atheism was today, officially recognized by the European Union, and has represented Turkey officially and academically. Our association which is the first Atheist Association in the Middle East, Balkans and among countries with predominately Muslim majority, has been invited to attend a round table discussion organised annually by the European Union Delegation of Turkey. The Association of Atheism was also asked to speak at a parallel, academic conference; Istanbul Bilgi University Human Rights Law Research and The Norwegian Helsinki Committee: Freedom of Belief Initiative Conference this morning at Istanbul Bilgi University Dolapdere Campus. The main focus of the conference was the topic of the legal personalities of belief (or in our case, non-belief) communities in Turkey. Representatives from various religious groups, both majority and minority, spoke on the importance of legal personality for their communities, or in the case of the Muslim representative, why certain legal personalities are non-existent at this time. The Association of Atheism, Vice President, Morgan Elizabeth Romano, presented for the side of Atheists and Non-Theists. While the religious minority was primarily focused on issues regarding state funding, zoning for houses of worship, retention of religious properties and training of religious leaders; the Association of Atheism chose to focus on the legal infringements by the Turkish government on the human rights of Atheists and Non-religious peoples in Turkey. Romano spoke on the issues concerning article 216 of the Turkish Constitution, The law (TCK 216) is used to try atheists in response to the denigration of Islam. However, these cases posed no real threat to the breaching of public peace which is included in the same article. Only the anti-Islamic nature is cited. Alone it is not a sufficient violation of this law... She went on to quote the following statements from the media, Atheists are terrorists, the German President supports Atheists, and I want to raise a religious generation as opposed to an atheist one. After which, she says, I dont think I have to mention who said these things! There is a double standard in Turkey, where an Atheist insults a Muslim he is punished, where a Muslim insults an Atheist he is applauded. Due to time constraints, the speech was cut short, but we are confident our message has been heard. The Association of Atheism was also invited to a round table disscussion of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey. The Association of Atheism, President, Ürün Desen Sığanık Pehlivan represented the association at the disscussion alongside representatives of religious majority and minority groups as well as free-thinking organizations in Turkey. This discussion however, was closed to public and press. Oh, to be a fly on that wall! The Association of Atheism is representing its members and supporter at the highest levels possible and will continue to do so Full copies of our report, covering many topics, which are also the subject of the European Union progress report on Turkey, and the speeches of the representatives at the respective conferences will be posted to our website within the week.
Posted on: Sat, 31 May 2014 13:07:31 +0000