The UAE has taken a huge step forward in protecting its society from the dangers of religion being exploited for political and religious purposes. The Anti-Discrimination Law issued by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is one of the rarest laws in Arab history.
We feel such a law is inevitable in the light of what is happening in the region, where extremist and radical ideology are being used in the name of religion to spread hatred and spill blood. This violence that we have been seeing for the past several months and the language that is being used to spread the doctrine of hate is unprecedented. This law will not only protect the unity of the country, but it will also ensure the safety and dignity of citizens and expatriates.
The UAE, historically, has witnessed harmony and peaceful coexistence among its citizens and expatriates. People from more than 160 countries live and work in the UAE to build their future and the nation. This harmony is unique and one of the foundations of the country. It is one of our pillars as we develop as a society.
This law has emphasised that this harmony must not be threatened or jeopardised at any cost. In fact, this harmony must be protected. This law has also set an example for other Arabs and non-Arabs. Nations and societies must build on this to ensure that people can live among one another peacefully and develop mankind at the same time. In addition, such a law helps build a nation based on the principles of freedom — freedom of expression and religion. It will help the nation evolve based on equality, justice and fair play. No one should be treated unfairly because of his or her religion, caste, creed or colour. Instead, a person should be evaluated on his or her role in society. Such a law should make the people in the UAE feel free and secure. They should feel respected and proud because they will be evaluated on their achievements. They will not be judged based on their religion, caste, creed or colour. And it is because of this that we are in full support of the Anti-Discrimination Law.
Some of the clauses in the law state:
> Criminal action will be taken against acts that stoke religious hatred and/or which insult religion through any form of expression — be it speech or the written word, books, pamphlets or via online media.
> Punishment for anyone terming other religious groups or individuals as infidels or unbelievers.
> Provide a sound foundation for the environment of tolerance, broad-mindedness and acceptance in the UAE.
>Safeguard people regardless of their origin, beliefs or race, against acts that promote religious hatred and intolerance.
> It prohibits any act that would be considered as insulting God, His prophets or apostles or holy books or houses of worship or graveyards. It has provisions to fight discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of religion, caste, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin.
> Penalties for violation of the various provisions of the law include jail-terms of six months to more than 10 years and fines from Dh50,000 to Dh2 million.
People in the UAE, whether citizens or expatriates, have the right to live and work in an atmosphere of harmony. They have the right to freedom of expression because the foundation of the UAE is rooted in tolerance.
