TIRL Condemns Unconstitutional Policy of Opposition Leader

The Thusian Institute for Religious Liberty Inc. is a Human Rights’ Education Provider with special emphasis on the Right to Religious Liberty. The Institute condemns the recent policy of the Leader of the New Democratic Party Hon. Arnhim Eustace which states “no candidate or potential candidate of the party should make any public statements which are averse to any religion”. The policy is against the God-given Religious Liberty Right of an individual.

It is also against our constitutionally protected freedom of Conscience. The constitution of St. Vincent and Grenadines under the Protection of freedom of conscience 9 (1) informs us that:

“Except with his own consent, a person shall not be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of conscience, including freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”

The policy is also outside the perimeters of the role of government which is to protect the inalienable Rights and Freedoms of all the people and NOT to make law “respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech...” (See 1^st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America).  To make such a law will lead to the protection of some religious groups-usually those whose teachings are accepted by the majority, while some religions will be outlawed, particularly minority groups. We remind the Opposition Leader that legitimate criticism (including criticism of religion) is also a dimension of free speech.

The policy does not augur well for freedom of expression and it is not a good indication of what can take place under an NDP government. We caution that this policy taken to its furthest extent can lead to persecution of a person who is critical of any religion.

We call on Mr. Eustace to change his policy to show that he truly respects and will protect the God-given constitutionally protected freedoms of all Vincentians.

Thusian institute for Religious Liberty inc.

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"The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms reports that Iranian authorities’ reaffirmed a death sentence for Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani for the sole reason of his refusal to recant his Christian faith. This action is yet another shocking breach of Iran’s international obligations, its own constitution, and stated religious values. The United States stands in solidarity with Pastor Nadarkhani, his family, and all those who seek to practice their religion without fear of persecution—a fundamental and universal human right. The trial and sentencing process for Pastor Nadarkhani demonstrates the Iranian government’s total disregard for religious freedom, and further demonstrates Iran's continuing violation of the universal rights of its citizens. The United States calls upon the Iranian authorities to immediately lift the sentence, release Pastor Nadarkhani, and demonstrate a commitment to basic, universal human rights, including freedom of religion. The United States renews its calls for people of conscience and governments around the world to reach out to Iranian authorities and demand Pastor Nadarkhani's immediate release."  The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, (whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/02/23/statement-press-secretary-case-iranian-pastor-youcef-nadarkhani)

We the Thusian Institute for Religious Liberty Inc. also condemn the decision of the Iranian authorities and call on the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to echo our call and that of the White House for the release of Youcef Nadarkhani, especially since we affirm that this nation is “founded on the belief in the supremacy of God…” (Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines). It is God who instructed humanity to have no other gods before Him: “…saying, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20: 1, 3) This clause of the ten commandments shows that God expects mankind to serve Him alone. However, if a person chooses to serve another god, it is not the duty of the state to exercise judgment, since religion is a matter of conscience, and should be truly constitutionally protected in Iran and the world over, not forgetting what is stated in our own constitution under the Protection of freedom of conscience 9. (1): “Except with his own consent, a person shall not be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of conscience, including freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”

The TIRL thanks all who supported our last sales in March/April held outside Twin City store in Kingstown. These sales are part of our fundraising drive to keep the radio program "Your Rights and You" on air. We look forward to your continued support to aid in spreading Human Rights education on our God-given inalienable Rights and Freedoms.

We the members of the Thusian Institute for Religious Liberty Inc. extend wishes of God’s love to you for a happy and safe 2012.

May this love help you to have a greater appreciation for the inalienable rights and freedoms with which God has created you  – The Right to Religious Liberty, the Right to Life and the Right to private property.

Let it not be a mere tradition of “ringing in the new year” with pleasant wishes after church at midnight (on December 31) or when the fireworks go up or as you travel along the streets on New Year’s Day and the days that follow. How sincere is it to wish your neighbour a happy new year, but you wait until a couple nights later when you know that he or she is asleep, break in and stab him or her to death? OR You wish your employees or subordinates a happy new year, but should one of them dare challenge a wrong decision that you made - he or she is fired or transferred. Can these actions cause any one to be happy?

It is respect for rights and the freedoms that come with them, that brings about the safety and happiness we enjoy day by day, week after week, month after month and certainly year after year. So for 2012, let your actions really prove your words to be genuine when you say “Happy New Year.”  Respect your neighbour’s freedom of thought, belief, opinion, conscience, choice, expression, speech and movement, like you’ve never done before.

In so doing, you will do no harm to your neighbour, which is proven in Romans 13: 10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

These principles though simple, are the recipe for a happy society; the ideal for a fair country. For 2012, let our hills and valleys beam with a people who love and respect the rights and freedoms of the crowning act of God’s creation - human beings. These are the principles, which if applied by all, will put an end to the shootings, stabbings, ‘chopping-up’, rape and robberies which tainted the memories of 2011.

For 2012, let us make the knowledge of rights and freedoms the foundation of a truly free and happy St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Let us apply this in greater measures to bring about more rights-friendly business practices, a rights-sensitive education system, rights-based medical standards, rights-based economic policies, rights-sensitive environmental relations, higher levels of civility in our society, higher levels of social and religious tolerance, mutual respectful interpersonal relations, and effective systems and standards of justice for the benefit of all of us.

May God help you to put these principles into action and remember to love your neighbour as yourself, respect his rights for 2012.

Thusian Institute for Religious Liberty Inc.