The St. Petersburg Declaration

Although Islamic followers would call me an infidel, I agree with this speech, given at the Secular Islam Summit on March 5th. In it, it asks of governments:

reject Sharia law, fatwa courts, clerical rule, and state-sanctioned religion in all their forms; oppose all penalties for blasphemy and apostasy, in accordance with Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human rights;

eliminate practices, such as female circumcision, honor killing, forced veiling, and forced marriage, that further the oppression of women;

protect sexual and gender minorities from persecution and violence;

reform sectarian education that teaches intolerance and bigotry towards non-Muslims;

and foster an open public sphere in which all matters may be discussed without coercion or intimidation.

To those who also agree with this speech, I stand with you as a free and equal citizen.