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    <title>Testimony of USCIRF Chair Thomas J. Reese, S.J., on "Blasphemy Laws and Censorship by States and Non-State Actors" | USCIRF</title>

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						<h1 class="internal-hero-title">Testimony of USCIRF Chair Thomas J. Reese, S.J., on "Blasphemy Laws and Censorship by States and Non-State Actors" </h1>
						
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	<p><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/Untitled_0.png" /></p><p>USCIRF Chair Thomas J. Reese, S.J. testified on July 15, 2016 before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission at a hearing titled "Blasphemy Laws and Censorship by States and Non-State Actors: Examining Global Threats to Freedom of Expression."</p>
<p>From the testimony:</p>
<p><em>“<strong>Blasphemy laws</strong> lie at the intersection of two crucially important freedoms – the freedoms of <strong>religion</strong> and <strong>expression</strong>, both of which are being challenged today. In addition, blasphemy laws often lead to instability and violence in countries around the world, with negative consequences for individuals, communities, and nations.”</em></p>
<p>Click here to read Chair Reese's full testimony. </p>
<p>Click here to watch the hearing. </p>

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