This raises questions about tolerance. This is definitely a worldwide phenomenon. It's impossible to legislate patience and understanding - even in free societies. Yet governments are being asked to take sides, often to defend the powerful or to appease those offended by aggressive religious faith. Here are a few snapshots from the front lines.
Talks continue about a slightly revised bill.
His allies are raising money to defend his free-speech rights, while also contacting the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In the United States, a broad coalition of religious groups remains concerned about the Supreme Court's June ruling against the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. There are, on occasion, quiet victories in these conflicts - when people strive to balance the rights of believers with loud voices with those who have thin skins. Last week President Clinton ordered federal agencies to guarantee the religious rights of their workers, hopefully establishing a standard to guide the private sector. The new guidelines address issues ranging from religious apparel to handling holy days, from water cooler debates about abortion to supervisors inviting employees to church.