Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's timing was surprising. The US and Egypt recently submitted an anti-defamation related proposal to the UN.

Clinton Denounces Proposed 'Defamation of Religions' Policies

by Michelle Vu, The Christian Post

WASHINGTON, DC - In opening remarks for the release of the State Department’s Annual Report on International Religious Freedom, Clinton said that while some claim so-called defamation of religions policies would help protect freedom of religion, she strongly disagreed.

“The United States will always seek to counter negative stereotypes of individuals based on their religion and will stand against discrimination and persecution,” Clinton stated. “But an individual’s ability to practice his or her religion has no bearing on others’ freedom of speech.”

The protection of speech about religion and religious discourse is important in a world with many different faith beliefs, said Clinton.

Earlier this year, the UN Human Rights Council adopted an anti-defamation draft resolution that human rights groups warn would protect a religion rather than adherents of religions.