According to the August 2011 report put out by Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, 2.2 billion people - about a third of the world’s population - live in countries where government restrictions or social hostilities involving religion are increasing. Only 1% lives in countries where these hostilities are decreasing.

We can no longer allow religious intolerance to overcome human rights and freedom of religion. As an MP I have an obligation and moral responsibility to stand up for those who are unable to do so. People everywhere should possess the right to worship without being attacked, tortured, or taunted.

With the advancement of social media, the internet news allows us to see the immediate effects of religious intolerance. Suicide bombings, attacks on individuals, and recent debates on the role of religion in society spotlight that this is an issue for every country. I hope you will take the time to read the following articles and to stay informed.