Atheists, believers oppose ban on defamation of religion

GENEVA (AP) - Dozens of atheist and religious groups are urging governments to reject Islamic-backed calls for an international ban on defamation of religion.
    Christian, Jewish and secular groups say the resolution being considered by the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva would restrict freedom of speech and worsen relations between faiths.
    Muslim countries are angry over cartoons of Muhammad and Western criticism of Islamic law.
    Bennett Graham of The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty argued that religious discrimination can be prevented with existing human rights laws.
    Members of the U.S. Congress voicing opposition to the defamation ban include Arizona Republican Trent Franks, who says his Christian faith makes him determined to protect religious liberty.