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October 4, 2006

Religious Freedom In Iran: Discrimination, Forced Mass Conversions

Topics: Understanding Islam

Here is how the "peaceful" and "tolerant" Islamists in Iran treat non-Muslims--in this case Zoroastrians:

The boisterous scenes of wine, unveiled women and song confounded the popular stereotype of religious worship in contemporary Iran. In an isolated and awe-inspiring mountain setting, followers of an ancient faith were communing with God in festive and time-honoured fashion.

But when the government VIPs arrived, normal order - as defined by the country's stringent Islamic laws - was restored. The merriment ended, women were ordered to cover up - and grumbles of discontent (albeit muted and discreet) began.
. . .
By requiring worshippers to observe Islamic dress in their own sacred place, the high-level visit illustrated the second-class status of Zoroastrianism - believed to be the world's oldest monotheistic faith - in its land of origin.
. . .
Nor do they feel wholly free in a land where their faith was the majority denomination until the forced mass conversions to Islam that followed the seventh century Arab invasion.

Sounds like the Pope was right and the Islamists, who deny that their Islam is violent and that Islam does not "convert by the sword" are wrong. Here is a clear example of forced mass conversions, discrimination, and the second-class status of non-Muslims.

As El Presidente put it at Freedom's Zone (and at Slapstick Politics): "Enforcement of dhimmifying policies? Check. Pressure to convert--either overtly through suggestion or implicitly, by offering monetary gain? Check."

Ergo the Pope was right in criticizing those in Islam who do violence in all its forms, in the name of religion, and who prevent others from practicing their faith.

Posted by Richard at October 4, 2006 8:59 AM

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