Egyptian Parliament To Enact Law To Criminalise Atheism

[newcastle]

It's difficult, as a westerner, to understand the reaction from large elements of Egyptian society to atheism...and, in recent months, homosexuality. One theory is that it's being whipped up and promulgated as a distraction .

A recognisable feature of the Egyptian psyche is their inability to self-criticise. Any failings are always deemed the fault of someone else. Scapegoats are required.

Sisi has frequently exhorted his fellow Egyptians, with nationalistic rhetoric, to labour tirelessly for the welfare of the motherland - with references to its long history blah blah (missing out the bad bits of course). Western sexual liberalism and atheism have no part in this message. Nor do ripped jeans.

Insane, headline-grabbing projects (as discussed elsewhere) to enthrall the masses are all part of of the same philosophy.

Personally, I don't think his atheist business will result in new legislation. As with homosexuality, the Egyptian legislation is full of clauses which can ensnare anyone for anything. And Egypt has a judiciary all too ready to give the widest interpretation to terms such as "immoral" or "debauched".

They just need a law , like the Turks, of "offending Egyptian-ness" and we can move on.

[Dusak]

Not that long ago they stated that they would embrace all religious beliefs, well not believing is a religious belief of sorts.