When it comes to the forced inculcation of religion and the resulting abuses of children in the name of religion, the UN, all of its affiliated organizations, and almost all national governments remain steadfastly silent.

Just as we all stand up against child marriage, because marriage is an institution meant for adults, and just as we do not let children participate in certain civic duties, such as voting, until they reach a certain age, the time has come to debate the participation of children in religious institutions.

Innaiah Narisetti is the chair of the Center for Inquiry/India. This article is excerpted from a paper that he will present at the Center for Inquiry’s congress in China this coming October.

Religion = Bondage

The aim of all who use (misuse) religion, is to manipulate the masses. This process, as many atheists have discovered, leaves a tattoo that is very hard to remove. (It is also very easy to see the faults in religions when objective. Religions are developed for the uneducated and are transparent ).
The most easily manipulated mind is that of a child and it should be more a reflection of the two who are parents, rather than the mindless follower of some child molester.

Such abuse begins with the involuntary involvement of children in religious practices from the time they are born

How would one (adult) go about practicing a religion without involuntarily involving his child? To shelter these innocent, easily manipulated children from indoctrination, wouldn't any parent need to cease involvement himself?

Is the claim here that we can reduce child abuse by erasing all religion from the Earth? I find that secular humanists already agree with this and the religious find this laughable.

If such a convention clearly shows that religion contributes to child abuse globally, the UN must then take a clear stand on the issue of the forced involvement of children in religious practices; it must speak up for the rights of children and not the automatic right of parents and societies to pass on religious beliefs, and it must reexamine whether an organization like the Vatican should belong to the UN.

This is government control of religion.

Fine questioning, which is what parents need to do when helping children grow.
As long as religion is legal, people have the right to be involved in it with their children.
(If it is made illegal, the children will be drawn to it.)
Religion is a place to go to talk to someone so that you don't get put away for talking to yourself. Many people (especially the elderly) are very attached to that aspect and it is very important for them.
Tis just a pity about the adage "Give me a child until he is seven and I'll give you a good...........