Slideshow: World Trends in 2012
The Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project conducted public opinion surveys in 21 countries in over 30 languages in 2012. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life also conducted major studies on public opinion, demography and restrictions on religion around the world. Here are our top findings from 2012.
Many Countries Penalize Blasphemy, Apostasy and Defamation of Religion
As of 2011 nearly half of the countries and territories in the world (47%) have laws or policies that penalize blasphemy, apostasy or religious defamation.
Rising Tide of Restrictions on Religion
Three-quarters of the world’s approximately 7 billion people now live in countries with high government restrictions on religion or high social hostilities involving religion, up from 70% a year earlier.
Catholics Share Bishops’ Concerns about Religious Liberty
Catholics who are aware of U.S. bishops’ concerns about restrictions on religious liberty generally agree with the bishops’ concerns, according to a new report. Yet there are no significant differences in presidential vote preferences between Catholic voters who have heard and those who have not heard about the bishops’ protests against government policies they see as restrictive of religious liberty.
