The grey zone between the three notions of free speech, hate speech, and incitement to violence or discrimination is often difficult to grasp in real-life situations. Distinguishing these three categories of speech is even more complex in the religious sphere. 

Some religious actors fall into incitement to hatred against other believers or atheists in the course of what they consider as preaching for their own religion. There are even examples where a kind of “theological populism” leads religious actors to openly antagonize communities against each other and to incite violence in the name of God. 

Political populism and religious fundamentalism are close objective allies. Each of them strives on the other. Instead of acting against such an “unholy alliance,” some politicians contribute to manipulating religious discourse for their own aims. Religions can also be used as weapons—hence the peace and security dimension of Commitment VII. 

Discriminating against religious minorities also exacerbates a dangerous phenomenon where religious affiliation replaces national identity. Furthermore, violent extremist groups have been using new communication technologies as tools for propagating violence and discrimination in the name of religion.