Part I | Brief Summary

Category E | Perspectives

Topic 23 | Religious freedom is a canary in the coal mine

Religious freedom is sometimes called “a canary in the coal mine,” to illustrate that when religious freedom is violated, other human rights are also at risk. Coal miners often carried canaries with them in underground mines because the canaries were more sensitive to poisonous gases. A canary that lost consciousness or died was evidence of an unhealthy environment that posed danger to people as well. Similarly, violations of religious freedom are an early warning sign that other important rights and freedoms are also in jeopardy.