Whenever women protest and ask for their rights, they are silenced with the argument that the laws are justified under Islam. It is an unfounded argument. It is not Islam at fault, but rather the patriarchal culture that uses its own interpretations to justify whatever it wants.–Dr Shirin Ebadi

Human rights is a universal standard. It is a component of every religion and every civilization.–Dr Shirin Ebadi

I do not believe that cultures clash per se. The clash is between intolerant people within different cultures – it’s a clash of intolerances. – Professor Ramin Jahanbegloo

If the freedom of religion, guaranteed to us by law in theory, can ever rise in practice under the overbearing inquisition of public opinion, then and only then will truth, prevail over fanaticism.–Thomas Jefferson