The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a non-binding resolution that condemns religious intolerance, but without controversial language regarding the “defamation of religions.”

The resolution, which has been adopted annually by the U.N. in similar forms, said that “discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief constitutes a violation of hu­man rights” and encourages nations “to combat the burgeoning trend” of religious hatred.

The Center for Inquiry (CFI) said it is pleased to recognize the change in language because the “defamation of religion” wording “effectively provided cover for blasphemy laws that persecuted religious dissidents, religious minorities, and nonbelievers.…”

The CFI also said the resolution “sparks a major victory for supporters of the open, secular society.”