Katha Pollitt on Papal Indulgences *

Apr 2nd, 2010 | Filed by

The moral authority granted the Catholic Church in the secular world is the most repellent aspect of the crisis. … Read the rest



Row Over Amnesty’s Support for ‘Defensive Jihad’ *

Apr 2nd, 2010 | Filed by

Leading South Asian rights campaigners accuse AI of ‘undermining” the campaign against sex discrimination.… Read the rest



Human Rights for All Replies to Amnesty Int. *

Apr 2nd, 2010 | Filed by

The principles of universality and equality are being challenged by concessions to ‘cultural rights.’… Read the rest



Circumcision or Genital Mutilation

Apr 2nd, 2010 | By Jahanshah Rashidian

Circumcision, or for non-believers “genital mutilation”, is in some societies one of the most ancient rituals still practised. The historical background of this old ritual, as to when and why it started, is not precisely known. The practice varies from region to region and from epoch to epoch in its total or partial removal of the foreskin or clitoris.

Circumcision, in its different forms, is practised in a big part of the world. The Jews were the first to adapt it as a sign of religiosity; it is mentioned in the Old Testament as a religious ritual and preserved its practice into our times. Circumcision was banned by the ancient Romans and Greeks considering it as an act of barbarity. … Read the rest



The least of these

Apr 2nd, 2010 11:16 am | By

Would you believe it – Gordon Brown is saying Catholicism is often the conscience of the UK. He’s saying it in a new magazine with the rebarbative title “Faith Today.” He’s also spitting on secularism while he’s about it.

Asked if religious faith is essentially “a private, personal pursuit” or has a role in the wider community, he says: “Our common realm is not and cannot be stripped of values – I absolutely reject the idea that religion should somehow be tolerated but not encouraged in public life. Our equality bill is specifically designed to protect religion and belief on exactly the same terms as race or gender or sexuality.”

God, what a dog’s breakfast. First he conflates religion … Read the rest



Next year in Darwin City

Apr 1st, 2010 5:10 pm | By

At last, at last I get to go to a conference, yee-ha. I feel so included. Plus it will be so much fun – networking, and drinks in the bar, and staying up all night, and sexual gossip, and putting disgusting things in people’s beds, and singing, and sitting around the campfire – wait, I think I’m getting confused. This will be all grown-up and serious, not like summer camp. Which is good, because I hated summer camp – both day camp and go away for two weeks camp. Sending me to camp was I think part of a half-hearted effort to make me more normal and extroverted, but it never worked. If anything it made me less extroverted, … Read the rest



Full Text of BCA vs Singh *

Apr 1st, 2010 | Filed by

The unhappy impression has been created that this is an endeavour by the BCA to silence one of its critics. … Read the rest



2011 Very Big Atheist Conference: Schedule Set *

Apr 1st, 2010 | Filed by

And I’m invited! First time ever! Marcotte and I will talk on Etiquette and Comportment for Atheist Ladies.… Read the rest



Jack of Kent: ‘An Astonishingly Liberal Judgment’ *

Apr 1st, 2010 | Filed by

Scientific controversies must be settled by the methods of science rather than by the methods of litigation.… Read the rest



Index on Censorship on Singh Ruling *

Apr 1st, 2010 | Filed by

A chilling effect on public debate which might otherwise have assisted potential patients to make informed choices.… Read the rest



Singh’s Victory Raises Hopes for Libel Reform *

Apr 1st, 2010 | Filed by

The judges quoted Orwell and Milton, made clear that court is not the place to settle scientific controversies.… Read the rest



Simon Singh Wins Appeal *

Apr 1st, 2010 | Filed by

Ruling determines that Singh can defend his writing as ‘fair comment’ rather than having to justify it as fact. … Read the rest