No shared understanding of the principles of secular democracy, just a truce between bosses.… Read the rest
Welcome to our archive of news stories relevant to the project of fighting fashionable nonsense. The stories are drawn from the electronic pages of the world’s media. On this page, you’ll find links to those stories that have been featured on Butterflies and Wheels during the current year. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find links to separate archives of stories from previous years.
We’re always pleased to hear about news stories that you think should be featured on Butterflies and Wheels. Just send an email here, if you want to point one out to us.
A note about links
Inevitably links go out of date. We suggest, therefore, that you make hard-copies of the stories that particularly interest you.
Joan Smith on Shambo 
May 13th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Are sacred beliefs worth allowing TB to spread?… Read the rest
S Asia Media Watchdog Seeks Explanation
May 13th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
South Asia Media Commission has condemned the harassment of Tasneem Khalil.… Read the rest
Jonathan Derbyshire Reviews Marc Hauser
May 13th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Hauser argues that there are deep moral ‘intuitions’ that underlie cultural variations in norms.… Read the rest
AP Reports Tasneem Khalil’s Release
May 12th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Detention sparked off widespread concerns among international media and human rights watchdogs. … Read the rest
Nigerian ‘Sharia Police’ Trash Four Theaters
May 12th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The way they have been spoiling and polluting our culture and religion is no longer acceptable.’… Read the rest
Islamic Center of Johnstown Demotes Imam
May 12th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Said a sentence of death would be warranted for Hirsi Ali; board and members repudiate that view.… Read the rest
Family Values Rally in Rome
May 12th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Vatican under Benedict has been conducting a fierce campaign to protect traditional families. … Read the rest
Joan Bakewell on the Need for Secularism
May 12th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
We live in times when religions are keen to enforce the control they once took for granted.… Read the rest
Munira Mirza on the Need for Universalism
May 12th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The struggle for equality, so difficult to win, gave way to an emphasis on cultural difference and identity.… Read the rest
Committee to Protect Journalists on Khalil
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Calls arrest ‘an indication of the fragile state of press freedom in Bangladesh.’… Read the rest
AP Reports on Tasneem Khalil
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Zafar Sobhan of the Daily Star said Khalil was being held without any charge or warrant.… Read the rest
BBC Reports Tasneem’s Arrest
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
But spells his name wrong.… Read the rest
Pope ‘Creates’ Brazil’s First Saint
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Really?! Out of what, some woman’s rib?… Read the rest
Hindus Resist Slaughter of Welsh Bullock
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The ‘sacred’ bullock has tested positive for TB.… Read the rest
Senior Vets Call for Slaughter of Bullock
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
British Cattle Veterinary Association said any risk of TB spreading was unacceptable.… Read the rest
Drishtipat Reports Tasneem Released
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Staffers in office say he looks physically ok, but badly shaken up.… Read the rest
AsiaMedia Reports Tasneem Khalil’s Release
May 11th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Khalil’s arrest was the latest in a string of military actions against journalists.… Read the rest
Pope Tells Brazil What to Do
May 10th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Moments after arriving in Sao Paulo, the pope was fuming about abortion.… Read the rest
Implications of Irish Abortion Case
May 10th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The ban on abortion reflects the historical influence of the Catholic church.… Read the rest
