Brian Pellot: On Freedom
John Dehlin’s excommunication highlights Mormon hypocrisy on ‘religious freedom’
By Brian Pellot — February 11, 2015
When the LDS Church excommunicates its own members for apostasy, it undermines the legitimacy of its freedom of thought, conscience and religion campaigns abroad.
Charlie fallout * Blasphemy * Everything else: January’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — February 2, 2015
New year, new RFR format. Let’s start with a look at how January’s big story played out internationally then spotlight new challenges to religious freedom and freedom of expression across the globe.
Al Mohler’s ‘erotic liberty’ is an offensive misnomer for LGBT rights
By Brian Pellot — January 22, 2015
Al Mohler’s “erotic liberty” has nothing to do with the porn industry. It’s an offensive stand-in for “LGBT rights” that reduces a fight for equality to mere animalism.
‘Friendly’ Pope Francis proves he’s no friend to free speech
By Brian Pellot — January 16, 2015
Religion is fair game for satirists. In suggesting that faith be protected from public scrutiny just because some consider it sacred or sensitive, Pope Francis negates the very essence and definition of free speech.
Fox News declares war on responsible journalism in dangerous tirade against Muslims
By Brian Pellot — January 13, 2015
“We need to kill them.” Fox News host Jeanine Pirro’s us vs. them call to arms against “radical Muslim terrorists” -- and Muslims at large -- is the most dangerous example of hate speech I’ve seen on American television.
Porn star Mia Khalifa tackles death threats with humor after hijab sex scene
By Brian Pellot — January 9, 2015
The Lebanese-American adult actress, raised Christian, recently donned a hijab to get down and dirty. The stunt secured her porn star status while prompting a flood of threats and slut-shaming online. Now she’s responding to hatred with humor.
So what if Charlie Hebdo *is* racist? I’m still Charlie
By Brian Pellot — January 9, 2015
If you think #JeSuisCharlie means hating Muslims, gays, women and immigrants, you're missing the point.
#JeSuisCharlie: Why satire is sacred and the Charlie Hebdo massacre was sacrilege
By Brian Pellot — January 7, 2015
Fear, intimidation, even the ruthless slaughter of our colleagues must not stop satirists from scrutinizing, criticizing, challenging and mocking whatever they see fit. When fear forces censorship, fear wins.
‘Progress’ in Iran must mean ending decades of human rights abuses
By Brian Pellot — December 22, 2014
Nazila Ghanea and Rose Richter argue that Iran must address its human rights violations -- including the denial of freedom of expression, association, assembly, opinion, and religion or belief -- to achieve lasting and meaningful progress.
#IndiaWithPakistan and #illridewithyou show social media solidarity amid tragedy
By Brian Pellot — December 17, 2014
Attacks in Sydney and Pakistan shocked the world this week. Amid these tragedies we witnessed unexpected solidarity and outpourings of support on social media, hatred being countered by hashtags and the hope of reconciliation.
Hate campaigns target atheists, humanists and liberals as distinct minority
By Brian Pellot — December 16, 2014
The International Humanist and Ethical Union's Bob Churchill says targeting atheists, seculars and liberals for their thoughts and beliefs risks widening the range of targets for hatred and exclusion.
DEBATE: Should male circumcision require the snipped’s adult consent?
By Brian Pellot — December 5, 2014
The CDC plans to encourage male circumcision for babies, boys, teens and men, asserting that the procedure can reduce their risk of contracting HIV and other STIs from women. Heteronormative presumptions aside here, should the snip require personal consent?
Détente on Christmas * Beard passes * Christ Bless Mississippi: Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — December 4, 2014
This month's religious freedom news and views from around the world. Read with caution. Prozac optional.
When will Aung San Suu Kyi break her calculated silence on Myanmar’s Rohingya crisis?
By Brian Pellot — December 3, 2014
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is pushing 70. Her hopes for a shot at Myanmar’s presidency next year seem lost. Will Aung San Suu Kyi finally speak up for her country’s persecuted and stateless Rohingya minority in 2015?
Indonesia’s ‘virginity tests’ don’t weed out prostitutes, they violate human rights
By Brian Pellot — December 1, 2014
Two-finger and hymen tests are flawed, misguided, degrading and discriminatory. Meh, says Indonesia, administering them to female police and military recruits.
