Brian Pellot: On Freedom
Myanmar journalists draft Religion Newswriters Resolution on Covering Religious Freedom and Conflict
By Brian Pellot — November 19, 2014
Religion Newswriters assembled 15 journalists, editors and media professionals from across Myanmar for an intensive training course on how best to cover religious freedom and conflict. Here’s the resolution they bring back to their newsrooms.
Brittany Maynard dies * ISIS crucifies teen * Sneaky bat mitzvah: October’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — November 3, 2014
Brittany Maynard ends her life. ISIS fighters crucify a Syrian teen for taking photos. And Women of the Wall host a sneaky bat mitzvah in Jerusalem. This and more in this month’s recap.
Puppy petting event prompts death threats in Malaysia
By Brian Pellot — October 23, 2014
An event aimed at teaching Muslims how to properly pet dogs has bred controversy in religiously diverse Malaysia, highlighting deeply rooted tensions among moderate, conservative and minority viewpoints.
The road to sedition: Malaysia and Myanmar crackdown on dissent
By Brian Pellot — October 21, 2014
On my (lack of) freedom trail across Asia, fresh sedition and defamation charges are pressuring journalists and activists to self-censor government criticism or face hefty consequences.
Under God * Statue porn * Incest rights?: September’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — October 2, 2014
From church-state battles in America to religious freedom news around the world. Catch up on last month’s dirt, now with more snark.
On International Blasphemy Rights Day, I stand with Raif Badawi and against Saudi Arabia
By Brian Pellot — September 30, 2014
Last year a Saudi court convicted Raif Badawi of “insulting Islam” for setting up a website to foster open discussion of religion. He now faces 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes. Badawi is one of many victims of victimless thought crimes who need our support.
Facebook, Twitter and Google back Anti-Defamation League’s 10 best practices for challenging cyberhate
By Brian Pellot — September 29, 2014
Online hatred takes many forms, including anti-Semitism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia and Islamophobia. Internet companies and the Anti-Defamation League are teaming up to fight these and other forms of intolerance. Will it work?
All Hail Satan, First Amendment Champ
By Brian Pellot — September 24, 2014
Satanic school books, black masses, statues and protests remind us where church-state lines should be drawn in America and highlight the need to protect unpopular speech.
Why I stopped saying America’s Pledge of Allegiance
By Brian Pellot — September 9, 2014
Atheists launched a “Don’t Say the Pledge” campaign on Monday to protest the phrase “under God.” I stopped saying the Pledge in my tweens for more reasons than one.
James Foley and Steven Sotloff were martyrs for freedom, not faith
By Brian Pellot — September 4, 2014
The Islamic State beheaded freelance journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff for their American passports and media credentials, not for their faiths. Falsely portraying the men as religious martyrs cheapens their legacies as truthseekers.
Anti-Semitism * Helmet hair * ROHINGYA : August’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — September 2, 2014
Anti-Semitism continues to seep across Europe following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Motorcycle-riding Sikhs in Ontario must wear helmets, even though they don’t fit over their turbans. And Myanmar is asking foreign officials not use the word “Rohingya,” to which I say “ROHINGYA ROHINGYA ROHINGYA.”
Despite trolls, hate, and lies, we still need online anonymity
By Brian Pellot — August 28, 2014
Yes, online anonymity can breed and foster deception, hatred, and incivility. But without it we risk silencing voices that desperately need to be heard.
A right not to be offended? Atheists say ‘No thanks’
By Brian Pellot — August 12, 2014
The World Humanist Congress adopted a declaration Sunday proclaiming, “There is no right not to be offended, or not to hear contrary opinions.” Yet nearly 100 countries have laws banning blasphemy, apostasy and defamation of religion.
Oxford Declaration on Freedom of Thought and Expression (full text)
By Brian Pellot — August 12, 2014
Posting this in full now. I’ll comment in a subsequent post. The Oxford Declaration on Freedom of Thought and Expression The 2014 World Humanist Congress, gathered in Oxford, UK, on 8-10 August 2014, adopted the following declaration on freedom of thought and expression: All around the world and at all times, it is freedom of […]
Richard Dawkins keeps digging on ‘mild’ date rape and pedophilia
By Brian Pellot — August 11, 2014
Richard Dawkins told the World Humanist Congress in Oxford that “mild pedophilia” is not as bad as “something that would scar you for life.” Attempting to use logic and reason to rank others’ emotional scars --- now that’s irrational.
