blasphemy
8 ‘blasphemous’ books banned for offending believers
By Brian Pellot — September 29, 2015
The Bible and Fifty Shades of Grey share more than a few raunchy sex scenes. On Banned Books Week and International Blasphemy Rights Day, these eight titles are still too hot to handle.
Why Thailand’s demigod king and military junta are cracking down on ‘blasphemy’
By Brian Pellot — September 24, 2015
Thailand’s lèse majesté laws shield a deified king from criticism, an outdated monarchy from reform and a military junta from accountability.
East-West Travelblog: Terrorism, blasphemy — and cookies
By Kimberly Winston — August 22, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. (RNS) Security is tough at the State Department. But the cookies are sweet.
Pakistan’s embattled comedians spin troubles into punchlines
By Reuters — August 21, 2015
Corruption, politicians, crime and culture are all regular fixtures but few punchlines mock the powerful military or religion. Pakistani law stipulates blasphemers be put to death.
Marijuana ministries * Chicken blood * Chocolate snakes: July’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — July 31, 2015
Cannabis churches are billowing out across America. Chicken huggers are suing to keep ritual bird blood off Brooklyn’s sidewalks. And a South African prophet is being prosecuted for turning congregants into snakes and snakes into chocolate.
Told ya so! The UAE’s new ‘anti-discrimination’ law is already being abused to censor critics
By Brian Pellot — July 28, 2015
Last week’s royal decree, which leaders touted as a shield against religious hatred and discrimination, is already being used as a sword to suppress government critics.
The UAE’s new anti-discrimination law is a wolf in sheep’s clothing
By Brian Pellot — July 21, 2015
Anti-discrimination laws should protect people. The United Arab Emirates’ new law, issued by royal decree, criminalizes the criticism of religions and ideas. It should be scrapped.
When thin-skinned Zoroastrians sue Snoop Dogg, we all lose
By Brian Pellot — July 8, 2015
Members of India’s Parsi community are suing Snoop Dogg and others for featuring a Zoroastrian symbol in a new music video they’ve deemed “insensitive” to their faith. Whatever comes of this baseless lawsuit, free speech will suffer.
Gay marriage * Ramadan deaths * Abortion drone: June’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — July 2, 2015
America remains buried under three feet of glitter. More than 1,000 people have died during a Ramadan heatwave in Karachi. And an “abortion drone” was spotted dropping pills over conservative Poland. Read on.
After death threats, Bangladeshi atheist relocates to US
By Kimberly Winston — June 2, 2015
(RNS) Taslima Nasrin, a Bangladeshi gynecologist, novelist and poet, made the move after death threats from al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent, which claimed credit for the killing of another Bangladeshi atheist last month.
Geller effect * Rohingya plight * Dad-son marriage: May’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — June 2, 2015
Gunmen strengthen Pamela Geller’s brand of Islamophobia. Thousands of Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya remain stranded at sea. And a Pennsylvania “father” plans to wed his legally adopted “son.” Read on.
Amos Yee case exposes Singapore’s forced harmony, sacrificial freedoms
By Brian Pellot — May 13, 2015
Singapore intolerantly forces tolerance on its residents, crushing criticism and dissent with vague laws that criminalize obscenity and religious insult. The latest victim of this hypocrisy? Foul-mouthed teen blogger Amos Yee.
Vatican blasts Muhammad cartoons as pouring ‘gasoline on the fire’
By Rosie Scammell — May 6, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The front page article in L'Osservatore Romano likened the exhibit in Garland, Texas, to pouring "gasoline on the fire" of religious sensitivities and was critical of its sponsors.
Beef ban * Witch hunts * Too much Guinness : March’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — April 1, 2015
An Indian state bans the sale and possession of beef. Tanzanians murder “witches” accused of murdering “magical albinos.” And Ireland nearly outlaws straight marriage, on accident. Who needs April Fools’ Day when reality is this strange?
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.
