blasphemy
8 worst countries for religious freedom
By Brian Pellot — January 7, 2014
The U.S. State Department names and shames eight “Countries of Particular Concern” that severely violate religious freedom rights within their borders. These countries not only suppress religious expression, they systematically torture and detain people who cross political and social red lines around faith.
Little Sisters act * Kippah ban * Quelle quenelle?: Religious Freedom Recap: Dec. 30 – Jan. 6
By Brian Pellot — January 6, 2014
Nuns bring SCOTUS and the Obama administration to a head over the federal contraception mandate. Israel’s soccer association lifts its ban on kippahs. And France is in a tizzy over the spread of a rude (and possibly anti-Semitic) hand gesture. No, not that one.
U.N. Human Rights Council fails to protect religious freedom
By Brian Pellot — December 30, 2013
A new report shows that eight current and incoming member states of the U.N. Human Rights Council were among 24 countries to imprison believers and atheists in 2013 for violating laws that restrict their basic human right to freedom of religion or belief.
Merry holidays! * Quack attack * Shariah law in London: Religious Freedom Recap: Dec. 16 – 23
By Brian Pellot — December 23, 2013
The Flying Spaghetti Monster invades state capitols. Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson quacks up a controversy. And Muslim protesters threaten 40 lashes for selling alcohol in my London neighborhood.
Journalists face ‘religious straitjackets’ in half of all countries
By Brian Pellot — December 19, 2013
A new report by Reporters Without Borders documents how blasphemy, apostasy and religious defamation laws are used the world over to stifle free expression.
Persecuted atheists * Scientology weddings * Polygamy in Utah: Religious Freedom Recap: Dec. 9-16
By Brian Pellot — December 16, 2013
Atheists face the death penalty in 13 countries. Britain’s high court recognizes Scientology weddings. And a federal judge declares Utah’s anti-polygamy law unconstitutional. Xenu now pronounces you husband and wives.
Liberty lawsuits * Heathen’s Greetings * Dutch blasphemy: Religious Freedom Recap: Dec. 2-9
By Brian Pellot — December 9, 2013
Lawsuits fly in the Land of Religious Liberty. Atheists wish everyone Heathen’s Greetings at state capitols. And the Netherlands (sort of) ditches its blasphemy law.
Women bishops * Blasphemous twits * Gay tornadoes: Religious Freedom Recap: Nov. 18-25
By Brian Pellot — November 25, 2013
The Church of England welcomes women bishops. Another man is arrested for tweeting about the Prophet Muhammad in Kuwait. And word is God sent tornadoes to Illinois last week because s/he was upset about the state’s new gay marriage law. Watch out, Hawaii.
Monty Python reunion promises ‘tiny piece of ancient sex.’ What about blasphemy?
By Brian Pellot — November 21, 2013
The British comedy troupe, famous for its irreverent take on religion, will reunite for a one-off show in London next year. Here’s a look back at Python sketches some faithful folks found offensive.
Christianophobia: Q&A with author Rupert Shortt on the global persecution of Christians
By Brian Pellot — November 19, 2013
Tying into the surge of debate around Christian martyrdom and persecution, here are some highlights from a recent interview with Rupert Shortt, author of Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack.
Public prayer * Belgium’s ‘youthanasia’ * Christmas in November: Religious Freedom Recap: Nov. 4 – 10
By Brian Pellot — November 11, 2013
The Supreme Court debates public prayer. Belgium considers granting assisted suicide rights to children. And Venezuela’s president moves Christmas to November to win votes.
‘Blasphemous’ tweets * God graveyard * Zombie panda?!: Religious Freedom Recap: Oct. 28 – Nov. 4
By Brian Pellot — November 4, 2013
A Saudi man is released as a Kuwaiti’s jail sentence is upheld over “blasphemous” tweets. Atheists erect a fake graveyard for gods that are no longer worshipped. And I still look like an emo teen covered in black eyeliner. Thanks, Halloween.
From Madonna to Lady Gaga: 10 of the most ‘blasphemous’ pop songs and music videos
By Brian Pellot — November 1, 2013
The dueling queens of pop join Kanye West and John Lennon as some of the biggest names in music whose work has been labeled “blasphemous.”
Driving Miss Saudi * Rihanna’s #burqaswag * Atheist invasion: Religious Freedom Recap: Oct. 21 – 28
By Brian Pellot — October 28, 2013
Saudi women get behind the wheel. RiRi gets booted from an Abu Dhabi mosque. And London’s atheists take a shot at world domination.
Sacre secularism! * Blasphemous prayer * State circumcisions?: Religious Freedom Recap: Oct. 14 – 21
By Brian Pellot — October 21, 2013
Faith leaders attack France’s secularism. French bishops decide the Lord’s Prayer is blasphemous. And an Israeli politician tells mohels they might soon need to perform circumcisions at embassies in Europe.