free speech
Sudanese Christian Meriam Ibrahim may be free, but is she safe? The real problem with apostasy and blasphemy laws
By Brian Pellot — June 23, 2014
Reports are emerging that Meriam Ibrahim, once on death row for apostasy and adultery, has been released. Hold the applause---her life could still be at risk.
Iranian women embrace ‘stealthy freedoms’ with hijab-free selfies on Facebook
By Brian Pellot — May 13, 2014
Iranian women are defying their country’s conservative laws en masse by posting photos of themselves in public without headscarves on Facebook. Their actions are brave, but are they safe?
Censorship is no way to counter religious extremism online
By Brian Pellot — May 13, 2014
Quilliam, a London-based counter-extremism think tank, claims in a new report that censoring extremist content can be costly, ineffective and ultimately counter-productive. So how should groups and governments counter religious extremism online?
Journalists ‘tiptoe through land mines’ of reporting on religious freedom at RNS event in D.C.
By Brian Pellot — April 18, 2014
An all-star panel of journalists and media experts with experience in China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Denmark explored the red lines they face covering religion at a recent RNS/Newseum event in Washington, D.C. Watch the full discussion here.
Blurred Vision * Myanmar’s Muslims * Saudi insanity: March’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — March 31, 2014
World Vision flip-flops on hiring same-sex-married employees. Burma’s Muslims face new hurdles for marriage and childbirth. And Saudi goes nuts with new buffet and baby name bans. Sink your teeth into this all-you-can-eat March Recap while you still can.
Just how crazy is Saudi Arabia? 9 WTF headlines from March alone
By Brian Pellot — March 28, 2014
As President Obama visits the land of cheap oil and oppression today, he needs to know one thing. On the nutty scale between Charlie Sheen and Amanda Bynes, Saudi Arabia is off-the-charts Dennis Rodman insane. Here’s a quick rundown of this month’s most absurd Saudi headlines showing just how crazy crazy can be.
RNS EVENT: Journalism Between Red Lines: Religion Reporting in a World of Conflict
By Brian Pellot — March 18, 2014
Join reporters and media experts April 9 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., as we discuss some of the red lines journalists face covering religion around the world.
Debate: Should gays picket Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps’s funeral?
By Brian Pellot — March 17, 2014
The man behind those infamous “God Hates Fags” signs outside military funerals and Ke$ha concerts is reportedly on his deathbed. Now some gay rights activists are debating whether to mark his passing with silence or protest. What’s the best way to counter hateful speech?
What Google’s ‘Don’t be evil’ motto means for religious freedom and free expression
By Brian Pellot — March 6, 2014
Google’s playful primary colors, quirky Doodles and whimsical office spaces are outward expressions of the company’s “Don’t be evil” motto. But the real work Googlers do trying to uphold that mantra for free expression and religious freedom goes far beyond flash.
Katy Perry’s mistake * Brunei’s Allah ban * God’s Constitution: Religious Freedom Recap Feb. 24 – March 3
By Brian Pellot — March 3, 2014
Katy Perry destroys “Allah” in a music video, then dissolves the incident completely amid backlash. Brunei bans non-Muslims from using “Allah” and 18 other holy words. And Tom DeLay tells us Allah, A.K.A. God, wrote the Constitution. S/he just never got around to signing it.
Mormons seek converts online and abroad with Missionary Chat
By Brian Pellot — February 13, 2014
Mormon missionaries are using the web like never before, but what happens when they come across potential converts in countries where proselytizing and changing religions is both dangerous and illegal?
Authors protest Sochi Olympics * Jews flee France * Comic heckles Christ: Religious Freedom Recap: Feb. 3-10
By Brian Pellot — February 10, 2014
Big-name authors are protesting Russia’s blasphemy and anti-gay laws. More French Jews are migrating to Israel amid rising anti-Semitism. And an Aussie comic who resembles Jesus is stirring up controversy with his Come Heckle Christ show.
Why a band of American heathens is fighting to protect atheists — and Christians — abroad
By Brian Pellot — January 30, 2014
The Center for Inquiry’s Michael DeDora explains why his secular group is teaming up with unlikely allies on the Christian right to fight for freedom of expression around the world.
Nazi ban * Blasphemy in Greece * Anti-gay Africa: Religious Freedom Recap: Jan. 20-27
By Brian Pellot — January 27, 2014
Israel considers a ban on Nazi symbols. Greece evokes its blasphemy laws to jail a man for poking fun of a monk on Facebook. And anti-gay laws are passed or challenged in Nigeria, Uganda and Malawi.
What the quenelle!? * Burned books * Utah’s unions: Religious Freedom Recap: Jan. 6-13
By Brian Pellot — January 13, 2014
Tensions escalate over French comedian Dieudonne’s reverse Nazi salute. Books and texts are burned or banned in Lebanon, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Applestan. Utah’s gay newlyweds navigate a new political minefield.
