Conservative Christians angry that a gay couple used religious ritual at civil service.… Read the rest
All entries by this author
Margaret Talbot on Irene Pepperberg and Alex
Jun 16th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In the past decade, dozens of studies have buttressed Pepperberg’s claims about avian intelligence.… Read the rest
Liveblogging the BC Human Rights Trial
Jun 16th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
“Those hauled before the human rights tribunal howl about censorship.” Well, yes. It’s not crying wolf if the wolf is in fact at your throat…… Read the rest
BC Tribunal Hears Complaint Against Maclean’s
Jun 16th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Nothing wrong with Steyn expressing his view if he does not cross the line with respect to Section 7-1.… Read the rest
Ten is the new thirteen
Jun 16th, 2008 10:52 am | By Ophelia BensonThe Freethinker has an atheist blog challenge in which it tapped me, so I’ve obliged.
How would you define “atheism”?
Non-theism; no belief in any gods.
Was your upbringing religious? If so, what tradition?
Very vaguely and nominally, and less and less so over time. And it never took.
How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?
Infiniteregress.
What scientific endeavour really excites you?
Several do – but I’ll go with cognitive science. But there’s astronomy, too. So I’m a cheater.
If you could change one thing about the “atheist community”, what would it be and why?
Well to start with I would never call it a community! I feel fully entitled to be an atheist without being … Read the rest
The truth is not a defense
Jun 15th, 2008 5:06 pm | By Ophelia BensonA couple of years ago, a Canadian magazine published an article arguing that the rise of Islam threatened Western values. The article’s tone was mocking and biting, but it said nothing that conservative magazines and blogs in the United States do not say every day without fear of legal reprisal.
Sigh – not just conservative magazines and blogs. Why is this so hard to grasp? Islam is not left-wing or liberal. Islam itself is far, far more conservative than most of the conservative magazines and blogs in the US. Islam is reactionary; Islam is in many ways medieval. It is not, repeat not, just conservatives who have strong reservations about ‘the rise of … Read the rest
Pakistan Asks EU to Do Better
Jun 15th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Says otherwise more attacks on EU diplomatic missions abroad could not be ruled out. … Read the rest
BC Human Rights Code
Jun 15th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
BC code doesn’t allow respondents to defend themselves by arguing that what was published was true.… Read the rest
Free Speech is No Excuse
Jun 15th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Freedom of speech is not absolute, therefore, when in doubt, prosecute.… Read the rest
Why is BC Prosecuting Mark Steyn?
Jun 15th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Steyn is effectively being tried, by a quasi-judicial panel in Vancouver, for insulting Islam.… Read the rest
Once the Whack-a-thought Police Get Going
Jun 15th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
If B.C.’s kangaroo court declares Steyn guilty, we might see two human rights bodies in cosmic collision.… Read the rest
US Defends Right to Offend in Speech
Jun 14th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Innocent intent is not a defense. Nor is truth. Publication in the public interest is not a defense.’… Read the rest
Bardot Fined for Remarks on Animal Slaughter
Jun 14th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Said in a letter to Sarkozy that Muslims should stun animals before slaughtering them.… Read the rest
Mugabe Promises to Fight ‘Traitors’
Jun 14th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Described the opposition as ‘traitors’ and referred to Zimbabwe’s past struggle for independence.… Read the rest
Burma Should Free Detained Activist Zargana
Jun 14th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Burma’s military government should immediately free Zargana and permit him to continue distributing aid.… Read the rest
Zimbabwe: Abuse of Opposition and NGOs
Jun 14th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Attacks on civil society and the opposition are the latest developments in a sustained campaign of terror.… Read the rest
Maybe Someday Saudi Women Will Run
Jun 13th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Or maybe not. Don’t hold your breath.… Read the rest
South African Court Bans Aids Vitamin Trials
Jun 13th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Rath Foundation promote vitamin pills and minerals which they say can reverse the development of HIV/Aids. … Read the rest
Giles Fraser Talks Tortured Nonsense
Jun 13th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Saying ‘intelligent people are less likely to believe in god’ is racist.… Read the rest
Mass Rally for Pakistani Judges
Jun 13th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Thousands of protesters are gathering to demand the government reinstate judges fired by Musharraf… Read the rest