‘Goth’ wears collar and leash and lets her ‘Goth’ boyfriend carry the leash.… Read the rest
All entries by this author
Journalist Sentenced to Death for ‘Blasphemy’
Jan 23rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Sayed Perwiz Kambakhsh, 23, downloaded internet material about the role of women in Islamic societies. … Read the rest
An atmosphere of fear and intimidation
Jan 23rd, 2008 11:26 am | By Ophelia BensonShukria Barakzai seemed (cautiously) optimistic in 2005.
2002 was a splendid year for Afghan women, a year begun with the formation of the interim administration…As the country becomes more pacified, we receive more and more requests for Women’s Mirror throughout Afghanistan. Three years later, our goals, commitments, and principles remain largely the same: the development of Afghan women.
The BBC talked to her last June.
… Read the restFor the past three months, Afghan female MP Shukria Barakzai has been receiving a letter saying she may be targeted by a suicide bomber in the next six months. The cryptic government letter contains an intelligence warning that Ms Barakzai’s life is under threat and she should be careful. She is one of
Defining blasphemy
Jan 23rd, 2008 10:51 am | By Ophelia BensonNo blasphemy allowed. Blasphemers must be killed. What’s blasphemy? ‘Downloading material from the internet relating to the role of women in Islamic societies.’ That’s just one example of course – there are others. In fact, if truth be told, it would be simpler and quicker to say what is not blasphemy than it would be to give a complete account of what is. What’s not blasphemy? Ummmmmm…well to be honest that’s such a short list that there doesn’t seem to be anything on it. Let me put it this way – blasphemy is anything some pious group of thugs says it is at any particular moment when they want to shut people up by having them killed. It’s basically … Read the rest
Jesus and Mo Try the ‘Offensive’ Ploy
Jan 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
But as predicted, the barmaid has a reply.… Read the rest
Johann Hari Talks to Peter Tatchell
Jan 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Ken Livingstone has never thrown open the doors of City Hall to liberal and progressive Muslims.… Read the rest
The Pope and Exorcism
Jan 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The church tells mentally ill people they invited the Devil in.… Read the rest
UNFPA Helping Pregnant Women in Kenya
Jan 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
UNFPA is particularly concerned about reports of increased sexual violence in the displacement settlements.… Read the rest
‘This Disease is From God’
Jan 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Men who don’t desert wives who have fistulas are a small minority in Sudan.… Read the rest
UNFPA Tackles Teenage Pregnancy in Ghana
Jan 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Men go on with their lives without consequences. Men have all the power and don’t ask women what they think or want.’… Read the rest
The Horror of Rome
Jan 22nd, 2008 11:13 am | By Ophelia BensonIt’s exciting to learn that there is such a thing as the Chief Exorcist of Rome and that he has such stimulating beliefs.
Those modern theologians who identify Satan with the abstract idea of evil are completely mistaken. Theirs is true heresy; that is, it is openly in contrast with the Bible, the Fathers, and the Magisterium of the Church…How can those who deny the existence and the many activities of Satan understand the achievements of Christ? How can they understand the value of the redemptive death of Christ?
Oh right, the Magisterium – that’s that non-overlapping one that Steve Gould told us about. Science has its, and religion has its, and in the latter, Satan is a real fella. … Read the rest
CFI Austin on Science Education in Texas
Jan 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Science standards are up for review this year; 7 out of 15 Board of Education members are creationists.… Read the rest
PZ Asks: What’s Your School Board Like?
Jan 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Like the ones in Florida? Texas?… Read the rest
Martin Bright: Ken Livingstone is a Disgrace
Jan 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Attempts by Mayor’s office to smear a brave anti-racism campaigner are a step too far. … Read the rest
Philosophy Said to Make Religion More Credible
Jan 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
There is a tension between advocating something religion-neutral and a curriculum where one religion is privileged. … Read the rest
Cutting Little Girls in Indonesia
Jan 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Three benefits: stabilizes her libido, makes her pretty in husband’s eyes, balances her psychology.… Read the rest
Little mundane personal private harmless sharia
Jan 20th, 2008 12:12 pm | By Ophelia BensonAmnah is going through a divorce and is baffled at being told that she must wait for three months to remarry, considering that she hasn’t seen her estranged husband for two years. Dr Hasan with an intense look…[Dr Hasan] meets this with a simple reply: “These rulings are all in the Koran. The rulings are made for all.” Amnah has little choice but to comply: Dr Hasan is a judge, and this is a sharia court – in east London.
She has little choice but to comply? Why? If it’s a sharia court in east London, then she does have other choices, doesn’t she?
… Read the restIt is one of dozens of sharia courts – also known as councils
Secularism Far Worse Than Terrorism
Jan 20th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Chaplain to the Stock Exchange talks raving nonsense.… Read the rest
Men’s ‘Honour’ and Women’s Sexuality
Jan 20th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘When I challenged their double standards they gave cultural and religious reasons to justify their controlling and abusive behaviour.’… Read the rest