If threats to the universality of human rights cannot be addressed at the UN HRC, where can they be discussed?… Read the rest
Welcome to our archive of news stories relevant to the project of fighting fashionable nonsense. The stories are drawn from the electronic pages of the world’s media. On this page, you’ll find links to those stories that have been featured on Butterflies and Wheels during the current year. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find links to separate archives of stories from previous years.
We’re always pleased to hear about news stories that you think should be featured on Butterflies and Wheels. Just send an email here, if you want to point one out to us.
A note about links
Inevitably links go out of date. We suggest, therefore, that you make hard-copies of the stories that particularly interest you.
Leo Igwe on Fundamentalism in Nigeria 
Dec 25th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Christian and Islamic fanatics show total disregard for human rights and basic freedoms.… Read the rest
Deconstructing Indoctrination
Dec 24th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
David Shariatmadari notes that not all indoctrination is bad. True, but some is.… Read the rest
Ireland: One Bishop Resigns, Three Remain
Dec 24th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The leadership of the archdiocese failed over many decades to respond properly to criminal acts against children.’… Read the rest
Oh Noes! Mary Might Have Aborted Baby Jesus
Dec 24th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
And God would have been completely flummoxed. Close call!… Read the rest
Sumerians Confused as God Creates World
Dec 24th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
But we already have all this, they said crossly; what’s he making a whole new batch for?… Read the rest
Francine Prose on Religion and Misogyny
Dec 23rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Daily, all over the world, there are mutilations and murders and beatings, all in the name of God. … Read the rest
Oral Roberts Preyed on Vulnerable People
Dec 23rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Roberts was instrumental in the founding of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship.… Read the rest
Nick Cohen on British Juries and Rape Cases
Dec 23rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Juries want to blame the victim.… Read the rest
More Chaplains in UK State Schools
Dec 23rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Chaplains stand as a reminder that the purpose of a school is a much wider one.’… Read the rest
You Want Chador? We’ll Give You Chador
Dec 23rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Iranian men dress up in chador and hijab to tease the authorities.… Read the rest
The Vatican is Hallucinating
Dec 22nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Recent years have witnessed a great increase of affection and esteem for the person of the Holy Father.’… Read the rest
Jasvinder Sanghera: Abuse is not Culture
Dec 21st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Serious crimes are being treated as a matter for diversity officers rather than for police and courts.… Read the rest
Female Genital Mutilation for Christmas
Dec 21st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Cutters’ are being flown to the UK to carry out FGM at ‘parties’ involving up to 20 girls to save money. … Read the rest
A System That Tiptoes Around Cultural Sensitivity
Dec 21st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The lives of women and girls should be worth more than what ‘the community’ thinks.… Read the rest
Religious Belief Depends on Inequality
Dec 21st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Funny that believers want to admit that.… Read the rest
Archbishop to Bishops: Quit or Be Removed
Dec 21st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
We did nothing wrong, say the four Irish bishops.… Read the rest
Amnesty International on Victims of Trafigura
Dec 20th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In August 2006, toxic waste was brought to Abidjan on a ship chartered by Trafigura. … Read the rest
Tasneem Khalil on the Censorship Fatwa
Dec 20th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
AI endorses torture; Sarah Palin goes green; Index on Censorship self-censors. Spot the real one.… Read the rest
Clive Davis Has Doubts About Motives
Dec 20th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Therefore censorship is the right decision.… Read the rest
