Killings and sexual assaults at an opposition rally in Conakry, largely by the Presidential Guard.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
UN Denounces Sexual Orientation Rights Abuses 
Dec 20th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Meeting discussed draconian ‘anti-homosexuality legislation’ before the Ugandan parliament.… Read the rest
Rick Warren and Uganda’s ‘Kill the Gays’ Bill
Dec 20th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Warren has backed virulently anti-gay religious leaders in Uganda, Rwanda, and Nigeria.… Read the rest
Martin Ssempa Responds to Rick Warren
Dec 20th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
You see, Rick, it’s Africa101: Homosexuality is illegal, unnatural, ungodly and un-African.… Read the rest
Vatican’s Response is ‘Wholly Inadequate’
Dec 19th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Victims’ group says Irish bishops ‘display a contemptible level of arrogance and an inappropriate lack of humility.’… Read the rest
Ratzinger Keeps Head Down
Dec 19th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Will visit UK but sleep in garden shed. No plans to visit Ireland and apologize.… Read the rest
Sherry Jones on Index on Censorship
Dec 19th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
She knows what it’s like.… Read the rest
Harry’s Place on Index on Censorship
Dec 19th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
You would expect Index on Censorship to oppose censorship, and stand up for freedom of expression.… Read the rest
The Spittoon on Index on Self-Censorship
Dec 19th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A free speech organization censoring itself on an issue over which it has been highly critical of other organizations.… Read the rest
New Humanist on Censorship Row at Index
Dec 19th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
If Index won’t take a stand against implied threats for perfectly legitimate acts, who will?… Read the rest
BBC Settles Trafigura Libel Case
Dec 18th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The BBC’s decision to settle caused dismay among some journalistic staff today.… Read the rest
Hitchens on Sarah Palin and Demagogy
Dec 18th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
She throws mud one day then the next day pretends she didn’t.… Read the rest
Index on Censorship Talks to Jytte Klausen
Dec 18th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
About censorship of the Motoons – which Index on Censorship itself decides not to publish.… Read the rest
Kenan Malik on Index on Censorship’s Decision
Dec 18th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In refusing to publish the cartoons, Index is not only helping strengthen the culture of censorship, it is also weakening its authority to challenge that culture. … Read the rest
Jonathan Dimbleby Explains Index’s Decision
Dec 18th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The interview is not about the cartoons but their censorship, so it’s ok to censor the cartoons again.… Read the rest
Nick Cohen on the Issue-avoiding Thriller
Dec 18th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Spooks’ goes after Greens, Jews, Hindus – it’ll be Quakers and Buddhists next. Meanwhile…… Read the rest
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
Dec 17th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
If there are more believers, good. If there are fewer believers, good – it means they’re more thoughtful.… Read the rest
US Plans to Rely on Evidence in AIDS Fight
Dec 17th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A shift from the moralistic approach of the Bush administration.… Read the rest
William Dalrymple on Religion in India
Dec 17th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
More local, composite and pluralistic traditions are under threat, but the Sufis are fighting back.… Read the rest
