Mind you, Saudi Arabia bans all non-Islamic religious practices, but it’s terrifically tolerant.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Lovely, Lovely Conference
Jul 20th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonCritics said the Saudis were the last people who should host a meeting on religious dialogue. But – uh.… Read the rest
Theologians Tell Clerics to Respect Women
Jul 20th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonWomen are not holding their breath.… Read the rest
Saudi Conference Ends on Sour Note
Jul 20th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonSome participants irritated by late changes to draft statement without consent of all members.… Read the rest
Sexual Harassment of Women in Egypt
Jul 19th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonNo one spoke about freedom of choice, freedom of movement or the right to legal protection. … Read the rest
46% of Egyptian Women Harassed Daily
Jul 19th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia Benson83% of Egyptian women and 98% of foreign women said they had been harassed at some point.… Read the rest
Two Thirds of Egyptian Men Harass Women
Jul 19th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonEgyptian and foreign women frequently complain of persistent sexual harassment on Egyptian streets.… Read the rest
Church Has Faith in People’s Ability to Avoid HIV
Jul 19th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonCardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier said he had long been opposed to the use of condoms to prevent HIV. … Read the rest
Church Cancels Gun-giveaway for Teenagers
Jul 19th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonWindsor Hills Baptist had planned to give away a semiautomatic assault rifle, but shot itself in foot instead.… Read the rest
Mandela Turns 90
Jul 18th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonCalls for the rich to do more for the poor.… Read the rest
UK Govt to Fund Board of Islamic Theologians
Jul 18th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonSheikh Mogra said ‘This board has to be something owned by us, driven by us but supported by government.’… Read the rest
Midwives Train as Surgeons in Mozambique
Jul 18th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonIs on track to achieve UN Millennium Development goal to reduce maternal death rate by 75% by 2015… Read the rest
Without the Data, There’s Only Someone Saying
Jul 18th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonJournalists don’t always understand what it means for there to be evidence for an assertion.… Read the rest
Mo Practices Transubstantiation
Jul 18th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonJesus asks for Celine Dion. … Read the rest
Saudi King ‘Appeals for Tolerance’!
Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia Benson‘Has called on followers of the world’s main religions to turn away from extremism’! Yes, really.… Read the rest
Saudi Monarch ‘Decries Extremism’!
Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonConference to emphasize ‘a more tolerant side’ of Wahhabi Islam. Right. … Read the rest
Saudi King Says Religions Should Unite
Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonTo combat problems such as ‘breakdown of the family,’ code for women who don’t submit enough.… Read the rest
God Donates Gold Teeth, One Per Customer
Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonPray for a sign, go home, find gold tooth in mouth. A miracle!… Read the rest
‘Islam is a Religion of Moderation and Tolerance’
Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia Benson‘A new page for humanity in which – God willing – concord will replace conflict.’ God unwilling, not.… Read the rest
Man Knifes Sister for Being ‘Bad Muslim Girl’
Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by Ophelia BensonTold sheriff’s investigators he attacked his sister because she had disgraced their family.… Read the rest