‘When we see evidence that children have been sexually abused and remain at risk of further abuse, we will act.’… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Khadim Hussain: the Fate of Swat [scroll down] 
May 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
An overwhelming majority of people never supported the clergy in their quest for influence in the valley. … Read the rest
Bar Countries That Ban Women Athletes
May 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Many Muslim women can’t even dream of the Olympics because their countries ban female sports altogether.… Read the rest
‘Witches’ Burnt to Death in Kenya
May 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
8 women, 3 men dragged out of their houses and set on fire.… Read the rest
A Handy Escape Device
May 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Never mind judgment by a spiritual being some time later; the assaults happened down here.… Read the rest
David Barash: How Did Honor Evolve?
May 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Group selection, genetically mediated inclinations, fear, guilt, social compulsion?… Read the rest
Casting Call at Jesus and Mo
May 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Been wanting to do a Jesus and Mo? Now’s your chance.… Read the rest
Mehdi Kazemi Granted Asylum in UK
May 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Protests prompted the Home Secretary to reconsider the case of gay man facing execution in Iran.… Read the rest
Politics and Piety Becoming too Entangled
May 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland are some of the countries subjected to interference by meddling cardinals. … Read the rest
Christian Refuses to Do Her Job, Files Suit
May 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Cites ‘God-ordained’ view of marriage, talks of sin, says ‘no respect whatsoever for my religious beliefs.’… Read the rest
Norman Levitt Reviews John Alan Paulos
May 20th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Paulos’s cheery offhandedness says that to be an atheist, one does not need to be a professional malcontent. … Read the rest
Breaking Through Burma’s Cruel Wall
May 20th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘People were begging on their hands and knees for a single packet of soup,’ a team member said.… Read the rest
Roads to Irrawaddy Delta Blocked
May 20th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Naturally. There’s an emergency there, so everyone must stay out.… Read the rest
No Hurry
May 20th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Water purifying machines, medical teams, tens of thousands of gallons of water wait offshore.… Read the rest
Burma Allows 9 Helicopters to Fly in Aid
May 20th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
9! The generosity of it!… Read the rest
Illegal to Slam Scientology in UK
May 19th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
CPS solicitors advised cops that any signs saying ‘Scientology is a cult’ could be deemed offensive. … Read the rest
Gregorius Nekschot’s Arrest Condemned
May 19th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Trouw: ‘A society that prevents artistic expression is playing with fire.’… Read the rest
‘Religious Leaders’ Interfere on Embryo Bill
May 19th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘We need to fight to uphold and protect our humanity.’ From what?… Read the rest
Frenzy of ‘Honour Killing’ in Iraq
May 19th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Vulnerability to violence is not the only area in which the equal status of women in Iraq has eroded.… Read the rest
Burma Continues to Limit Foreign Aid
May 19th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Will accept some, but only if channelled through neighbours. Meanwhile 2 million people suffer.… Read the rest
