Maybe later in the year there will be a series on big pharma. Tell the BBC yes please.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Vatican Hoping to Build Church in Saudi 
Apr 4th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Authorities cite a tradition of the Prophet M that only Islam can be practised in the Arabian Peninsula. … Read the rest
Blair to Talk About His ‘Faith Foundation’
Apr 3rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Murphy-O’Connor adds that ‘the role of faith in our society cannot be ignored.’… Read the rest
Anglican Church in Wales: No Women Bishops
Apr 3rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘If women are good enough to be priests they are good enough to be bishops,’ says Giles Fraser.… Read the rest
Saudi Cleric Says Two Writers Should be Killed
Apr 3rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The two questioned the view that adherents of other religions should be considered unbelievers. … Read the rest
Sharia Noose Tightens in Malaysia
Apr 3rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Religious police patrol parks looking for couples holding hands and ensure Muslims observe Ramadan. … Read the rest
‘Faith’ Schools Kick Up Fuss
Apr 3rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘There is an anti-faith-schools agenda at the moment’ says head of Finchley Catholic High School.… Read the rest
Grayling on Murphy-O’Connor
Apr 3rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Judaeo-Christian’ ethics were taken over from Stoicism and Cicero.… Read the rest
Imam Calls Jews ‘Brothers of Apes and Pigs’
Apr 2nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘If you take a sample on Friday, you’re bound to hear incitement against the Jews in the imam’s sermon.’… Read the rest
Ali Eteraz on Difficulties With Sharia
Apr 2nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Sharia is not codified. It can be anything based on the whim of the arbitrator. For law to be law, it needs standardization.… Read the rest
No Evidence for Benefit of Drinking Lots of Water
Apr 2nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
There are lots of claims, but they all seem to be made up. … Read the rest
Summary Judgment in California Creationist Case
Apr 2nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Michael Behe scores an own goal.… Read the rest
NCSE on California Creationism Case
Apr 2nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The University has a legitimate interest in evaluating the adequacy of high school courses to prepare students for study.… Read the rest
Saudi Woman Killed for Chatting on Facebook
Apr 1st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
She was beaten and shot dead by her father.… Read the rest
Parents Indicted in Faith-Healing Death
Apr 1st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
15-month-old died of bronchial pneumonia and blood infection; antibiotics would have saved her.… Read the rest
Critics Say UN HRC Undermines Rights
Apr 1st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
International activist groups accused HRC of acting as a cover for states aiming to restrict free speech.… Read the rest
Reporters Without Borders on UN HRC
Apr 1st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The change to the mandate of the
special rapporteur on free expression is dramatic.’… Read the rest
HRW on the UN and Congo and Human Rights
Apr 1st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
HRC failed to renew the mandate of the special rapporteur for DR Congo despite mass rapes and killings.… Read the rest
IHEU on the Death of Human Rights
Mar 31st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
There can no longer be any pretence that the Human Rights Council can defend human rights.… Read the rest
Aaronovitch Patiently Repeats the Question
Mar 31st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Bishop of Durham refused to answer, so what else can he do?… Read the rest
