3-31-15 A messy political U-turn in Indiana
A messy political U-turn in Indiana
Having introduced the benign sounding - bland even - Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Indiana's Governor Mike Pence has found himself under sustained and ferocious attack - because it seemed as though this bill was a licence for the businesses and organisations of Indiana to be able to say to people: "You're gay, and with my new religious freedom protection, I am not going to serve you." And so some shops around Indiana found it necessary to put up signs saying: "We serve everyone" - to make clear that gays and lesbians would still be welcome in their shops.
3-31-15 New religion law: 'Homophobic' bill 'damaging' Indiana
New religion law: 'Homophobic' bill 'damaging' Indiana
The governor of Indiana is calling on lawmakers there to "fix" a controversial law meant to protect religious freedoms. Critics say the legislation could be used to discriminate against homosexuals. The bill has provoked a national outcry, with businesses, lawmakers, and celebrities calling for action.
3-31-15 Indiana law 'grossly misconstrued' says governor
Indiana law 'grossly misconstrued' says governor
The governor of Indiana has defended a new law that has unleashed a wave of condemnation across the country. The measure gives firms and groups the right to express their religious beliefs in the way they do business. The governor went on the attack after a number of famous names, corporations and sporting institutions warned that business owners now had a licence to discriminate against gays and lesbians. Signed into state law last week, the bill prevents the state from forcing people to provide services they say are contrary to their religion.
3-27-15 Indiana boycott urged after 'religious freedom' law passes
Indiana boycott urged after 'religious freedom' law passes
Activists have encouraged a boycott of Indiana after the US state enacted a "religious freedom" law, which they say discriminates against gay people. Supporters say the law prevents the state from forcing people to provide services contrary to their religion. Similar bills are being considered across the US as court rulings have made gay marriage legal in more states. Several groups plan to do less business with the state, and celebrities criticised the law on Twitter.
3-25-15 Phil Robertson uses made up 'rape story' to rant against atheists.
Phil Robertson uses made up 'rape story' to rant against atheists.
The star of the US TV reality show Duck Dynasty is facing criticism after a speech that included a graphic story about an atheist family being raped and killed. Atheist groups denounced the speech, saying it was unlikely Robertson actually knows any atheists. In 2013, he was suspended from his TV show and quickly reinstated following derogatory remarks about homosexuality. Robertson has since become a political figure. He recently spoke at CPAC, a large gathering of American conservatives that included presidential hopefuls such as Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. (Webmaster's comment: Another person whose mind is filled with hate for anyone that is different. Note the conservatives that are in his audience. Birds of a feather flock together!)
(Webmaster's comment: The percentage of Atheists in America is 2.0-2.5%, but by all measures they make up a much smaller percentage of the persons in prison. Morally they certainly seem to be no worse than any other group.)
3-25-15 El Salvador's Archbishop murdered as he celebrated Mass
El Salvador's Archbishop murdered as he celebrated Mass
The murder of the Archbishop Oscar Romero, as he celebrated Mass on 24 March 1980, was a turning point that tipped El Salvador into civil war. Executions, kidnappings and torture were commonplace in the Central American country, as the US-backedmilitary government tried to quell opposition. In his Sunday sermons, broadcast by radio around the country, Archbishop Romero listed the abuses and demanded an end to the repression. (Webmaster's comment: Still in the news. Notice who was backing the murderous dictatorship in El Salvador. The United States always backs pro-American dictatorships no matter how brutal!)
3-24-15 Indiana set to enact 'religious freedom' bill
Indiana set to enact 'religious freedom' bill
The governor of Indiana is poised to enact a "religious freedom" law, which opponents say will give state businesses a licence to discriminate against gay and lesbian customers. Supporters say the bill prevents the state from forcing people to provide services contrary to their religion. Similar bills are being considered across the US as court rulings have made gay marriage legal in more states.
3-18-15 US Presbyterian church recognizes gay marriage
US Presbyterian church recognizes gay marriage
The largest Presbyterian denomination in the US will formally recognize same-sex marriages after decades of debate. With nearly 1.8 million members, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is the biggest Protestant group in the US to endorse the ceremonies.
3-15-15 The traditional mystics going online
The traditional mystics going online
West Africa's marabouts, or spiritual guides, have advised their followers for centuries. And far from being at odds with the modern world, they are adapting and thriving in the 21st Century, says Jane Labous.
3-15-15 St Patrick's Day: Gay groups in Boston parade
St Patrick's Day: Gay groups in Boston parade
Two gay and lesbian groups are due to take part in Sunday's St Patrick's Day parade in Boston for the first time. Until now, they have been banned by the organisers, who won support for their stance from the US Supreme Court. But the organisers, the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, had a change of heart and told Boston Pride and Outvets, representing gay military veterans, they were welcome.
3-5-15 Science 'squeezed out of primary schools'
Science 'squeezed out of primary schools'
Science is being squeezed out of English primary schools, with a third not providing the recommended two hours of teaching a week, research suggests. The Confederation of British Industry study also suggests science has become less of a priority in many schools.
3-4-15 Alabama Supreme Court orders halt to same-sex marriage licenses
Alabama Supreme Court orders halt to same-sex marriage licences
Alabama's Supreme Court has ordered the state's judges to stop issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. A federal ruling says banning same-sex marriages is unconstitutional. But the court in Alabama has decided that does not preclude state law being followed, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. (Webmaster's comment: Send in the Federal Marshals and arrest the LAW-BREAKING judges. Let's put a stop to this criminal activity.)
3-2-15 Bangladesh Avijit Roy murder: Suspect arrested
Bangladesh Avijit Roy murder: Suspect arrested
Police in Bangladesh have arrested a man in connection with the murder of atheist writer Avijit Roy.