Why is Twitter helping to censor blasphemy in Pakistan?
The social media giant has blocked several tweets deemed offensive by a user in Karachi. Now a global coalition of secular campaigners is petitioning it to reconsider
Human Rights & Ethics
Is India serious about tackling sexual violence?
Ever since a student was brutally gang-raped in Delhi in 2012, there has been a steady stream of reports about horrific sexual violence in India. In the most recent incident,…
Is Pope Francis doing enough to address clerical child abuse?
The Pontiff spoke frankly to journalists this week, but a victims' group is calling for action, not words
Divide and rule: Egypt under General Sisi
With the Muslim Brotherhood shattered and secular democrats sidelined, Egypt’s military-backed regime is consolidating control. Rachel Aspden reports from Cairo.
Peter Tatchell: “Same-sex marriage is a great victory. But it isn’t quite equality”
The tireless human rights campaigner talks to New Humanist about the marriage law, homophobia and why he's turning his attention to tackling anti-Muslim prejudice
How Saudi Arabia is seeking to censor the web
The kingdom has issued a series of harsh sentences to bloggers.
Is Section 28 making a return to UK schools?
A report in the Independent notes that a number of UK schools appear to be introducing bans on “promoting homosexuality”, in measures reminiscent of the restrictions enforced by the infamous…
It’s getting even harder for American women to have safe abortions
The underhand tactics of the pro-life movement in Texas are beginning to restrict the freedom of women who wish to undergo safe abortions – not just in the Lone Star…
Oddly regressive lawmaking in Queensland, Australia
We were interested to note this story concerning the Crime and Misconduct and Other Legislation Amendment Bill currently passing through the legislature in Queensland, Australia. Not the usual ground covered…
My Apostasy Story: Clair
As part of our Apostasy Project ex-pastor Clair explains how she went from speaking in tongues to free-wheeling round Europe on a mission of discovery