- UK Erects Sculpture Celebrating “Strength of Hijab” Sparking Controversy
https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2023/09/a-monument-to-hijab-is-no-way-to-celebrate-women
Location: United Kingdom
A forthcoming statue in Smethwick, Birmingham titled "The Strength of the Hijab" has sparked controversy for its perceived endorsement of the hijab, which in many countries serves as a tool of female oppression. Erected in a primarily Muslim community, the statue stands as a stark reminder, resembling the totalitarian vibes of brutalist architecture. Just days before its announcement, the world remembered Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old victim of Iran's 'morality police', punished for allegedly mis-wearing her hijab. While the monument was intended to reflect the local culture, critics argue it oversimplifies Muslim women's choices and amplifies extremist narratives. Instead of commemorating religious symbols that can be seen as oppressive, secularists suggest a tribute to those who defy such religious impositions in the name of democracy, freedom, and equality.
- Polish Priest Investigated After 'Gay Orgy' Ends in Friend Overdosing on Erectile Pills
https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/viagra-overdose-ends-gay-priests-orgy-with-rent-boy
Location: Poland
In Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland, controversy has erupted following a scandalous event involving several priests. An orgy, which had homosexual priests in attendance, was disrupted when a male escort participating suffered a heart attack due to an overdose of Viagra. The incident took place at the apartment of Fr. Tomasz Zmarzły, a prominent figure who was also the editor of the Catholic weekly Niedziela Sosnowiecka. Upon the escort's collapse, an ambulance was called. However, complications arose when Zmarzły and another priest barred the paramedics from entering, necessitating police involvement. The subsequent fallout has been significant, with Bp. Grzegorz Kaszak publicly addressing the incident, stating, "I wish to emphasize that moral evil will not be tolerated." He further implored the faithful to stand by and support the clergy who felt "hurting and ashamed" following the event. The repercussions of this event did not end there. In a shocking turn of events, a parishioner, presumably in response to the scandal, set fire to the doors of the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Angels in the same town. Local media have approached the issue with caution, blurring images of the involved priest and withholding full names in their reports.
- Sermons of Hate: How One UK Islamic Charity is Raising Red Flags!
Location: United Kingdom
The National Secular Society (NSS) has dropped a bombshell by raising serious concerns about extremism and anti-Semitism within an Islamic charity. Islamic Center Leicester has been reported to the Charity Commission by the NSS following sermons recorded at the center. One sermon, delivered by Mufti Muhammad Shakir Patel Misbahi, indicated that 'blasphemers' should face execution, while another suggested Jews fear retribution in the afterlife because of their actions. Misbahi is quoted as saying anyone who dishonors Muhammad "will be out of Islam" and that the punishment for such actions is "execution." Megan Manson, NSS head of campaigns, expressed concern about the charity's actions, stating: "Sowing division serves no public benefit. An organization that repeatedly promotes extremist views should certainly be stripped of its charitable status." She further highlighted the broader issue that the "advancement of religion" as a charitable purpose can sometimes mask the advancement of extremist views.
- Blasphemy Laws Are On the Rise Around the World
https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/2023%20Blasphemy%20Legislation%20Factsheet.pdf
Location: Global
The rise in blasphemy laws worldwide is sounding alarms, with the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reporting a disturbing growth in countries enacting such laws. From 84 countries in 2020, the number has surged to 95 in 2023. Notably, countries like Bahamas, Barbados, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Cambodia, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Monaco, Portugal, and Uganda have been newly added to this roster between 2020 and 2023. Alarmingly, the list isn't just restricted to theocratic states but spans several democracies and allies of the U.S. The penalties under these laws can range from fines to the most severe: death. And while they're touted as protectors of religious sentiments, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief highlights that “The right to freedom of religion or belief does not include the right to have a religion or belief that is free from criticism or ridicule.”
- Australian Family's Attempted 'Honour Killing' Charges Downgraded After Guilty Pleas
Location: Australia
In a shocking case from Adelaide, family members of a 21-year-old Muslim woman, who had been brutally stabbed for dating a Christian man, have seen their charges reduced. Originally accused of attempted murder in what had been described in court as an "attempted honor killing," prosecutors have now accepted guilty pleas for lesser offenses. The violent incident, which took place in a suburban shopping center car park, resulted in the young woman sustaining severe injuries, including a perforated kidney and lacerated liver. Highlighting the family's disapproval of her relationship, it was noted that the woman's family sought to punish her for "bringing shame on the family." The victim's father, who allegedly held the knife, admitted to an aggravated charge of causing serious harm. Other family members pled guilty to causing harm with intent and unlawful imprisonment. Two of her brothers also pleaded guilty to criminal trespass. The court is set to hear sentencing submissions in December.
- Indonesian TikToker Sentenced to Two Years in Jail Over “Blasphemous” Pork Video
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66852841https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-sumatra-muslim-islam-blasphemy-54b800ad744ac9626325f3c90b5e29f6
Location: Indonesia
Lina Lutfiawati, an Indonesian influencer with over two million TikTok followers, has been jailed for two years after posting a video where she recited "Bismillah" (an Arabic phrase meaning "in the name of God") before consuming crispy pork skin, an act strictly forbidden in Islam. Traveling in Bali at the time, Lina sampled pork out of curiosity, but her video ignited controversy, leading to charges of "inciting hatred" and disseminating hateful information. The sentencing has polarized Indonesian social media, with some hailing the court's decision, while others pointedly note that corruption cases often receive lighter sentences. Amidst the uproar, rights groups continue to criticize Indonesia's blasphemy laws, arguing they're frequently misused against religious minorities. The story underscores the ongoing tension surrounding Indonesia's contentious blasphemy laws where even a viral video can have profound consequences.
- How Modern China Reshapes Religions
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/26/a-jealous-god-china-remakes-religions-in-its-own-image
Location: China
In a detailed report by Al Jazeera's Frederik Kelter, dated September 26, 2023, the increasing encroachments on religious freedoms in China have been laid bare. Theresa Liu, a 58-year-old restaurant owner and devout Chinese Catholic, underscores the intensifying pressure on religious groups, especially the nation's Catholics, who number up to 10 million. She starkly states, “The government is trying to control everything about our religion – how our churches look, who our priests are, the way we pray.” Officially, while the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China promises freedom of religion, many, including experts like Xi Lian of Duke Divinity School, argue that this freedom exists only on paper. Lian bluntly notes, “But the constitution is just a piece of paper… In real life in China, we are not seeing the government respecting freedom of religion.” The story reveals alarming accounts of control and repression across multiple religious groups, from the tearing down of Christian crosses in Zhejiang Province to the widespread detention of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. Moreover, President Xi Jinping's push for the "sinicization" of religion seeks to mold religious practices to align with the Communist Party's ideology, as evident in actions like the demolition of religious symbols and state-mandated religious teachings.
- Death Sentence for Four in Iran Over Bootleg Alcohol Tragedy
Location: Iran
In Iran, four individuals were recently sentenced to death due to their alleged involvement in distributing bootleg alcohol tragedy that resulted in 17 deaths and left 191 individuals either blinded or hospitalized. Bootleg alcohol, often seen in places where alcohol is illegal or heavily taxed, poses serious health risks, primarily when contaminants like methanol are present. As part of a larger trial involving 11 defendants, Judiciary spokesman Masoud Setayeshi confirmed that the four received the death penalty after being found guilty of "corruption on Earth through committing crimes against the physical integrity of people." The remaining defendants were given prison sentences ranging from one to five years. Though alcohol has been prohibited in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, a worsening economic crisis has driven many Iranians to seek out affordable homemade alcoholic alternatives available on the black market.
- Bahraini Intellectual: “Islam Needs to Be Reexamined; We Need a Culture of Life, Not of Death”
Location: Saudi Arabia
In a thought-provoking interview on MBC TV, Shi'ite Bahraini intellectual Dhiyaa Al-Musawi called for a comprehensive reassessment of Islamic texts. He critically addressed the way these texts have been interpreted and claimed that they have been "booby-trapped," turning the mentality of Muslim youth into a "minefield." Al-Musawi emphasized the pressing need for modern Muslims, particularly the youth, to adopt a more enlightened approach to their religious texts and to move away from insular thinking. As he pointed out, many young Muslims are already shifting their perspectives, seeking knowledge in Europe and no longer viewing liberalism as taboo. With a powerful call to action, Al-Musawi exclaimed, "I am calling for a culture of life, as opposed to a culture of death," and highlighted the importance of embracing a worldly perspective rather than being solely consumed with thoughts of the Hereafter. He notably remarked, "Our problem is not with the Quran. Our problem is with its interpreters."
- Our Godless Community Unites!
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In our latest update from the Atheist Republic, we have exciting news to share: our recent fundraising drive not only met, but significantly surpassed our goal of $2500, raising an impressive $4,130! Our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude go out to every individual who rallied behind our cause. This achievement is a testament to the power of our united global godless community. As we continue our journey, our next ambition is to reinstate our beloved news team. To realize this, our goal is to secure 50 monthly donors at $10 each.
Thanks to the commitment of 11 outstanding supporters, we've made a promising start, but we need your continued support to cross the finish line! Establishing a regular foundation of assistance ensures the continuation of quality content for our readers. Wondering how to participate? Simply find the monthly donor link here in our newsletter. Together, let's strengthen our mission and advance the principles of free thought and secular values across the globe!
