- Muslims Lead "Million Person March" Against "LGBT Ideology" in Schools
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/muslims-lead-million-person-march-against-lgbt-ideology-schools
Location: Canada
Muslims in Canada, under the leadership of activist and businessman Kamel El-Cheikh, are rallying together for a "Million Person March" in Ottawa on September 20. The protest is against what they describe as the "LGBT Ideology" being forced upon children in Canadian schools. El-Cheikh's passionate commitment to this cause shines through in his optimistic outlook, as he aims to unite Canadians of all religious backgrounds in defense of family values. He remarked, “I am optimistic – absolutely. You know, if [there’s] one thing that’s going to inspire Canadians from coast to coast to go down and protest it’s the kids and their innocence and its families.” He also criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accusing him of pressuring Muslim communities to accept what he deems a sinful belief system. El-Cheikh emphasizes the common ground between different faith communities in Canada, saying, “We can coexist, and I think that’s what absolutely these protests are illustrating is that Christians and Muslims and most Jews and, of course, a lot of common sense Canadians have a lot in common. That’s it’s not what Justin Trudeau is preaching.” Amidst growing tensions, the protest represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate around LGBTQIA+ education in Canada.
- Christian Teen Suspected of Killing Gay Man in Violent Stabbing Attack
Location: New York
The fatal stabbing of 28-year-old Black gay dancer O'Shae Sibley on July 29th at a Brooklyn gas station has sent shockwaves through the community. The incident unfolded when Sibley and his friends, wearing pink swim trunks and enjoying vogue dancing, caught the attention of a group of young men. According to reports, these men began harassing Sibley's group, leading to heated words and anti-Black and anti-LGBTQIA+ slurs. Witness Summy Ullah, recalling Sibley's response, said, “We have our own life. We can do whatever we want, you know. We’re dancing, that’s our life.” The situation escalated into violence when Sibley's group confronted the young men, resulting in a fight in which the 17-year-old suspect Dmitriy Popov stabbed Sibley in the torso, piercing his heart. Sayeda Haider, another witness, graphically described the scene: “He had a problem with them dancing, he wanted them to stop dancing, he started arguing with them. And then after a few fights and back and forth arguing, he pulled out a knife and stabbed him.” Popov fled and later turned himself in, his defense attorney claiming him to be a "good Christian boy." Conflicting narratives, including mentions of religious motivation, have added to the complexity and intensity surrounding this tragic event, leaving a community in mourning and a case filled with unanswered questions.
- Is Indian Superstition Replacing Rationality in Academia?
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/indian-superstition-replacing-rationality-academia
Location: India
In a startling collision of myth and science, India's top academic institutions are witnessing an infusion of Hindu mythology and belief systems into the educational curriculum, and it's creating a storm of controversy. Propelled by growing Hindu nationalism and support from the government, pseudoscience is finding its way into classrooms and conferences. One eye-catching example is the "Akash For Life" conference, aiming to fuse ancient Hindu wisdom with modern scientific advancements—a move condemned by many in the scientific community. The nonprofit India March for Science responded pointedly, stating that “such concepts have been deleted from science books a long time back.” The trend even includes outlandish claims by educators, like G. Nageswara Rao, who insisted that characters from the Hindu epic Mahabharata were born of “stem cell and test tube technology.” This alarming marriage of mythology and science has raised red flags among experts, who fear a dangerous drift from reason and empirical evidence, and an education system in which fantasy begins to masquerade as fact.
- Iraq Forces Media to Use 'Sexual Deviance' Instead of 'Homosexuality'
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/iraq-forces-media-use-sexual-deviance-instead-homosexuality
Location: Iraq
In a move that has shocked human rights activists, Iraq is planning to force media outlets and social media platforms to replace the word "homosexuality" with the phrase "sexual deviance." The Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC) confirmed this planned change, also revealing a ban on the use of the word "gender." Amnesty International has vehemently condemned this decision, with Aya Majzoub, the organization's deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, stating that, “The CMC’s ban of the word 'homosexuality' and insistence that media use 'sexual deviance' instead is a dangerous move that can fuel discrimination and violent attacks against members of the LGBTI community.” Majzoub added that the decision demonstrates "a callous disregard for combatting gender-based violence" at a time when such crimes are reportedly on the rise in the country. The announcement has further ignited concerns over freedom of expression and non-discrimination in Iraq.
- Taliban Enforces Shocking Ban: Girls Over 10 Years Denied Education!
Location: Afghanistan
In a devastating blow to education and women's rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban has drawn a dark line in the sand, banning girls over the age of 10 from attending primary school in some provinces. This harrowing decree resonates with dismay and disbelief, as it follows the group's previous suppressive edicts, including prohibiting older girls and women from attending schools and universities. A sixth-grade girl from eastern Afghanistan, encapsulating the heartache and shattered dreams, told the BBC, "We were told that girls who are tall and over 10 years old are not allowed to enter the school." This latest restriction is not just another policy but a crushing symbol of the extremist group's relentless drive to extinguish the aspirations and potentials of a generation of Afghan women. It's a stark reminder that the struggle for education and empowerment in the region is far from over, leaving the world to grapple with the haunting question: What future awaits these young girls?
- Exposing How ‘Quranic Healers' Are Sexually Abusing Women
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/exposing-how-quranic-healers-are-sexually-abusing-women
Location: Morroco & Sudan
A harrowing report by BBC News Arabic has exposed the widespread sexual abuse and exploitation by Quranic healers, also known as raqi, in Morocco and Sudan. These so-called spiritual healers were found to be manipulating and assaulting their female clients. Over a year, the BBC gathered testimonies from 85 women and corroborated their stories with NGOs, courts, lawyers, and even an undercover reporter, who was inappropriately touched by a healer. One victim, a Moroccan woman named Dalal, was drugged and raped by a healer who claimed to be exorcising a "jinn lover" from her body. Another victim, Sawsan from Sudan, was told by a healer that he would have sex with her to create a potion to control her husband. The report also identified Sheikh Ibrahim in Sudan, who had abused multiple women, including the undercover journalist. Authorities in both countries appeared reluctant to tackle the issue, with Moroccan officials describing legal intervention as difficult, and Sudanese authorities saying regulation was not a priority. Sawsan's chilling words encapsulate the horrifying experiences: "He said he would have sex with me and use the resulting body fluids to concoct a potion I should feed to my husband." Her story, and others like it, expose a hidden world of exploitation under the guise of spiritual healing.
- Fired for NOT Praying? Two Atheists Win Big in Discrimination Lawsuit!
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/fired-not-praying-two-atheists-win-big-discrimination-lawsuit
Location: United States
Two non-religious employees, John McGaha and Mackenzie Saunders, secured a $50,000 settlement against Aurora Pro Services after they were fired for refusing to participate in the company's daily Christian prayer meetings. McGaha's wages were first halved, and the prayer meetings were extended from 20 to 45 minutes before he was fired in 2020. Saunders was fired between 2020 and 2021 for declining to attend the mandated prayer meetings, which conflicted with her beliefs. The company's owner, Oscar D. Lopez, took attendance at some prayer meetings and reprimanded those who didn't attend. After Aurora Pro refused mediation, the EEOC accused the company of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In a statement highlighting the broader legal implications, Melinda C. Dugas, the regional attorney for the EEOC’s Charlotte District, stressed that “federal law protects employees from having to choose between their sincerely held religious beliefs and their jobs” and that employers must accommodate conflicting personal religious beliefs.
- Texting with Jesus? New AI App Brings the Bible to Life!
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/texting-jesus-new-ai-app-brings-bible-life
In a fusion of technology and spirituality, Cat Loaf Software has launched an app that promises a virtual conversation with some of Christianity's most iconic figures. Aptly named "Text With Jesus," this app enables users to engage with characters such as Jesus Christ, Mary, Joseph, and others, all through an interface that mimics popular instant messaging platforms. Users can ask questions and seek guidance, with the characters driven by the AI chatbot model ChatGPT. Stéphane Peter, the founder of Cat Loaf Software, remarked on the transformative experience offered by the app, saying, “Instead of just getting a daily Bible verse, now you get a chance through this app to chat with Jesus or anybody else in the Bible.” This unique blend of faith and artificial intelligence has drawn both intrigue and criticism from the online community, sparking debates and capturing imaginations about the potential and ethics of bringing sacred texts into the digital age.
- Blasphemy Code?: Australian State Implements "Religious Vilification" Law
Location: Australia
The newly-passed "Religious Vilification" law in New South Wales (NSW), Australia has amended the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act of 1977, making it unlawful to publicly incite hatred, serious contempt, or severe ridicule towards individuals or groups because of their religious beliefs, affiliations, or activities. This extends to all forms of public communication, verbal and non-verbal. Backed by both the ruling Australian Labour Party and the opposition Liberal Party, the law defines a public act broadly, creating potential concerns about freedom of speech. Critics argue that the legislation's vagueness might allow it to be weaponized to protect practices like gay conversion therapy, which some religious groups endorse. Josh Pallas, President of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, has expressed concerns about the imbalance in protection, as religious organizations are exempt from other parts of the law that prevent them from discriminating against other communities. Alastair Lawrie of the Public Interest Advocacy Center warned that the bill's current form is broader than other states' anti-discrimination laws, potentially enabling restrictions on freedom of speech. However, the NSW government defends the legislation, stating that it mirrors existing provisions that make vilification unlawful based on race, homosexuality, transgender status, and HIV/AIDS status. Additionally, they note that the law respects positions of no religious belief or affiliation, emphasizing that it was enacted after consultations with various stakeholders, including legal advocates, community groups, and faith-based groups.
- Doodling on Sacred Texts for #ApostasyDay, August 22nd!
https://www.ex-muslim.org.uk/2023/08/doodling-on-quran-and-religious-texts-for-apostasy-day/
Get ready for an engaging and enlightening day on August 22nd, International Apostasy Day! On International Apostasy Day, this special occasion will be focused on defending the freedom of expression and the right to apostasy and blasphemy, specifically through subverting religious texts. While we recognize that while this might seem audacious, we're turning it into a creative and exciting celebration! Join us in doodling, drawing, and artistically expressing your thoughts on the Quran, Bible, Torah, Vedas, or any other religious texts. Share your masterpiece with the world using hashtags #ApostasyDay and #ApostasyDayDoodles. Remember, we're not just making art; we're making a statement: Ideas are not sacred, human beings are. Come, be part of this thrilling day on August 22nd, where pens become swords and creativity becomes revolution!
