by Heather Hastie | Jan 31, 2015 | Human Rights, Religion, Women
Since 2013, 1 February has been World Hijab Day. It was started by a New York woman, Nazma Khan. Khan moved to New York from Bangladesh with her parents at the age of eleven. She was the only child at her school wearing the hijab and was bullied. It seems from her...
by Heather Hastie | Jan 26, 2015 | New Zealand
The wonderful Amy Carparelli on Twitter (@AmyAmylou1993) often tweets interesting videos and articles about a science, nature, astronomy, and a few other things. Today I was thrilled to get this one in my notifications. It’s by Martin Heck of TimeStorm Films and...
by Heather Hastie | Jan 18, 2015 | Freedom of Speech, Human Rights, New Zealand, NZ Politics, Religion
According to Wikipedia: Blasphemy is the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God, to religious or holy persons or things, or toward something considered sacred or inviolable. Blasphemy laws, therefore, are designed to protect religion...
by Heather Hastie | Jan 12, 2015 | Freedom of Speech, Human Rights, International Politics, Religion
When free speech is attacked, we all suffer. So often in the past, those who have been attacked for speaking out haven’t attracted the support they should have either because of what they have to say, or who they are. We have allowed our opinion of the speech of...
by Heather Hastie | Jan 8, 2015 | Democracy, Freedom of Speech, Human Rights, International Politics, New Zealand, Religion
Well, we knew it would happen. In my last article on this I said: I hope this revolting act will help those who decry any criticism of Islam as Islamophobia recognize just what a problem it has the potential to be. Any belief system that includes an invocation to kill...