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...
by Heather Hastie | Dec 28, 2014 | Great Britain & Europe, History, Religion
It’s 100 years since the start of the First World War. From New Zealand’s point of view, the Great War started at 2300 GMT on 4 August 2014 when Great Britain declared war on Germany. As part of the British Empire, that meant we were at war too. My grandfather...
by Heather Hastie | Dec 11, 2014 | Atheism, Religion
It was my birthday on 10 December. I love the fact that my birthday is also International Human Rights Day. In New Zealand, it’s also the anniversary of the day smoking was banned in indoor public spaces, which makes bars, restaurants and workplaces much nicer places...
