Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Nontheists Applaud Supreme Court Decisions on DOMA, Prop 8

Executive Director, Edwina Rogers, said the Coalition celebrates the Court's decision on DOMA, noting that the U.S. Constitution extends "equal protection of the law" to all citizens. "Efforts to restrict same-sex couples from access to civil marriage are blatant attempts to insert religious beliefs into our secular government," Rogers said. "We applaud the Court’s decision on DOMA and Proposition 8, but we recognize there is still a lot of work to be done throughout the country in ensuring that marriage equality is the rule for all."

MORE: http://secular.org/news/nontheists-applaud-supreme-court-decisions-doma-prop-8#sthash.nEUYXekA.dpuf

See also...

Atheists Celebrate Supreme Court Decisions on Marriage Equality
http://www.americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-06-atheists-celebrate-supreme-court-decisions-on-marria

Reactions to gay marriage wins at Supreme Court
http://www.religionnews.com/2013/06/26/reactions-to-gay-marriage-wins-at-supreme-court/

Religious Groups React to Gay Marriage Rulings
http://swampland.time.com/2013/06/26/religious-groups-react-to-gay-marriage-rulings/

Christian Pundits Say They're the Real Victims in the Gay Marriage Fight Now
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2013/06/christian-pundits-gay-marriage/66646/

Christian panic: Supreme Court affirms gay marriage, 'overrules God'
http://www.examiner.com/article/christian-panic-supreme-court-affirms-gay-marriage-overrules-god

Conservatives Pledge To Defy Any Marriage Equality Ruling The Supreme Court Reaches
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/22/conservatives-defy-marriage-equality-supreme-court_n_3482958.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003

Chick-fil-A president deletes anti-gay marriage tweet
http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/27/technology/social/chick-fil-a-gay-marriage-tweet/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

Pride and Prejudice: An Interactive Timeline of the Fight for Gay Rights

From the first gay-rights organization to the battle for marriage equality.

MORE: http://nation.time.com/2013/03/26/pride-and-prejudice-an-interactive-timeline-of-the-fight-for-gay-rights/#ixzz2XTP5m8EF

See also...

Video: The Changing Views of Liberal Politicians on DOMA, 1996 to 2013
http://nation.time.com/2013/06/26/video-the-changing-views-of-liberal-politicians-on-doma-1996-to-2013/#ixzz2XTPVL6Sj

Gay Marriage Rulings: A Cheat Sheet
http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2013/06/26/gay-marriage-rulings-a-cheat-sheet/?mod=e2tw

Obama's full statement on same-sex marriage ruling
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/26/obama-directs-cabinet-to-implement-marriage-ruling/

Same-Sex Marriage Availability Set to Double in One-Year Span
http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/26/same-sex-marriage-availability-set-to-double-in-one-year-span/?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimes&_r=2

Exodus apologizes to gay community, shuts down 'cure' ministry

(CNN) – After 37 years, Exodus International, an organization whose mission was to "help" gay Christians become straight, is shutting down. But not before issuing an apology.

MORE: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/20/exodus-apologizes-to-gay-community-shuts-down-cure-ministry/

See also...

Michael Bussee, Exodus International Co-Founder, Recalls Painful Experiences In 'Ex-Gay' Movement (VIDEO)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/20/michael-bussee-exodus-international-ex-gay_n_3475243.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003

Time's Joe Klein faces criticism over claim atheists didn't help Oklahoma tornado victims

Time magazine columnist Joe Klein was "simply lying out of his ass" by suggesting that secular humanists had not offered aid to survivors of a massive tornado that struck Moore, Oklahoma, according to Hemant Mehta of the "Friendly Atheist" blog at Patheos.

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/06/23/times-joe-klein-faces-criticism-over-claim-atheists-didnt-help-oklahoma-tornado-victims/

See also...

TIME Cover Story Wrongly Attacks Atheists for Not Helping Out Victims of Oklahoma Tornadoes
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/23/time-cover-story-wrongly-attacks-atheists-for-not-helping-out-victims-of-oklahoma-tornadoes/

The invisible secular humanists: A response to Joe Klein
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/06/27/the-invisible-secular-humanists-a-response-to-joe-klein/

Writer Takes Cheap Shot at Atheists for 'Not Helping' Tornado Relief

United States Of Christianity?

Thirty-four percent of Americans would favor establishing Christianity as the official religion in their state; 32% would support amending the Constitution. Where does this deep antipathy to separation of church and state come from?

MORE: http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/religious-right-aberration-or-affirmation/51c36c382b8c2a0a41000570

See also...

34% of Your Fellow Citizens Want a Theocracy
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fred-rich/breaking-news-34-of-your-_1_b_3461262.html?view=print&comm_ref=false

Atheist Hotline Reaches $30,000 Fundraising Goal and Is Now Ready to Accept Volunteers

The hotline's volunteer counselors will be trained to not engage in religious debate, Morehead said. Instead, they will try to give callers practical, action-oriented solutions and link them with resources available in their local communities. Anyone interested in volunteering with or supporting the Hotline Project should visit the volunteer section of www.recoveringfromreligion.org to submit an application.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/19/atheist-hotline-reaches-30000-fundraising-goal-and-is-now-ready-to-accept-volunteers/

Nontheist Americans Finally Speaking Up

The rapidly growing nontheist community, which includes people who identify as atheists, agnostics, humanists, nonbelievers, ethical culturists and freethinkers, has taken it upon itself in the past few months to stand up to religious bullies in politics and journalism, and the impact is truly something to behold.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roy-speckhardt/nontheist-americans-finally-speaking_b_3509951.html

How to read (and think) like an atheist

Long story short, atheists are here to stay and, in fact, we’re growing. It’s a very different world from my teen years in the 1950s. The Internet has probably been the single most important factor in empowering young people with inquiring minds to learn about the many choices for religious belief or non-belief. Those who doubt religious claims no longer need to search randomly in a library or rely exclusively on information from within their small local communities.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/06/24/how-to-read-and-think-like-an-atheist/

The right to blaspheme: For no god and country

The Pledge is not simply a passive reference to religion. It calls on every child in public school to affirm that our country believes in God. No child should go to school each day and have the class declare that her religious beliefs are wrong in an exercise that portrays her family as less patriotic than God-believers.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/06/19/the-right-to-blaspheme-for-no-god-and-country/

7 groups atheists can turn to in times of need

The support net for nonbelievers is far wider and more comprehensive than even they realize.

MORE: http://www.salon.com/2013/06/25/7_groups_atheists_can_turn_to_in_times_of_need_partner/

AHA Signs Coalition Letter To White House On Discrimination Priorities

As you know, the broad and diverse group of leading religious, civil rights, labor, health, secular, and women's organizations that make up CARD appreciate the important role religiously affiliated institutions play in addressing many of our nation's most pressing social needs, as a complement to government-funded programs; indeed, many members of CARD are directly involved in this work. Yet, we also recognize the dangers in many of the policy shifts pursued under the guise of "charitable choice" and the Faith-Based Initiative.

MORE: http://www.americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-06-aha-signs-coalition-letter-to-white-house-on-discrim

When Push-Polling comes to Religion

In the latest issue of Free Inquiry (journal of the Council for Secular Humanism), they charge that there's a persistent pro-religious bias on the part of religion surveyors.

MORE: http://marksilk.religionnews.com/2013/06/19/when-push-polling-comes-to-religion/#sthash.y4eUKZeF.dpuf

See also...

Cheating or Leveling the Playing Field?  Rethinking How We Ask Questions About Religion in the United States
http://www.secularhumanism.org/index.php?section=fi&page=cragun_kosmin_33_4

Why Is the White House Faith Office Meeting With Atheist Activists?

The Secular Coalition for America (SCA), an atheist lobbying organization that works to progress America's non-theistic community, is praising a recent meeting that was held between non-believers and the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. On Monday, the group said that the get-together indicated "a positive step in establishing open lines of communication between the White House and the nontheistic community."

MORE: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/06/25/atheist-leaders-recently-met-with-the-white-houses-faith-based-office-but-what-did-they-discuss/

See also...

Secular Coalition reports progress in White House ties
http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2013/jun/24/secular-coalition-reports-progress-white-house-tie/

Secular group 'pleased' with White House meeting
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/secular-group-pleased-with-white-house-meeting-93271.html

The Secular Coalition for America Met with White House Representatives... Will It Help?
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/24/the-secular-coalition-for-america-met-with-white-house-representatives-will-it-help/

USCIS Retracts Request for Evidence of Religious Status; Margaret Doughty Awarded Citizenship

Margaret Doughty's case can be seen as a victory for the non-religious in the U.S., many times referred to as the "nones" (based on religious affiliation questionnaire categories). Often called the fastest growing demographic in the country, those not affiliated with a religion are said to make up about 20% of the population.  Atheists fall into this category, are widely misunderstood, and just as in this case, often discriminated against by the religious majority.

MORE: http://dividedundergod.com/2013/06/20/margaret-doughty-awarded-citizenship/

See also...

Citizenship Confusion: You Don't Have To Join A Church To Become An American
https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/citizenship-confusion-you-don-t-have-to-join-a-church-to-become-an-american

Constitutional Outage: Senate Bill Would Give Federal Money To Houses Of Worship For Energy Upgrades

It's great for buildings to be energy efficient. If members of a house of worship believe this is an important priority, they'll pay for it. Passing that bill to the taxpayer isn't how we do things in America.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/constitutional-outage-senate-bill-would-give-federal-money-to-houses-of

Skiing With Jesus?: Federal Judge Says Religious Statue Can Remain On Public Land In Montana

This is really something out of the Twilight Zone. A federal judge said a statue of Jesus isn't religious, putting that statue on federal land doesn't constitute an endorsement of religion and the government has no control over something it owns.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/skiing-with-jesus-federal-judge-says-religious-statue-can-remain-on-public

Civil Liberties Groups Challenge Taxpayer Funding Of Religious Ministries In New Jersey

Americans United for Separation of Church and State joined the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) and the national ACLU in filing a lawsuit today to stop the state of New Jersey from awarding more than $11 million in taxpayer funds to two higher education institutions dedicated solely to religious training and instruction.

MORE: https://www.au.org/media/press-releases/civil-liberties-groups-challenge-taxpayer-funding-of-religious-ministries-in?utm_source=AU+main+email+list&utm_campaign=b7b50f591e-2013-05-07+LA+School+Prayer&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_39ed39e994-b7b50f591e-288610537

Texas Abortion Bill Filibustered By State Senator Wendy Davis Is Dead

The Texas anti-abortion bill, which threatened to close nearly all of the abortion clinics in the state and prompted an 11-hour filibuster by state Sen. Wendy Davis (D), is dead, The Austin American-Statesman reported.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/26/texas-abortion-bill_n_3501005.html

Constitutional Freedoms and Defining Religion

Arguments about what is and is not acceptable in public schools and other governmental setting often reflect a strategic use of the term "religion."

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-ramey/how-to-define-religion_b_3476441.html

Liberty's Limits: Court Says NY Preacher Doesn’t Have Right To Proselytize In Homeless Shelter

This case was a study for where the line must be drawn when it comes to exercising religious liberty in the United States.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/liberty-s-limits-court-says-ny-preacher-doesn-t-have-right-to-proselytize

Ties That Bind: U.S. Relationship With The Vatican Is A Church-State Sin

U.S. government officials and Vatican leaders have been given unique back-door access to advance their respective agendas. To me, it’s the quintessential violation of separation between religion and government.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/ties-that-bind-us-relationship-with-the-vatican-is-a-church-state-sin

Job Interview Questions About Gay Marriage, Abortion, and Religion Lead to Lawsuit

They interviewed five candidates and asked them each a series of important, relevant questions:

Are you for or against gay marriage?

Are you pro-life or pro-choice?

Who did you vote for in the last election?

What are your religious beliefs?

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/19/job-interview-questions-about-gay-marriage-abortion-and-religion-lead-to-lawsuit/

Plan B: Empowering Girls and Upsetting Pundits

In a victory for the women’s right movement, Plan B will now be available over-the-counter for girls under 17 without parental permission. AHA Communications Intern Sam Mauceri examines the Religious Right’s unreasonable reaction to the good news.

MORE: http://www.americanhumanist.org/HNN/details/2013-06-plan-b-empowering-girls-and-upsetting-pundits

Transgender first-grader wins the right to use girls' restroom

This is the first of it's kind ruling in the country regarding the rights of transgender students. No court, no tribunal has ever said what the Colorado Division of Civil Rights has said today which is that trangendered students must be treated equally. They specifically referenced the outmoded concept of separate but equal and told us that separate but equal is very rarely equal and it is certainly not equal in Coy's case.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/24/us/colorado-transgender-girl-school/index.html

Liberty University: Training Champions for Christ and Drone Pilots for the Military

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, the Rev. Falwell had a vision. Sparked by his gritty determination, unbridled ambition, and with the help of well-appointed funders, Falwell would build an evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia.

MORE: http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/item/18049-liberty-university-training-champions-for-christ-and-drone-pilots-for-the-military

Video series launched to 'equip' young Christians to defend their faith against 'atheist assaults'

According to a promotional video, some of the arguments include, "If God does not exist, there will never be a consistent outcome to any scientific experiment."  The 12 videos are designed for young Christians to "engage or evangelize an atheist."  The promotional video portrays the Christian as a cheerful young boy and the atheist as an angry old man smoking a cigar.  "The only book that makes sense of everything is the Bible," viewers are taught.

MORE: http://www.goddiscussion.com/110774/video-series-launched-to-equip-young-christians-to-defend-their-faith-against-atheist-assaults/

Barton Backs Down: 'Christian Nation' Advocate Corrects Some Of His Bogus Statements About U.S. History

Faux historian David Barton, a "Christian nation" advocate who made a name for himself by peddling pseudo history to gullible Religious Right audiences, has come under fire of late for distorting the truth or flat out making things up. So what's a bogus scholar to do? In this case, correct some old errors.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/barton-backs-down-christian-nation-advocate-corrects-some-of-his-bogus

Westboro Baptist strikes back at 5-yr-old opponent, misses by a mile

Jayden was selling her pink lemonade out in front of The Equality House, which is a rainbow-colored building that just happens to be right across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church compound, in Topeka.

MORE: http://www.goddiscussion.com/110665/westboro-baptist-strikes-back-at-5-yr-old-opponent-misses-by-a-mile/

Sunday Assembly, NYC: "We're coming out!" -- June 30th

The godless congregation that started in London in January, and is spreading across the world, is hitting the Big Apple to celebrate Life.  It's for anyone who wants to LIVE BETTER, HELP OFTEN and WONDER MORE.

MORE: http://sundayassembly.com/sunday-assembly-nyc-were-coming-out-june-30th/

See also...

Church without God - by design
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/22/church-without-god-by-design/

In the Bible Belt, Offering Atheists a Spiritual Home
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/24/us/in-the-bible-belt-offering-atheists-a-spiritual-home.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130624&_r=1&

Oklahoma Summer Camp Caters To Non-Religious Kids

"It's the best time of my life," said 16-year-old Haydn Kirkpatrick.

MORE: http://www.newson6.com/story/22626731/summer-camp-caters-to-non-religious-science-minded-kids

Person of the Week: Bill Nye the Science Guy Makes His Comeback

Nye defies the law of physics and makes a return to children's hearts across the country.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/person-week-bill-nye-science-guy-makes-comeback-19460909

Evidence that our universe may have collided with another universe

With few other leads about what went on in the early moments of the universe, Kleban is among dozens of theoretical cosmologists trying to piece together a cosmic origin story from the grainy shadow of a new clue.

MORE: http://io9.com/evidence-that-our-universe-may-have-collided-with-anoth-565116455

See also...

Is Nature Unnatural?
https://www.simonsfoundation.org/features/science-news/is-nature-unnatural/

Researchers: Newly found planets might support life

Astronomers now are upping that likelihood, announcing that they've identified a star system with up to seven planets -- three of which could potentially host life -- 22 light-years away.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/26/tech/innovation/new-habitable-planets/index.html?hpt=hp_t5

NASA's Voyager 1 Explores Final Frontier of Our 'Solar Bubble'

Data from Voyager 1, now more than 11 billion miles (18 billion kilometers) from the sun, suggest the spacecraft is closer to becoming the first human-made object to reach interstellar space.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130627140803.htm

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Voyager 1's journey to solar system's edge upends theories
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-voyager-heliosphere-20130628,0,6860711.story?fb_action_ids=10200757578355799&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=s%3DshowShareBarUI%3Ap%3Dfacebook-like&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210200757578355799%22%3A579693102052079%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210200757578355799%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%7B%2210200757578355799%22%3A%22s%3DshowShareBarUI%3Ap%3Dfacebook-like%22%7D

And...

NASA launches new satellite to explore mysteries of sun
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57591458/nasa-launches-new-satellite-to-explore-mysteries-of-sun/

Dacher Keltner on the Evolutionary Roots of Compassion

Babies Can Read Each Other’s Moods, Study Finds

Although it may seem difficult for adults to understand what an infant is feeling, a new study from Brigham Young University finds that it's so easy a baby could do it.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130627102835.htm

Social Networks Shape Monkey 'Culture' Too

Of course Twitter and Facebook are all the rage, but the power of social networks didn't start just in the digital age. A new study on squirrel monkeys reported in Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, on June 27 finds that monkeys with the strongest social networks catch on fastest to the latest in foraging crazes. They are monkey trendsters.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130627125152.htm

See also...

Social Animals Have More Social Smarts
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130626184011.htm

Helping Many People Boosts Social Standing More Than Helping Many Times
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130626162820.htm

Poll: Young people turn decisively against religion

Forty-one per cent of young people told pollsters 'religion is more often the cause of evil in the world' while only 14% said it was a cause for good.

MORE: http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2013/06/25/poll-young-people-turn-decisively-against-religion

See also...

New Poll Shows That 38% of British Youth Don't Believe in a God
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/26/new-poll-shows-that-38-of-british-youth-dont-believe-in-a-god/

British Youth reject Religion
http://yougov.co.uk/news/2013/06/24/british-youth-reject-religion/

Scout Association amends vow to God in bid to appease atheists and other faiths

The Scout Association is to follow the example of the Girl Guides and allow members to join without promising to do their duty to God.

MORE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10136888/Scout-Association-amends-vow-to-God-in-bid-to-appease-atheists-and-other-faiths.html

Irish People 'Have Become Pagan' Say Association of Catholic Priests

The report from the Irish Roman Catholic clergy and published on the ACP website blames problems the church is facing on people's lack of time or interest and faith rather than its own institution.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/06/24/irish-people-pagan-association-of-catholic-priests-_n_3489705.html?just_reloaded=1

Hundreds of Turks emulate 'Standing Man' in protest

Turkey was founded after secularists defeated Islamic Ottoman forces in the early 20th century, and many modern-day secularists frown on Ottoman symbols.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/18/world/europe/turkey-protests/index.html

See also...

'Standing man' inspires silent demonstration in Turkey
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/17/world/europe/turkey-protests/index.html

In China, activists fight for gay marriage

After he met An, Wu started tweeting on Sina Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter with more than 300 million users. By telling his own story and re-posting news on global gay rights campaigns, Wu hopes to inspire more closeted gay Chinese to come out.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/27/world/asia/china-gay-rights-jiang/index.html?hpt=ias_c1

Attack on U.N. compound in Somalia called 'barbaric'

Al-Shabaab, the militant group linked to al Qaeda, claimed responsibility, the group said on Twitter.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/19/world/africa/somalia-violence/index.html

Libya: Blasphemy Charges Over Election Posters

Authorities charged Ali Tekbali, who, as the party's policy manager, is responsible for election campaigns; and Fathi Sager, the secretary general, under four sections of the penal code, two of which could carry the death penalty. The charges include insulting Islam and "instigating division." Human Rights Watch attended the second session of the trial, on June 16, 2013, in Tripoli.

MORE: http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/06/20/libya-blasphemy-charges-over-election-posters-0

12 Lebanese troops killed in clashes with Sunni radicals

The violence from the ongoing civil war in Syria has frequently spilled over into Lebanon in recent months.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/24/world/meast/lebanon-syria-conflict/index.html?hpt=imi_c2

Suicide attacker strikes Damascus charity

Christians are among the groups that have been caught in the crossfire of the country's civil war, in which a Sunni-dominated opposition is taking on a government dominated by Alawites.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/27/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html?hpt=imi_c1

Survivors shocked after Pakistan double attack

In a culture where women have long been oppressed, the university was a shining light -- a symbol of hope and women's rights -- where 3,000 women studied.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/19/world/asia/pakistan-bombing-aftermath/index.html

See also...

Actress in critical condition after acid attack in Pakistan
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/23/world/asia/pakistan-acid-attack/index.html

2 dead in Pakistan after suicide bomber's explosives go off prematurely
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/27/world/asia/pakistan-violence/index.html

At least 14 killed in Pakistan mosque bombing
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/21/world/asia/pakistan-violence/index.html

Gunmen kill 11 at base camp in Pakistan
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/23/world/asia/pakistan-gunmen-foreigners/index.html

Pakistani army convoy attacked, 6 killed
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/19/world/asia/pakistan-convoy-attacked/index.html

Presidential palace comes under attack in Afghanistan

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assault.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/24/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html

See also...

4 Americans killed at U.S. base in Afghanistan; Taliban claim responsibility
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/18/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html

28 dead in Baghdad violence, police say

Iraq has been wracked with sectarian and political violence for months.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/24/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html?hpt=imi_c2

McDonald's refuses to operate in Jewish settlement

Irina Shalmor, spokeswoman for McDonald's Israel, said the owners of a planned mall in the Ariel settlement asked McDonald's to open a branch there about six months ago. Shalmor said the chain refused because the owner of McDonald's Israel has a policy of staying out of the occupied territories. The decision was not coordinated with McDonald's headquarters in the U.S., she said. The headquarters were not immediately available for comment.

MORE: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57591382/mcdonalds-refuses-to-operate-in-jewish-settlement/

See also...

Israel okays East Jerusalem settlement just before Kerry's peace visit
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/26/world/meast/israel-settlement-kerry/index.html?hpt=imi_c2

What religion has contributed to the world this month

See also...

The Reason Stick
http://crispian-jago.blogspot.com/2013/06/50-years-of-progress.html

Science says atheists should come out of the closet for their own good

If Christians were to realize just how many atheists there really are, their conceptions of atheists would be challenged, since so many of their neighbors -- and often dear friends -- are secretly atheist. The direct evidence that their friends, neighbors, trusted employees, and beloved family members are not immoral or untrustworthy might well soften their opinions.

Across four different studies, this hypothesis proved spectacularly true. After controlling for relevant confounding variables, the evidence was clear. When prejudiced religious people come to believe that atheists are very common, their opinion of atheists shifts away from distrust towards more acceptance.

MORE: http://www.examiner.com/article/science-says-atheists-should-come-out-of-the-closet-for-their-own-good

Christian Philosopher William Lane Craig Calls Atheist Hotline a 'Wrong Number'

An upcoming atheist hotline, meant for people struggling with their faith but have nowhere to turn, is a "wrong number whose service should be disconnected," said a Christian philosopher, pointing out that its backers lack philosophical rigor and find themselves at an intellectual impasse.

MORE: http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-philosopher-william-lane-craig-calls-atheist-hotline-a-wrong-number-98182/#Ffo6y0KrJCLsW3kR.99

Earlier...

Atheists to start 1-800 hotline for doubters
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/04/atheists-to-start-1-800-hotline/

Woman Being Denied Citizenship Because Her Morality Doesn't Come From Religion

Despite being an atheist, Ms. Doughty was told that any conscientious objection must be based on religious grounds, not simply moral objections. So as someone who was not religious, and didn't believe in a god, she had no basis for objecting. Her statement has been denied and she has been informed that to move forward in the process she must submit a letter from the elders of her church to prove her conscientious objections are religiously based.

MORE: http://dividedundergod.com/2013/06/14/woman-being-denied-citizenship-because-her-morality-doesnt-come-from-religion/

See also...

Atheist Applies For U.S. Citizenship, Told To Get Letter From A Church
http://www.americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-06-atheist-applies-for-us-citizenship-told-to-get-lette

No, Salon, Atheists Are Not 'Just as Obnoxious as Christians'

Atheists aren't being "obnoxious" when we force government officials to treat us like they do Christians -- we're being strategic under the rules of the law. And it works.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/14/no-salon-atheists-are-not-just-as-obnoxious-as-christians/

Atheist group sues Orange schools, claiming censorship

The group distributed pamphlets in public high schools last month, but some materials were banned.

MORE: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-06-13/news/os-atheists-sue-orange-schools-20130613_1_central-florida-freethought-community-atheist-o-hair

Texas Gov. Rick Perry signs 'Merry Christmas bill' into law

Schools will now be able to display religious symbols as long as at least one secular or other religion's symbol is also displayed. At the signing ceremony high-school cheerleaders wore t-shirts that read 'I cheer for Christ.'

MORE: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/texas-gov-rick-perry-signs-merry-christmas-bill-article-1.1373095#ixzz2WWCCl5zX

Public School Proselytizing Sparks Miss. Lawsuit

The American Humanist Association (AHA) charged that Principal Charles Frazier and other school officials required students to attend events that featured a fundamentalist Christian video, proselytizing and prayer.

MORE: https://www.au.org/church-state/june-2013-church-state/au-bulletin/public-school-proselytizing-sparks-miss-lawsuit

Prayer at Upstate elementary school graduation upsets some

According to the American Humanist Association, the graduation ceremony for Mountain View Elementary School was held on May 30 at a chapel on the campus of North Greenville University and included two prayers.

MORE: http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/22574185/prayer-at-upstate-elementary-graduation-upsets-some

Man Objects To Prayers Before City Council Meetings

Wilkes-Barre City Council President Bill Barrett said the board would get back to Vacula on the matter.

MORE: http://wnep.com/2013/06/14/man-objects-to-prayers-before-city-council-meetings/

Prayer in schools struck down 50 years ago, still on books in PA

Specifically, Section 1516 of the Public School code read, "At least ten verses from the Holy Bible shall be read, without comment, at the opening of each public school on each day."

MORE: http://www.abc27.com/story/22553448/prayer-in-schools-struck-down-50-years-ago-still-on-books-in-pa

Judge strikes down state education tax credit program, appeal expected

Article 83 of the New Hampshire Constitution states that "no money raised by taxation shall ever be granted or applied for the use of the schools of institutions of any religious sect or denomination."

MORE: http://www.unionleader.com/article/20130617/NEWS06/130619302

Fighting Back: Wisconsin Voucher Opponents Make Last-Minute Stand

The United States has avoided sectarian strife because our children are not segregated along religious lines in religious schools.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/fighting-back-wisconsin-voucher-opponents-make-last-minute-stand

Vouchers Vanquished!: Senate Committee Votes Down Massive 'School Choice' Scheme

Passage of this amendment... could have dealt a serious blow to public education given the amount of money and students involved.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/vouchers-vanquished-senate-committee-votes-down-massive-school-choice

House Votes Down Amendment Allowing Non-religious Military Chaplains, but 150 Democrats Voted for It

Unfortunately, the full House shot this amendment down earlier this afternoon by a vote of 274-150. Every Republican and 44 Democrats voted against it.

Still, I suppose we can celebrate that 150 Democrats supported the amendment to allow non-religious chaplains. They refused to get bogged down by the "chaplain" terminology and kept the best interests of foxhole atheists in their minds.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/14/house-votes-down-amendment-allowing-non-religious-military-chaplains-but-150-democrats-voted-for-it/

See also...

National Defense Dogma
https://www.au.org/blogs/legislative/national-defense-dogma

Nonbelievers Push for Role as US Military Chaplains
http://www.en.rian.ru/world/20130612/181635289/Nonbelievers-Push-for-Role-as-US-Military-Chaplains.html

Americans United Warns Ohio School Board To Keep Creationism Out Of Science Classes

Church-State Watchdog Group Says Springboro School Officials Risk Million-Dollar Mistake If They Bring Religion Into Coursework

MORE: https://www.au.org/media/press-releases/americans-united-warns-ohio-school-board-to-keep-creationism-out-of-science

Pew Research study finds that the LGBT community is largely unchurched; most find churches unfriendly towards them

A recent Pew Research study released on 13 June, 2013 finds that the LGBT community, by and large, are religiously unaffiliated.  Moreover, when asked to class six religions as "friendly" to the LGBT community, or "unfriendly," most rated all six as being "unfriendly" to them.

MORE: http://www.goddiscussion.com/110634/pew-research-study-finds-that-the-lgbt-community-is-largely-unchurched-most-find-churches-unfriendly-towards-them/

See also...

Some Catholic Countries More Accepting of Homosexuality Than the United States
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/11/some-catholic-countries-more-accepting-of-homosexuality-than-the-united-states/

Catholic Church playing hardball with groups that supported legalizing same-sex marriages
http://www.suntimes.com/news/brown/20664816-452/brown-catholic-church-playing-hardball-with-groups-that-supported-legalizing-same-sex-marriages.html

Study finds housing bias against same-sex couples

Same-sex couples are treated less favorably than heterosexual couples when seeking information about rental housing advertised over the Internet, according to a first-of-its-kind national study from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

MORE: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57589924/study-finds-housing-bias-against-same-sex-couples/

House committee advances 20-week abortion ban

Democrats offered three amendments to H.R. 1797, all of which would have added exceptions to the ban for either health reasons or in cases of rape or incest.

While speaking against the rape-related amendment, Franks said the incidents of rape leading to pregnancy are "very low." The comment prompted media outlets--many of which had previously ignored the bill--to compare Franks to former Senate candidate Todd Akin, whose similar comments likely cost him a winnable election against Claire McCaskill in Missouri.

MORE: http://www.worldmag.com/2013/06/house_committee_advances_20_week_abortion_ban

Scott Walker would sign abortion ultrasound bill

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) says he will sign a bill requiring women seeking abortions to undergo ultrasounds.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/06/12/scott-walker-would-sign-abortion-ultrasound-bill/

Pope praises Welby over gay marriage stance

Pope Francis praised the Archbishop of Canterbury for his stance on gay marriage suggesting David Cameron's plans could undermine the "foundations of society".

MORE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/the-pope/10121060/Pope-praises-Welby-over-gay-marriage-stance.html

Russian Anti-Gay Bill Passed By Lower Parliament

The measure is part of an effort to promote traditional Russian values instead of Western liberalism, which the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church see as corrupting Russian youth and contributing to the protests against Putin's rule.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/11/russian-anti-gay-bill-_n_3421454.html

Syrian teenager Mohammad Qataa 'executed by Islamists for blasphemy'

Members of an Al Qaeda-linked Islamist group in the Syrian city of Aleppo have allegedly executed a 15-year-old boy in front of his parents as punishment for what the group regarded as blasphemy.

MORE: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-10/islamists-execute-syrian-teenager-for-blasphemy-reports/4743894

Suicide bomber kills 29 at Pakistani funeral

The Pakistani military has been fighting to root out Pakistani Taliban and affiliated militants from the tribal areas, a region that borders Afghanistan. The militants have vowed to overthrow the government and have carried out a campaign of bombings and shootings, mostly in the northwest, that have killed tens of thousands of civilians and security forces in recent years.

MORE: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57589847/suicide-bomber-kills-29-at-pakistani-funeral/

See also...

Pakistan militants target women on bus, go after survivors at hospital
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/15/world/asia/pakistan-bomb/index.html

Pentagon official: 4 Americans killed in attack at U.S. base in Afghanistan

The Taliban continue to carry out high-profile attacks in the capital, Kabul, even targeting the Afghan Supreme Court during a suicide attack in June. Another strike targeted a building near Kabul International Airport.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/18/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

See also...

Taliban claim responsibility for Kabul suicide blast
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/11/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html

Taliban fighters attack building near Kabul airport
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/09/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html

31 killed, 57 wounded in suicide bombing at Baghdad mosque

Sunni-Shiite tensions and violence have risen for months in Iraq, which was wracked by sectarian fighting during the height of the Iraq war last decade.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/18/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

See also...

Violence kills 12 in Iraq
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/17/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Series of bombings kills 15 in Iraq
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/16/world/meast/iraq-bombings/index.html

Close to 60 killed in attacks across Iraq
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/10/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Atheists to start 1-800 hotline for doubters

Recovering from Religion, which has about 40 support groups in the U.S. and Britain, plans to launch a hotline that will offer doubters an anonymous place to ask difficult questions and find communities of like-minded nonbelievers.

MORE: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/04/atheists-to-start-1-800-hotline/

Can Atheism Really Replace Religion?

The perceived importance of religion (or religiosity) declines predictably with development (however measured) allowing one to predict how long it will take for religion to become unimportant for the majority of the global population. It will take approximately a quarter-century. This boils down to about a 1 percent decline of religiosity each year.

MORE: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-human-beast/201305/can-atheism-really-replace-religion?utm_source=feedly

See also...

Most Americans Say Religion Is Losing Influence in U.S.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/162803/americans-say-religion-losing-influence.aspx

Facing Adversity, Some Find Solace in Science
http://www.psmag.com/blogs/news-blog/stressful-times-turn-to-science-58781/

Atheists to unveil first monument to unbelief on public land

After years of fights over religious monuments on public land, a county courthouse in Northern Florida will soon be the home of the nation’s first monument to atheism on public property.

MORE: http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-06-06/national/39781458_1_ten-commandments-monument-american-atheists-public-land

See also...

America's First Atheist Monument is a 1,500-Pound Granite Bench
http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/06/04/americas-first-public-monument-to-atheism-will-go-up-near-florida-courthouse/

Public Atheist Monument Going Up Near Courthouse In Starke, Florida, Is Country's First
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/31/atheist-monument-starke-florida_n_3368319.html?utm_hp_ref=religion

Atheist monument is more American than Ten Commandments
http://www.examiner.com/article/atheist-monument-is-more-american-than-ten-commandments

Tucker Carlson, Fox News Host, Says First Atheist Monument Will Be 'Magnet For Graffiti' (VIDEO)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/03/tucker-carlson-atheist-monument-graffiti_n_3380958.html

Do atheists go to heaven?

I believe that Pat Robertson, Rick Warren, the pope, my dog, and I will have the same afterlife, and that it will be a pain-free one.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/06/04/do-atheists-go-to-heaven/

Meet Robert Ingersoll, America's most famous forgotten atheist

A self-educated attorney and atheist, Ingersoll was a Victorian-era rock star who could pack theaters from Texas to New York with people who came from hundreds of miles around to hear "The Great Agnostic" lecture against religion.

MORE: http://www.religionnews.com/2013/05/29/meet-robert-ingersoll-americas-most-famous-forgotten-atheist/

Oldest known Bible goes online

The New Testament books are in a different order, and include numerous handwritten corrections -- some made as much as 800 years after the texts were written, according to scholars who worked on the project of putting the Bible online. The changes range from the alteration of a single letter to the insertion of whole sentences.

And some familiar -- very important -- passages are missing, including verses dealing with the resurrection of Jesus, they said.

MORE: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/07/06/ancient.bible.online/

When Christian Pastors Dare the IRS to Revoke Their Tax-Exemption

The biggest IRS scandal is the one virtually no one is talking about: How churches that pay no taxes in return for not endorsing political candidates are breaking those rules openly and receiving no punishment at all. (Some pastors even sent the IRS videos of their sermons.)

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/09/today-is-pulpit-freedom-sunday-when-christian-pastors-dare-the-irs-to-revoke-their-tax-exemption/

See also...

Secular Group Tells IRS 'Hold Churches Accountable For Politicking'
http://lezgetreal.com/2013/05/secular-group-tells-irs-hold-churches-accountable-for-politicking/

HASC Struggles For Compromise On Evangelicals, Atheists: NDAA 2014

Andrews was working with the Secular Coalition for America, part of an international movement whose leaders include controversial scientist Richard Dawkins. "20% of the country…are nontheistic or religiously unaffiliated," wrote the coalition's federal affairs director, Kelly Damerow, in a letter to legislators shortly before the markup. "Nearly 25% of those in the US military service are non-believers or do not affiliate with any specific religion. This outnumbers Hindu, Buddhists, Muslims and Jewish service members combined…by 17 times!"

MORE: http://breakingdefense.com/2013/06/06/hasc-struggles-for-compromise-on-evangelicals-atheists-ndaa-2014/

Take Action: Oppose Prayer at School Board Meetings

Schools are meant to be places of learning, not venues for prayer or religious instruction. With your help we can ensure that school board meetings remain secular and focused on improving schools instead of spreading religion.

MORE: http://www.americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-06-take-action-oppose-prayer-at-school-board-meetings

Government prayer headed for high court decision

The U.S. high court has agreed to hear next fall an appeal of a case from Greece, N.Y. in which the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals took a dim view of the practice, finding that it was a breach of the constitutional separation of church and state.

MORE: http://www.championnewspapers.com/articles/2013/06/01/opinion/doc51a8fa2a0aa0b288770956.txt

No Hero Here: S.C. High School Student's Lord's Prayer Stunt Was Selfish, Not Brave

As valedictorian, Roy Costner IV was tasked with giving a speech at his graduation. His remarks were approved in advance, the News said, but when it came time for Costner to speak he tore up his planned speech and launched into the Lord's Prayer.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/no-hero-here-sc-high-school-student-s-lord-s-prayer-stunt-was-selfish-not

See also...

Crowd stunned after valedictorian rips up speech, recites Lord's prayer
http://p.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jun/5/crowd-stunned-after-valedictorian-rips-speech-reci/

Overt Christian prayer delivered at high school graduation ceremony in spite of objections

Lincoln County High School in Kentucky has a long-s tradition of offering up a prayer to the Christian God. That tradition almost ended this year, but in spite of complaints and intervention by civil rights activists, the tradition endured for at least another year.

MORE: http://www.goddiscussion.com/110208/overt-christian-prayer-delivered-at-high-school-graduation-ceremony-in-spite-of-objections/

Divisive Devotions: Louisiana Legislators Push Prayer In Public Schools

It is shameful that not one single Louisiana legislator had the courage to stand up and say this bill is wrong.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/divisive-devotions-louisiana-legislators-push-prayer-in-public-schools

Massachusetts bill claiming to defend student freedom to discuss religion really promoting religion in the public schools?

Private, voluntary prayer is not only permitted in public schools, but it is constitutionally protected. What is impermissible is school officials organizing or conducting prayer or permitting such activities at school-sponsored events. Prayers for the safety or the success of high school football players may be spoken within the heart of each student and family member. Just as students may pray privately before class or during lunch, a quarterback can pray that his pass will be completed, a field goal kicker that his aim is true, or a group of students can step aside to say a prayer if it does not interfere with the activity. The Supreme Court has wisely maintained that this type of prayer is not the same as officially supported and conducted prayers read over a loudspeaker on behalf of all those present. Such individual, voluntary prayer is different not in degree but in kind from officially selected and sanctioned public prayer.

MORE: http://www.goddiscussion.com/110261/massachusetts-bill-claiming-to-defend-student-freedom-to-discuss-religion-really-promoting-religion-in-the-public-schools/

Atheist Group Files Lawsuit Against Calif. City's Veterans Memorial

The American Humanist Association is filing the suit through its legal arm, the Appignani Humanist Legal Center, over the "Cross Monument," located at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore, Calif.

MORE: http://global.christianpost.com/news/atheist-group-files-lawsuit-against-calif-citys-veterans-memorial-97202/

See also...

American Humanist Association Sues City of Lake Elsinore to Stop Cross Monument
http://www.americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-05-american-humanist-association-sues-city-of-lake-elsi

Bible Banner Ruling Appealed by Texas School District

BEAUMONT, Texas -- A Southeast Texas school district is appealing a court ruling that allowed high school cheerleaders to display at football games banners emblazoned with Bible verses.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/28/bible-banner-appeal-_n_3349137.html?utm_hp_ref=religion

Vero Beach Mayor: 'I Refuse to Support an Organization That Does Not Believe in Jesus Christ'

The Vero Beach City Council (in Florida) had an easy task at yesterday's meeting. The Humanists of the Treasure Coast asked them to proclaim June 16-23, 2013 as "Humanist Recognition Week." The language was innocuous, calling for "compassion guided by reason" and the like. Normally, these proclamations get passed without much thought. This one, however, only passed by a 3-2 vote and it's worth discussing what happened.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/05/vero-beach-mayor-i-refuse-to-support-an-organization-that-does-not-believe-in-jesus-christ/

Creationism Camouflage: Ohio School Board Mulls Policy To Counter 'Controversial' Evolution

"I think this school board likes to play politics and likes to play games." --Springboro parent David Bowman

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/creationism-camouflage-ohio-school-board-mulls-policy-to-counter

Ken Ham: If You Criticize the Creation Museum for Not Teaching Science, You're Just Intolerant Against Christians

Attendance is declining at the Creation Museum, they're having trouble raising the funds to build Ark Encounter (the Noah's Ark Theme Park), and to top it off, they're getting hammered on their science from actual museums in the area.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/07/ken-ham-if-you-criticize-the-creation-museum-for-not-teaching-science-youre-just-intolerant-against-christians/

'Star Trek Into Darkness' Promotes Bestiality Says Pastor Kevin Swanson (Audio)

He said the movie "implicates the good guy [Captain Kirk] in the film as mating with the wrong species, but not just one, but two."

Pastor Swanson added: "That's how you get evolution, and so the end result of course is that evolution has no basic problem with bestiality or cross-species mating."

MORE: http://www.opposingviews.com/i/religion/christianity/star-trek-darkness-promotes-bestiality-says-pastor-kevin-swanson-audio

Church that supports marriage equality vandalized again

Last year, signs were placed on the church property supporting in opposition of a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Those signs were stolen and scriptures from the Christian bible in reference to homosexuality were written on the building.

This time, religious hate speech was included, along with evidence that eggs where thrown at the building.

MORE: http://www.goddiscussion.com/110352/church-that-supports-marriage-equality-vandalized-again/

Why Johnny can’t Scout

If he's gay, he's out at 18. But if he's atheist, he's out immediately.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/why-johnny-cant-scout-if-hes-gay-hes-out-at-18-but-if-hes-atheist-hes-out-immediately/2013/06/06/37465d0c-ceca-11e2-8f6b-67f40e176f03_story.html

See also...

Religious groups who supported gay Scout ban now are okay with changing it. Why?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/06/03/religious-groups-ok-with-gay-scout-ban-for-years-now-say-no-problem-what-gives/

One Scouts ban remains intact: Atheists
http://www.religionnews.com/2013/05/30/one-scouts-ban-remains-intact-atheists/

How long will the Boy Scouts ban atheists? Groups pressure BSA to lift ban
http://www.goddiscussion.com/110256/how-long-will-the-boy-scouts-ban-atheists-groups-pressure-bsa-to-lift-ban/

Idaho Sheriff: Sponsoring Boy Scout troop should stop because sodomy is illegal
http://www.goddiscussion.com/110218/idaho-sheriff-sponsoring-boy-scout-troop-should-stop-because-sodomy-is-illegal/

Ancient primate could be a missing link

Scientists have discovered the oldest primate skeleton to date, from a creature that resembles humans' evolutionary line -- the anthropoids -- and a different primate lineage called the tarsiers. They have named this specimen Archicebus achilles, making reference to its heel bone, which resembles those of modern monkeys.
MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/05/world/asia/oldest-primate-skeleton/index.html

See also...

New dinosaur is a primitive bird
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/29/world/asia/dinosaur-discovery/index.html

The Atheist Capital Of the World Will Stun You

The only exception to the overall declining religiosity in the world is Italy, a heartbeat away from the Vatican, which has seen an increase in religious sentiment since 2005.

MORE: http://www.policymic.com/articles/45869/-atheist-capital-of-the-world-will-stun-you

Religious freedom under attack

Violations of religious liberties have increased in some areas of the world, a U.S. State Department report says, singling out Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China, even Belgium.

MORE: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-religous-freedom-20130528,0,3762142.story?utm_source=feedly

Brazilian atheists stay closeted or fear death threats

Some 84 percent of Brazilians would elect a black person to be president, 57 percent would give the job to a woman, and 32 percent would vote for a homosexual. But only 13 percent would elect an atheist, according to a poll by the magazine Veja in 2007, the last of its kind done in Brazil.

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/06/06/brazilian-atheists-stay-closeted-or-fear-death-threats/

Salvadoran court denies abortion to ill woman

"This court finds that the rights of the mother cannot be prioritized over those of the (fetus) nor vice versa," the ruling said.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/30/world/americas/el-salvador-abortion/index.html

Church of England gives up fight against gay marriage

The Church of England has effectively accepted defeat over gay marriage signalling that it will no longer fight against a change in the law.

MORE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10101900/Church-of-England-gives-up-fight-against-gay-marriage.html

Shortage of humanist marriage solemnisers

Couples seeking secular weddings face delays as celebrants await accreditation

MORE: http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/shortage-of-humanist-marriage-solemnisers-1.1406938

First same-sex couple to wed in France

The office of the Mayor in Montpellier will officiate the marriage of Vincent Autin and Bruno Boileau in front of some five hundred guests.

MORE: http://www.goddiscussion.com/110215/first-same-sex-couple-to-wed-in-france/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GodDiscussion+%28God+Discussion%29

Aussie Cardinal Confesses That the Catholic Church Concealed Child Abuse

Australian Cardinal George Pell has admitted during a parliamentary inquiry in Victoria that the Catholic Church has worked to systemically cover up child sexual abuse in Australian parishes.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/05/28/aussie-cardinal-confesses-that-the-catholic-church-concealed-child-abuse/

See also...

Victims of Australian child abuse scandal look for peace
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/30/world/asia/australia-child-sex-abuse-inquiry/index.html

Atheist Billboard Campaign in Italy Urges People To Drop the 'D' in 'Dio'

The Union of Rationalist Atheists and Agnostics (UAAR) in Italy has launched a billboard campaign to raise the visibility of atheists -- which is no small task in country where more than 90% of the people are Christian (mostly Catholic).

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/06/05/atheist-billboard-campaign-in-italy-urges-people-to-drop-the-d-in-dio/

Turkish protesters say they fight PM's strict Islamic views

They believe Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is behaving like a dictator, wanting to impose his more conservative Islamic views on Turkey.

MORE: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57588409/turkish-protesters-say-they-fight-pms-strict-islamic-views/

Nigeria passes anti-gay bill with penalties up to 14 years in jail

As in much of sub-Saharan Africa, anti-gay sentiment and persecution of homosexuals is rife in Nigeria, so the new legislation is likely to be popular.

MORE: http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2013/05/31/nigeria-passes-anti-gay-bill-with-penalties-up-to-14-years-in-jail/?utm_source=feedly

Witch Hunts in Papua New Guinea Linked to Jealousy

On a tropical island in Papua New Guinea where most people live in huts, a mob armed with guns, machetes and axes stormed a wooden house by night. They seized Helen Rumbali and three female relatives, set the building on fire and took the women away to be tortured. Their alleged crime: Witchcraft.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/brutal-witch-hunts-png-linked-jealousy-19362201#.UbVzeObD9kM

Iran aims to keep stoning as punishment for adultery, rights group says

At least 70 people have been executed by stoning in Iran since 1980, the rights group said, and the last known execution by stoning was in 2009.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/03/world/meast/iran-stoning/index.html

Afghan Taliban Attack Near Kabul Airport

It was the third time in a month that insurgents have launched a major attack in the Afghan capital, seeking high-profile targets to rattle public confidence as Afghan security forces take over most responsibility for protecting the country ahead of most foreign troops' withdrawal next year.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/afghan-president-visit-qatar-discussing-peace-19358821#.UbVyv-bD9kM

See also...

10 children, 2 ISAF soldiers killed in Afghan suicide bombing
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/03/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html

3 killed in Iraq bombing

Violence has escalated in the nation in recent months.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/08/world/meast/iraq-bombing/index.html

See also...

More than 1,000 Iraqis killed in May
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/01/world/meast/iraq-attacks/index.html

Iraq mayhem 'ready to explode' into wider conflict, U.N. official says
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/30/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Bombings kill 20 in Baghdad; Sunni activist slain in Mosul
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/29/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html