FreeThoughtAction: November 2013

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Judge Declares Tax Exclusion For Clergy Housing Payments Unconstitutional

The Freedom From Religion Foundation has won a stunning victory in the United States District Court For The Western District Of Wisconsin where Judge Barbara Crabb has ruled that a substantial tax benefit enjoyed by many thousands of clergy -- ministers, priests, rabbis, imams and others -- is unconstitutional.

MORE: http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterjreilly/2013/11/23/judge-declares-exclusion-for-clergy-housing-payments-unconstitutional/

See also...

Federal District Court Declares A Religious Income Tax Exemption Unconstitutional
http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/breaking-federal-district-court-declares-a-religious-income-tax-exemption-unconstitutional/politics/2013/11/22/79158#.UpAj0OL4KfX

Two Years After Rejecting Atheist Bus Ads, Port Authority of Allegheny County Gets Sued

Nearly two years ago, the United Coalition of Reason offered to pay $5,700 to the Port Authority of Allegheny County (in Pennsylvania) to put up 12 king-sized bus ads over the course of a month to advertise the newly-formed Pittsburgh Coalition of Reason.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/28/two-years-after-rejecting-atheist-bus-ads-port-authority-of-allegheny-county-gets-sued/

See also...

Group sues Pa. transit agency over non-theist ads
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/group-sues-pa-transit-agency-over-non-theist-ads/2013/11/27/f4d351b6-576b-11e3-bdbf-097ab2a3dc2b_story.html

Port Authority faces suit over 'Godless' ads
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/2013/11/26/Washington-D-C-group-sues-Port-Authority-over-refusal-of-Don-t-believe-in-God-ads/stories/201311260144

D.C. group sues Port Authority for refusing to run nontheist ads
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/5152467-74/authority-ads-run#ixzz2lp39v8ro

Port Authority Sued By Non-Theistic Group Over Ad Space
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2013/11/27/port-authority-sued-by-non-theistic-group-over-ad-space/

Atheist Billboards: Pennsylvania Non-Theist Organizations Sues Port Authority for Refusing to Run Advertisements
http://www.hngn.com/articles/18247/20131127/pennsylvania-non-theist-organizations-sues-port-authority-for-refusing-to-run-advertisements.htm

Group sues Port Authority over nontheist ads
http://www.wtae.com/news/local/allegheny/group-sues-port-authority-over-nontheist-ads/-/10927008/23184020/-/k844pz/-/index.html

Atheists Sue Pittsburgh's Port Authority for Rejecting Godless Bus Ads (Original Press Release)
http://unitedcor.org/national/news/atheists-sue-pittsburgh%E2%80%99s-port-authority-rejecting-godless-bus-ads

Giving thanks, the 'nones' way

"My thankfulness is to have participated in this truly awesome Universe -- or multiverse, if you prefer -- and to have been born and lived a life that is meaningful in how I have contributed to our human society."

MORE: http://www.daily-times.com/farmington-opinion/ci_24606612/column-giving-thanks-nones-way

See also...

Thanksgiving Non-Prayers for Humanists
http://americanhumanist.org/HNN/details/2013-11-thanksgiving-non-prayers-for-humanists

Center For Inquiry Launches Digital Billboard in Times Square: 'Millions Show Love and Gratitude Without God'

The Center For Inquiry launched an ad campaign in New York City's Times Square reminding everyone that atheists, too, can take part in this season of gratitude and giving.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/27/center-for-inquiry-launches-digital-billboard-in-times-square-millions-show-love-and-gratitude-without-god/

New Study: Three-Quarters of American Giving Goes to Religion

Probably the most notable statistics, though, are those which compare religious and non-religious philanthropy. Religion is supposed to make us better people, which includes, I assume, being more generous. So, is it the case that religious people give more generously than the non-religious?

Well, yes and no. Remember that statistic, that 65% of religious people donate to charity? The non-religious figure is 56%. But according to the study, the entire 9% difference is attributed to religious giving to congregations and religious organizations. So, yes, religion causes people to give more--to religion itself.

--snip--

So, most religious people are equally generous; they only give more than non-religious people because they give to religious organizations.

MORE: http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/culture/7417/new_study__three_quarters_of_american_giving_goes_to_religion/

See also...

Are Religious People Really More Generous Than Atheists? A New Study Puts That Myth to Rest
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/28/are-religious-people-really-more-generous-than-atheists-a-new-study-puts-that-myth-to-rest/

So How Badly Do Christians Tip, Anyway?

This year, the phenomenon of restaurant customers writing aggressive, even hateful "Christian" messages on credit card receipts in lieu of a tip seems to have reached, well, a tipping point. We've also seen that it's common in some circles to leave, rather than a gratuity, a fake ten-dollar bill with a Bible verse printed on the back. And a few years ago, we got reports that some Christians who go out to dine on Sunday tell the wait staff they won't tip ... because they don't approve of people working on the Christian Sabbath.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/17/so-how-badly-do-christians-tip-anyway/

Atheist: Still a Scarlet Letter in American Politics?

The growth of the religiously unaffiliated, who now account for roughly 1-in-5 Americans, may presage warmer feelings toward atheists. Yet what seems more likely, at least in the short term, is that views of the non-religious will improve.

MORE: http://publicreligion.org/2013/11/atheist-still-a-scarlet-letter-in-american-politics/

Atheists challenge IRS over nonprofit finances

(RNS) Nonbelievers are challenging the Internal Revenue Service's special exemptions for religious organizations in a federal court in Kentucky, saying churches and other religious groups should have the same financial rules as other nonprofit groups.

MORE: http://www.religionnews.com/2013/11/22/atheists-challenge-irs-nonprofit-finances/

Humanists warn public schools over Franklin Graham's 'Operation Christmas Child'

(RNS) An organization of nonbelievers is threatening legal action against public schools that participate in an evangelical Christian charity that delivers Christmas toys to poor children.

MORE: http://www.religionnews.com/2013/11/14/humanists-warn-public-schools-franklin-grahams-operation-christmas-child/

Being Good for Goodness' Sake: Why Operation Christmas Child Is Wrong

'Tis the season for giving, and according to the World Giving Index, America is the most charitable nation in the world, giving over 200 billion dollars annually. Unfortunately, some religious charitable organizations are staining American philanthropy's good name by giving gifts with strings attached. Rather than giving because it's the right thing to do, these charities give aid in exchange for religious conversion.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roy-speckhardt/being-good-for-goodness-s_1_b_4337826.html

The Child-Rape Assembly Line

The powerful men--and it is worth noting that this community is regulated by men only--who govern the world of ultra-Orthodox Judaism would rather their adherents be blind in their faith, their eyes closed to the horrors Rabbi Rosenberg is exposing. Like the Catholic establishment, the rabbinate seeks to cover up the crimes, quiet the victims, protect the abusers, and deflect potential criticism of their institutional practices. Those who speak out are vilified, and the faithful learn to shut their mouths.

MORE: http://www.vice.com/read/the-child-rape-assembly-line-0000141-v20n11

Another couple found guilty of murder for parenting by "To Train Up a Child"

Two parents in Washington state have been found guilty of murder after following the abusive parenting techniques advocated in the parenting book "To Train Up a Child" by Michael and Debi Pearl.

MORE: http://www.examiner.com/article/another-couple-found-guilty-of-murder-for-parenting-by-to-train-up-a-child

See also...

Faith Healing: Religious Freedom vs. Child Protection
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/faith-healing-religious-freedom-vs-child-protection/

Fallen followers: Investigation finds 10 more dead children of faith healers

None of the parents of the children who are buried at Peaceful Valley Cemetery will be prosecuted. Oregon wiped out its laws protecting faith-healers. Idaho did not.

MORE: http://www.katu.com/news/investigators/Fallen-followers-Investigation-finds-10-more-dead-children-of-faith-healers-231050911.html

Witness says Inuit girls came up with their own plan to stop attacks by priest

The trial in Iqaluit, Nunavut, started with Dejaeger pleading guilty to eight counts of indecent assault. Testimony began on the remaining 69 charges he faces, including sexual abuse, indecent assault, making threats and confinement.

MORE: http://westcoastnativenews.com/witness-says-inuit-girls-came-up-with-their-own-plan-to-stop-attacks-by-priest/

2 arrested in alleged Calif. exorcism kidnapping

A father and son are in custody in California on suspicion of kidnapping the father’s ex-wife to perform an exorcism.

MORE: http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20131112/NEWS06/311120047/2-arrested-alleged-Calif-exorcism-kidnapping?gcheck=1&nclick_check=1

Atheists in the military need chaplains, too

Service members who are atheists or have no religious affiliation are the second largest "religious group" in the military.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/11/22/atheists-in-the-military-need-chaplains-too/

Non-Religious Wedding Officiant Training Now Available Online From the Humanist Institute

With an increasing demand for non-religious wedding officiants in the U.S., formal online wedding ceremony training is now available through The Humanist Institute's Continuum for Humanist Education. The course is available to current humanist celebrants as well as those who are considering becoming one.

MORE: http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-11-non-religious-wedding-officiant-training-now-availab

Church-state separation group blasts academy in TV ad

An organization that advocates for the separation of church and state in the military plans to air a television commercial that blasts the Air Force Academy for what the group says is religious intolerance.

MORE: http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20131119/NEWS/311190009/Church-state-separation-group-blasts-academy-TV-ad

New Jersey Rejects Another Atheist License Plate, But Allows a Baptist One

The Motor Vehicles Commission of the state of New Jersey continues its war on nonbelievers!

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/23/new-jersey-rejects-another-atheist-license-plate-but-allows-a-baptist-one/

SCOTUS Tackles Government Prayer in Greece v. Galloway

When the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Town of Greece v. Galloway last week it marked the first time in 30 years that the court revisited the issue of prayer in the public square. The question before the court this time is whether it is constitutional for a town council to consistently open its legislative meetings with sectarian prayers.

MORE: http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/politics/7392/scotus_tackles_government_prayer_in_greece_v__galloway/

Humanists File Suit over Weekly Prayers in Missouri High School Classroom

The American Humanist Association’s Appignani Humanist Legal Center filed suit today in U. S. District Court against school officials in Fayette, MO, demanding an end to teacher-sponsored and school-promoted classroom prayer sessions at Fayette High School.

MORE: http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-11-humanists-file-suit-over-weekly-prayers-in-missouri

Mississippi High School Student Victorious in Lawsuit Challenging School's Religious Assemblies

A judgment has been entered by a federal court in a case brought by the American Humanist Association's Appignani Humanist Legal Center on behalf of a student at a Rankin County, Mississippi high school challenging the proselytizing religious assemblies it staged for students earlier this year. The lawsuit was filed April 24, 2013 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi against administrators of Northwest Rankin High School in Flowood, MS and the county school district.

The judgment includes an admission of liability by the defendants that they violated the Establishment Clause, the provision of the Constitution that requires separation of church and state. It also requires the school district to comply with a new policy that prohibits future such violations and orders the defendants to pay the plaintiff's attorneys' fees.

MORE: http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-11-mississippi-high-school-student-victorious-in-lawsui

Win For The Wall: AU Letter Convinces County Officials In Washington State To Drop Grant For Fundamentalist Christian Group

Americans United has successfully foiled plans by a county council in Washington state to hand over thousands of taxpayer dollars to a Christian fundamentalist group that targets young children for conversion.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/win-for-the-wall-au-letter-convinces-county-officials-in-washington-state

Proposed Chapel at OK Capitol Building Draws Attention

The republican lawmaker from Lawton presented a blueprint for a chapel to be added to the state capitol building. The American Civil Liberties Union has spoken out against the proposal, citing separation of church and state.

MORE: http://www.kswo.com/story/24036690/proposed-chapel-at-ok-capitol-building-draws-attention

Repair Bill: Mass. Judge Says Taxpayers Can Be Forced To Pay For Church Restoration

Houses of worship in need of repair should ask their own congregants to foot the bill, not the local government. And since this is Martha’s Vineyard we're talking about, I'm betting cash isn't in short supply.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/repair-bill-mass-judge-says-taxpayers-can-be-forced-to-pay-for-church

After a Reporter's Biased Story of a Christian Politician's High School Visit, a Student Who Was There Speaks Out

Even though that report featured students who supported Saccone's bill, and the commentary implied a general level of support, too, the comments on the news station's website told a very different story. Students who were at the assembly, it appeared, were chiming in that a majority of them firmly disagreed with Saccone -- and took him to task for trying to push God into the classroom -- and that perspective was missing from the news report.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/29/after-a-reporters-biased-story-of-a-christian-politicians-high-school-visit-a-student-who-was-there-speaks-out/

On Second Thought, Watauga Schools Will Take 'In God We Trust' Posters After All -- As a Tool to Teach History

Ah. It's totally not about the promotion of religion, you see -- however did you get that idea? It's about teaching kids history.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/18/on-second-thought-watauga-schools-will-take-in-god-we-trust-posters-after-all-as-a-tool-to-teach-history/

See also...

Humanists offer posters to schools
http://www2.wataugademocrat.com/News/story/Humanists-offer-posters-to-schools-id-013262

Watauga School District Will Accept Non-Theist Posters, but Principals Don't Have to Display Them
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/26/watauga-school-district-will-accept-non-theist-posters-but-principals-dont-have-to-display-them/

The Pastor Who Started the Whole Costco/Bible Controversy Is Ashamed at How Christians Have Reacted

You may have heard that Costco believes the Bible is a book of fiction.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/23/the-pastor-who-started-the-whole-costcobible-controversy-is-ashamed-at-how-christians-have-reacted/

See also...

In come to Jesus, Costco sorry for labeling Bibles fiction
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/21/costco-california-pastor-bible-fiction/3661933/

Why is This Georgia Town's Chief of Police Using the Department's Facebook Page to Preach Christianity?

It's not strange at all that Harlem, Georgia Police Chief Gary Jones would use a Facebook page to keep citizens informed of local crime sprees, offer them some safety advice, and remind them of classes offered by the Harlem Dept. of Public Safety.

But it's not hard to see how Jones crossed the line with this recent Facebook post (on the Department's page).

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/20/why-is-this-georgia-towns-chief-of-police-using-the-departments-facebook-page-to-preach-christianity/

Christian Group, Ignorant of History, Complains That Obama Omitted 'Under God' from Gettysburg Address Video

You knew this was coming: The Christian group Liberty Counsel is crying foul after a video of President Obama reciting the Gettysburg Address surfaced without him including the words "Under God" in the speech.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/19/christian-group-ignorant-of-history-complains-that-obama-omitted-under-god-from-gettysburg-address-video/

Fox News Ripped School Board For Nixing the Pledge of Allegiance -- Even Though the Board Did Just the Opposite

Sioux Falls school board member Kent Alberty has had quite the week, what with the death threats and all.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/22/fox-news-ripped-school-board-for-nixing-the-pledge-of-allegiance-even-though-the-board-did-just-the-opposite/

Alabama legislator to Raw Story: 'Our country wasn’t founded on the Koran!'

Alabama State Rep. DuWayne Bridges proposed an amendment to the state's constitution on Monday that would allow public schools and other state properties to display the Ten Commandments from the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. When Raw Story telephoned the legislator to ask if similar efforts would be made to display Judaic and Islamic documents, Bridges became angry and hung up.

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/11/19/alabama-legislator-to-raw-story-our-country-wasnt-founded-on-the-koran/

Leaky Boat: Kentucky Officials Labor To Keep Struggling 'Ark Park' From Sinking

Kentucky has already committed more than $40 million in tax incentives to this project. The state allocated this support even though the park is the brainchild of a prominent fundamentalist Christian ministry that believes the Earth is only 6,000 years old, that dinosaurs and humans lived at the same time and that unicorns once existed – ideas utterly rejected by mainstream science.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/leaky-boat-kentucky-officials-labor-to-keep-struggling-ark-park-from

Curricular Controversy: Hobby Lobby President Proposes Bible Elective in Okla. Public School

Green promised McDaniel and the rest of the board that the class would be taught from a historical, nonsectarian perspective. If that’s really the case, the class could meet constitutional standards, but his past and his connections to fringe figures on the Religious Right should give officials pause.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/curricular-controversy-hobby-lobby-president-proposes-bible-elective-in

Schools For Scandal: New Government Report Another Blow Against D.C.'s Voucher Plan

Washington, D.C.'s voucher experiment has failed -- so why does it still exist?

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/schools-for-scandal-new-government-report-another-blow-against-dc-s-voucher

A Dateable Debacle: Texas School Presentation Raises Serious Constitutional Questions

Students at Richardson High School near Dallas received an unexpected lesson on the Constitution yesterday, courtesy of Christian speaker Justin Lookadoo.

Many of them walked out of a required school assembly after Lookadoo, author of Dateable and The Dateable Rules: Guide to the Sexes, repeatedly made sexist comments during his presentation.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/a-dateable-debacle-texas-school-presentation-raises-serious-constitutional

See also...

Sex Education Or Simplistic Sectarianism?: Religious Right 'Experts' Rely on Pseudoscience And Shaming To Promote Theology In Schools
https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/sex-education-or-simplistic-sectarianism-religious-right-experts-rely-on

Sarah Palin Has a Lump of Coal For Atheists

Oh, and "there's a reason why voters don't necessarily like voting for an atheist." Atheists can't be trusted not to commit mass murder because there's no God keeping them in check. Voters, she explains, are rightfully suspicious of people "who don't believe he or she will someday have to answer to the Ultimate Authority." Godless people are the worst because "when we dictate our own morality, we are capable of anything." Attacking religion, with its spotless human rights record, "inevitably leads to an attack on the rights of the people," she concludes.

MORE: http://www.newsweek.com/sarah-palin-has-lump-coal-atheists-10928

See also...

Imaginary Enemies: Sarah Palin's Phony Fight Against The 'War On Christmas'
https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/imaginary-enemies-sarah-palin-s-phony-fight-against-the-war-on-christmas

"Holidays and Other Disasters" an Antidote to Sarah Palin's Cockeyed Christmas Canon

New book uses atheist's perspective to explore the histories of religious and secular U.S. holiday rituals.

MORE: http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-11-holidays-and-other-disasters-an-antidote-to-sarah-pa

Got faith? 'A Manual for Creating Atheists' would like to change that

Boghossian is a philosophy instructor and author of a wildly popular new book, "A Manual for Creating Atheists," that seeks to equip nonbelievers like him with the skills to convince believers to abandon their faith.

MORE: http://www.religionnews.com/2013/11/18/got-faith-manual-creating-atheists-like-change/

New Bible Book Is 'Awkward' on Purpose; Illustrations Meant To Stir Critical Thinking

Despite its title and seemingly playful illustrations, the intended audience of The Awkward Moments Children's Bible is not simply boys and girls. Rather than offering familiar Old and New Testament stories alongside colorful depictions of Jesus, Moses, Noah and David, the book contrasts some of Bible's most controversial, strange, and violent verses alongside cheerfully jarring and dramatic pictures.

MORE: http://www.christianpost.com/news/when-the-bible-is-awkward-trying-make-christians-uncomfortable-enough-to-open-their-bibles-108521/

Hawaii to become 16th state to legalize same-sex marriage

"With today's vote, Hawaii joins a growing number of states that recognize that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters should be treated fairly and equally under the law," President Obama, a native Hawaiian, said in a statement.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/12/us/hawaii-same-sex-marriage/

See also...

With Hawaii and Illinois, U.S. crosses a same-sex marriage mark
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/13/politics/hawaii-same-sex-marriage/

Christian School Boots Kids With Gay Parents For Failing 'Biblical Moral Code'

Myrtle Grove Christian School in Wilmington, North Carolina says its "students thrive in a nurturing Christian environment," but apparently that only applies to straight students with a mommy and a daddy.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/15/christian-school-boots-kids-with-gay-parents-for-failing-biblical-moral-code/

See also...

A Hair-Raising Dilemma: Fla. Voucher School Threatens Student With Expulsion Over Her Hair
https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/a-hair-raising-dilemma-fla-voucher-school-threatens-student-with-expulsion

Science Education Wins in Texas!

The State Board of Education just voted to adopt all of the high school biology and environmental science textbooks without watering down instruction on evolution and climate change.

MORE: http://tfninsider.org/2013/11/22/breaking-news-science-education-wins-in-texas/

Library of Congress Officially Opens The Seth MacFarlane Collection of Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan Archive

"It is exciting that the Sagan-Druyan Archive is joining other great collections of scientific knowledge from various time periods that are here at the national library," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "Now, the information it contains will be available for the inspiration of the next generation of scientific thinkers and will represent an ongoing memorial to the great ‘science exciter,’ Carl Sagan."

MORE: http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2013/13-200.html

No Faith in Science

The conflation of faith as "unevidenced belief" with faith as "justified confidence" is simply a word trick used to buttress religion. In fact, you'll never hear a scientist saying, "I have faith in evolution" or "I have faith in electrons." Not only is such language alien to us, but we know full well how those words can be misused in the name of religion.

MORE: http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/11/faith_in_science_and_religion_truth_authority_and_the_orderliness_of_nature.html?wpisrc=burger_bar

Wait! Comet ISON May Live On

It was thought to have died, but now it appears comet ISON lives on to fight another day.

--snip--

Skygazers can plan on seeing the comet come Dec 1. "It would be low in the sky early in the morning," Young said. "Each day it will go higher in the sky and be visible earlier in the morning, closer to midnight. By the 17th it will be up or around the Big Dipper and should be visible closer to midnight."

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/comet-ison-live/story?id=21053068

NASA Cassini Spacecraft Provides New View of Saturn and Earth

NASA has released a natural-color image of Saturn from space, the first in which Saturn, its moons and rings, and Earth, Venus and Mars, all are visible.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131112235238.htm

Pope puts 'St. Peter's bones' on display at Vatican

CNN's Vatican analyst John Allen says that like so much concerning religion, the belief that the bones are those of the disciple comes down to faith.

"Like other famous relics, such as the Shroud of Turin or the Belt of Mary, they evoke awe and devotion regardless of their actual provenance," Allen writes in an Op-Ed for CNN. "Faith, as the Bible puts it, lies in 'the evidence of things not seen.'"

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/22/world/europe/st-peters-bones-on-display/index.html

Cameroon blames Boko Haram in French priest's kidnapping

The terror outfit, whose name means "Western education is sacrilege" in the Hausa-Fulani language, has attacked numerous targets since forming in the late 1990s, killing and kidnapping Westerners and bombing schools, churches and mosques, according to the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/15/world/africa/cameroon-boko-haram-priest-kidnapping/index.html

Violence kills 4 Libyan soldiers in Benghazi

More than two years after the fall of the Gadhafi regime, the government is struggling to control the hundreds of militias across the country and Islamist extremist groups, some with ties to al-Qaeda, mostly in the eastern part of Libya.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/28/world/africa/libya-benghazi-violence/index.html

Al-Shabaab attack on Somali police station kills at least 12

The attack is the latest on Somali and AU forces by Al-Shabaab, a group that is fighting the government in hopes of turning Somalia into a fundamentalist Islamic state.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/19/world/africa/somalia-violence/index.html

See also...

5 killed in bombing outside Mogadishu hotel, Somali official says
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/08/world/africa/somalia-attack/index.html

Report: Militant group says Tiananmen attack in China was 'jihadi operation'

A murky Islamic militant group has described a deadly attack in China's Tiananmen Square last month as a "jihadi operation" and warned of more violence to come, according to an organization that monitors extremist websites.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/25/world/asia/china-tiananmen-attack-report/index.html

Vehicle explodes in heart of Kabul, 6 dead

No one has claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack, but the Taliban has said that it condemned the meeting and would attack anyone participating in it.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/16/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html

Nine killed in clashes between army, Islamist group in Benghazi, Libya

The violence is blamed on Islamist extremist groups in the city.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/25/world/meast/libya-violence/index.html

Meet Ghadi, the first 'sect-less' baby in deeply divided Lebanon

"Ghadi was born pure, was born a Lebanese citizen," explains his happy mother, Kholoud Sukkarieh, as she holds her nearly 2-month-old baby close. "He was not born a sectarian person."

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/28/world/meast/lebanon-sectless-baby-jamjoom/index.html

See also...

Beirut bombs kill 23; blasts linked to Syrian civil war
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/19/world/meast/lebanon-beirut-explosion/index.html

Al Qaeda advancing in Syria, one town at a time

Al Qaeda fighters in Syria have seized another town on the border with Turkey, consolidating their grip on a swath of northern Syria.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/24/world/meast/syria-al-qaeda-advances/index.html

See also...

More than 11,000 Syrian children killed in civil war, report says
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/24/world/meast/syria-children-deaths/index.html

Twin bombs kill 10 people near Shiite mosque in Iraq

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Radio Campaign Tells Atheists "Where to Go"

"We'd like to tell atheists where to go!"

These words begin a 60-second radio ad encouraging atheists, agnostics and others of similar outlook to discover one or more of nearly 2,000 local groups and national organizations in North America that exist to serve them. The ads are airing 340 times this month on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, specifically targeted to audiences of CNN, INDIE Radio, MSNBC, OUTQ, and SiriusXM Progress.

These ads also launch a comprehensive new website geared to helping people find these groups and organizations. Called the Secular Directory, the site offers the largest and most up-to-date database ever compiled of local atheist, agnostic, freethought, humanist, secularist, skeptic and other such groups in North America. Referred to in the ad as "godless groups," each can be found easily. The user simply types in the name of her or his city and state, and then a list of those within a 50-mile radius pops up.

The Secular Directory also lists national and international organizations, special services for nonreligious people, conferences and events, publications, and other resources. The website is at http://SecularDirectory.org but can also be accessed via the alliterative URL used in the ad: http://GodlessGroups.org .

MORE: http://www.unitedcor.org/national/news/radio-campaign-tells-atheists-where-go

Outspoken Atheist Author Says The 'Unholy Alliance Between Big Business and Radical Christians' Poses Graver Threat to U.S. Way of Life Than Terrorists

Werleman's latest book, 'Crucifying America - The Unholy Alliance Between the Christian Right and Wall Street' is a terrifying examination of how the partnership between big corporations and the Christian Right is seizing control of the country, one state legislature, and one governor's mansion at a time.

MORE: http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/press-releases/article/Outspoken-Atheist-Author-Says-The-Unholy-4937002.php

US Supreme Court hears town council prayer case

The case revolves around a dispute in the town of Greece in New York state, where local clergy are invited to come and give a prayer every month at the beginning of each city council meeting.

MORE: http://news.yahoo.com/us-supreme-court-hear-town-council-prayer-case-151551303.html

See also...

High Noon At The High Court: Justices Hear Arguments In Town Of Greece v. Galloway Case
https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/high-noon-at-the-high-court-justices-hear-arguments-in-town-of-greece-v

US Supreme Court to Decide in Controversial Religion-State Case
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/173690#.Un7mmmIo6Ul

Atheist Activists Set to Coalesce in Front of Supreme Court as Today's Prayer Battle Looms
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/11/06/atheist-activists-set-to-coalesce-in-front-of-supreme-court-as-todays-prayer-battle-looms/

US Supreme Court hears town council prayer case
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j2-6gVJNQqYKsKuOC3W1Cu_vZz1A?docId=2cdb3fef-1c8b-4afe-859c-a8b428f3d816

Supreme Court to hear new case on religion in public life
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/supreme-court-to-hear-new-case-on-religion-in-public-life/2013/11/01/d2ba8970-423d-11e3-a751-f032898f2dbc_story.html

AHA Statement on Town of Greece v. Galloway Supreme Court Case
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-11-aha-statement-on-town-of-greece-v-galloway-scotus-ca

Prayer's role in government
http://www.scotusblog.com/2013/11/argument-preview-the-function-of-prayer/

"Colorado Day of Prayer" Opposed in American Humanist Association Amicus Brief Filing

The American Humanist Association has filed an amicus brief with the Colorado Supreme Court in support of a lower court ruling that declared unconstitutional the governor's "Colorado Day of Prayer" proclamations. The court has accepted an appeal by Gov. John Hickenlooper of the Colorado Court of Appeals unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel earlier this year.

MORE: http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-11-colorado-day-of-prayer-opposed-in-american-humanist

Atheist group sues California city for opening meetings with explicitly Christian invocations

According to transcripts obtained by FFRF and submitted along with its complaint, between January of 2008 and October of 2013, the city's official chaplain, Paul Jones, has called the council meeting to order with a Christian prayer 125 times.

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/11/04/atheist-group-sues-california-city-for-opening-meetings-with-explicitly-christian-invocations/

Generation atheist! Millennials to religion -- get out of politics

Millennials are much less attached to religion than their elders -- the politicization of the church might be why.

MORE: http://www.salon.com/2013/11/04/were_raising_a_generation_of_atheists/

This is How the Viral 'I'm Actually An Atheist' CNN Segment Came About

Granted he has much more time to interview her, but Seth Andrews does a much better job of presenting Rebecca Vitsmun's story than Wolf Blitzer ever did.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/03/this-is-how-the-viral-im-actually-an-atheist-cnn-segment-came-about/

Oklahoma Atheist Group Begins Gift-Giving Drive to Help Those Impacted by Natural Disasters

FreeOK, an atheist group based in Oklahoma, is planning a major charity drive this winter that aims to give presents to kids in foster care and families affected by natural disasters.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/01/oklahoma-atheist-group-begins-gift-giving-drive-to-help-those-impacted-by-natural-disasters/

Huntsville lawmakers control millions in pork; recipients include pro-life group, private schools, own civic clubs

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama-- Stacks of public dollars. A mandate to give it all away. And personal preference as the guide.

MORE: http://blog.al.com/breaking/2013/10/lawmakers_of_madison_county_si.html

Gay Teen Suspended For Ripping Bible At Texas School

Gay teen Isaiah Smith, an 18-year-old senior at Birdville High School in North Richland, TX, was suspended for ripping pages out of his Bible in class. Why would he do something so controversial? He says he did it because he was being bullied in school for his claims of being both gay and Christian.

MORE: http://www.inquisitr.com/1022819/gay-teen-suspended-for-ripping-bible-at-texas-school/

See also...

Texas Student Suspended for Tearing Bible Pages at School
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-11-texas-student-suspended-for-tearing-bible-pages-at-s

Spartanburg Soup Kitchen turns away atheist volunteers

A group of Upstate atheists plans to hand out care packages downtown this weekend after the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen wouldn't let them volunteer.

MORE: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20131023/ARTICLES/131029846/1083/ARTICLES?p=1&tc=pg&tc=ar

See also...

Soup Kitchen Invites Everyone to Volunteer… Unless You’re an Atheist
http://www.mediaite.com/online/soup-kitchen-invites-everyone-to-volunteer-unless-youre-an-atheist/

Atheist group denied from volunteering at soup kitchen
http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/23773442/atheist-group-denied-from-volunteering-at-soup-kitchen

Atheist group seeks end to Ala. grief counseling

The group claims Montgomery's Operation Good Shepherd program is unconstitutional. City officials told al.com the new program dispatches trained clergy to comfort victims at crime scenes in an effort to combat violent crime. City officials said the purpose of the program is not for "religious promotion or recruitment."

MORE: http://www.wdef.com/news/state/story/Atheist-group-seeks-end-to-Ala-grief-counseling/2fSjr6vCdU6L_RBmH2wOdw.cspx

Surprise! Atheist Marriages May Last Longer Than Christian Ones

Conservative Christians see themselves as the last defenders of traditional marriage. Yet many don't quite live up to the ideal.

MORE: http://www.alternet.org/belief/surprise-atheist-marriages-may-last-longer-christian-ones?akid=11097.275909.3me89H&rd=1&src=newsletter917365&t=8&paging=off&current_page=1#bookmark

See also...

Atheist Marriages Last Longer Than Christian Marriages, Research Says
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/religion/atheist-marriages-last-longer-christian-marriages-research-says#

Who Is More Likely to Lie for Financial Gain?

Among those more likely to lie for financial gain were... Those for whom religion was more important to their lives.

MORE: http://www.psmag.com/business-economics/likely-lie-financial-gain-68561/

Watching R-Rated Movies Lessens Importance of Faith for Young People

"Viewing R-rated movies was damaging to religious faith even after accounting for the importance of religion in one's family, peer influence and parental monitoring of media, among other factors."

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131030185359.htm

Is atheism winning the culture war?

Since we are evolving into a country where deeds are more important than creeds, I think atheists will one day be part of a respected mainstream in America, along with progressive religious allies.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/10/23/is-atheism-winning-the-culture-war/

How the religious right won: Birth of the fundamentalists, in our modern times

As a historical phenomenon, fundamentalism is wholly modern. Its victories have come from decades of organizing.

MORE: http://www.salon.com/2013/11/02/how_the_religious_right_won_birth_of_the_fundamentalists_in_our_modern_times/

See also...

Retreating Or Repositioning?: Southern Baptists And The 'Culture War'
https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/retreating-or-repositioning-southern-baptists-and-the-culture-war

Saturday, November 09, 2013

Confused Christian Group Keeps Spending Money On Ten Commandments Monuments To Stick It To Atheists. Atheists Shrug

Thou Shall Not Move is erecting the monument on church property. No atheist I know has a problem with that. We only object to endorsements of religion in public schools, public squares, courthouses, and the like. Want to put a massive monument in your church yard? No problem. Please enjoy.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/06/confused-christian-group-keeps-spending-money-on-ten-commandments-monuments-to-stick-it-to-atheists-atheists-shrug/

Poor Prayer Proposal: Utah Legislator Pushes Unnecessary 'Religious Liberties' Bill

In sum, the Utah proposal either restates the law or misinterprets it.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/poor-prayer-proposal-utah-legislator-pushes-unnecessary-religious-liberties

Generally Nutty: FRC Executive Says Some In The Military Are Itching To 'Take Out' President Obama

In the WorldNetDaily bizarro world, William Boykin is portrayed as a bold Christian warrior constantly kept down by appeasers, gays, secularists and a band of nefarious America haters.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/generally-nutty-frc-executive-says-some-in-the-military-are-itching-to-take

Resuming The FEMA Fiasco: U.S. House Continues Effort To Rebuild Houses Of Worship Damaged By Hurricane Sandy

If the Constitution is violated because of a hurricane, what's next? Soon we'll be rebuilding churches every time a basement floods during a thunderstorm.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/resuming-the-fema-fiasco-us-house-continues-effort-to-rebuild-houses-of

Change Of Heart?: Ky. Taxpayer-Funded, Religiously-Affiliated Homes For Children May Hire Gays And Lesbians

It's difficult to say what’s going on here, but it could be related to the Southern Baptist Convention's (SBC) larger public relations campaign.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/change-of-heart-ky-taxpayer-funded-religiously-affiliated-homes-for

Biblical Blunder: Proposed Mass. Religion Classes Could Violate First Amendment

The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Christopher Fallon, would create a mandatory class in Bible and international religions for 'the purposes of teaching morality and brotherhood' to high school students.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/biblical-blunder-proposed-mass-religion-classes-could-violate-first

Outrage Over Oath: Religious Right Objects To New Conscience Rules At Air Force Academy

In a shift toward inclusivity, the Air Force Academy has announced that cadets will no longer be required to recite "So help me God" as part of the school's Honor Oath. The decision followed a complaint by Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.

The Religious Right greeted the announcement with predictable rancor. And as they always do, they've rallied around their Orwellian definition of religious liberty. Somehow, making this sectarian clause optional discriminates against Christian cadets.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/outrage-over-oath-religious-right-objects-to-new-conscience-rules-at-air

American Theocracy?: Lawsuit Alleges Utah and Ariz. Towns Enforce Religious Edicts As Law

As the Tribune put it, "The lawsuit alleges the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints essentially runs the twin towns, not the elected leaders, not the civil authorities and not all that subtly. If true, it means the separation of church and state – a constitutional bedrock of pluralistic America -- is nonexistent, replaced by an iron-fisted theocracy in which Jeffs' edicts are enforced above the law."

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/american-theocracy-lawsuit-alleges-utah-and-ariz-towns-enforce-religious

Atheists can be jailed in Kentucky for not acknowledging God

American Atheists have submitted a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court in a bid to overturn a Kentucky homeland security law which can send atheists to jail for up to 12 months for refusing to acknowledge "Almighty God."

MORE: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/337629#ixzz2ilCSKA1d

See also...

American Atheists ask U.S. Supreme Court to Reverse Kentucky Law Requiring Belief in "Almighty God."
http://freethoughtblogs.com/kagin/2012/11/24/american-atheists-ask-u-s-supreme-court-to-reverse-kentucky-law-believe-in-almighty-god/

American Legion pulls park funding after atheist official won't pledge 'under God'

An Illinois American Legion post announced last week that it had decided to withhold financial support for the Morton Grove Park District because an atheist park commissioner refused to pledge allegiance to the United States flag "under God."

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/10/30/american-legion-pulls-park-funding-after-atheist-official-wont-pledge-under-god/

Veterans Day Debacle: American Legion Post Refuses To Participate In Ceremony Without Christian Prayer

American Legion Post 311 in Hawley, Penn., has refused to participate in Veterans Day activities at Wallenpaupack High School until its chaplain is allowed to recite a Christian prayer.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/veterans-day-debacle-american-legion-post-refuses-to-participate-in

Hobby Lobby Releases Apology for Alleged Employee Comments

Local blogger Ken Berwitz claimed a friend of his entered the Monmouth County store looking for a bar mitzvah card and was told "We don't cater to you people."

MORE: http://lacey.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/hobby-lobby-president-releases-apology-for-employee-comments-lacey

Court lets most new Texas abortion limits take effect immediately

A panel of judges on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans said the law requiring doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital can take effect while a lawsuit challenging the restrictions moves forward. The panel issued the ruling three days after District Judge Lee Yeakel said the provision serves no medical purpose and issued an injunction against it.

MORE: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20131031-court-order-to-let-texas-enforce-new-abortion-restrictions.ece?nclick_check=1

Illinois House, Senate Pass Same-Sex Marriage Bill

The bill will become law once it has been signed by Governor Pat Quinn, which he has promised to do.

MORE: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/11/05/illinois-house-passes-same-sex-marriage-bill/

New Mexico court considers legalizing gay marriage

The Supreme Court heard from lawyers in a case that could determine whether gay marriage is legal across New Mexico.

MORE: http://www.wisconsingazette.com/national-gaze/new-mexico-court-considers-legalizing-gay-marriage.html

Progress for Southern Homosexuals

North Carolina official broke the sexuality barriers that are stereotypical of the American South. He accepted marriage licenses from twelve couples. The official, Drew Reisinger, began to question the validity of North Carolina's prohibition of same sex marriage. The couples he granted recognition had moved to the state of North Carolina after being married elsewhere. When he was questioned by the state's attorney general, Reisinger responded in defending homosexual marriage by claiming that the state had no right to strip away civil rights from a certain group of people.

MORE: http://www.goddiscussion.com/114336/progress-for-southern-homosexuals/

Mississippi Blues: New Lawsuit Accuses Town Of Anti-Gay Prejudice

Last year, Pat "PJ" Newton applied for a license to open a bar and cafe in the town. That should have been an uncontroversial proposal, but local residents rallied to oppose it.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/mississippi-blues-new-lawsuit-accuses-town-of-anti-gay-prejudice

Mighty, Muslim and Leaping Off the Page

With most superheroes, when you take away the colorful costume, mask and cape, what you find underneath is a white man. But not always. In February, as part of a continuing effort to diversify its offerings, Marvel Comics will begin a series whose lead character, Kamala Khan, is a teenage Muslim girl living in Jersey City.

MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/books/marvel-comics-introducing-a-muslim-girl-superhero.html?src=ISMR_AP_LO_MST_FB&_r=2&

Creationists turn against Pat Robertson for saying Earth isn't 6,000 years old

"Of course the Bible does cover dinosaurs," said Taylor, "we have talked about that on this show several times."

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/11/06/creationists-turn-against-pat-robertson-for-saying-earth-isnt-6000-years-old/

The Psychological Power of Satan

How a belief in "pure evil" shapes people's thinking.

MORE: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=psychological-power-satan

The rise of religion might be all about sex

A study suggests religion might have arisen to protect certain reproductive strategies, like long-term partnership.

MORE: http://www.salon.com/2013/11/07/the_rise_of_religion_might_be_all_about_sex/

Far-Off Planets Like the Earth Dot the Galaxy

Astronomers reported that there could be as many as 40 billion habitable Earth-size planets in the galaxy, based on a new analysis of data from NASA's Kepler spacecraft.

MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/05/science/cosmic-census-finds-billions-of-planets-that-could-be-like-earth.html?hp&_r=3&

See also...

Tens of billions of planets out there are like Earth, study finds
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/tech/innovation/billions-of-planets/index.html?hpt=us_bn4

A psychic bus driver has been sacked after he refused to pick up children because of a 'premonition'

The clairvoyant driver, who has not been named, left the children standing at the side of the road in Dundee.

But the driver failed to see what was coming for his career prospects when he was hauled in front of bosses at National Express last week.

MORE: http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2013/10/22/a-psychic-bus-driver-has-been-sacked-after-he-refused-to-pick-up-children-because-of-a-premonition/

Irish Atheists Urge Repeal of Nation's Blasphemy Law at Constitutional Convention

Over the weekend, the Convention on the Constitution held meetings in Ireland to discuss changes to the nation's Constitution and then make recommendations to the government.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/11/04/irish-atheists-urge-repeal-of-nations-blasphemy-law-at-constitutional-convention/

6 killed in Russia bus explosion; suicide bombing suspected

Dagestan is part of Russia's North Caucasus region, where Islamic militants have been fighting Moscow's rule.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/21/world/europe/russia-bus-explosion/index.html

A Tale Of 'Two Cities': Hindu-Muslim Divide Deepening In Ahmedabad, India

Sectarian tensions between Hindus and Muslims -- always bubbling under the surface of India's chaotic and teeming urban streets and which frequently explode into deadly violence – appear to be rising in the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state. According to a report in The Hindu newspaper, Muslims in the city – complaining of increasing discrimination and official neglect in a state ruled by controversial Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – are gradually concentrating in "ghettoes" along the perimeter of the huge and diverse city. In previous years, Muslims lived in various neighborhoods across the city.

MORE: http://www.ibtimes.com/tale-two-cities-hindu-muslim-divide-deepening-ahmedabad-india-1446296

Egypt security investigates student for forming 'athiest' Facebook group

Police arrested the 20-year-old student of the Faculty of Commerce, Suez Canal University, following a report submitted by the university's administration saying he had formed a group for atheists on the social networking site.

MORE: http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/84968/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-security-investigates-student-for-forming-at.aspx

See also...

A Christopher Hitchens dream: Atheism on the rise in Egypt
http://www.salon.com/2013/10/27/a_christopher_hitchens_dream_atheism_on_the_rise_in_egypt/

Saudi Arabia women defy authorities over female driving ban

The group said at least 35 women drove on Saudi streets Saturday, filming and uploading their videos on to YouTube.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/26/world/meast/saudi-arabia-women-drivers/index.html

See also...

Why Saudi Arabia can't ban women from driving forever
http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/meast/saudi-women-drivers-jamjoom/index.html

Al Qaeda-linked group strengthens hold in northern Syria

Al Qaeda has swept to power with the aim of imposing a strict Islamist ideology on Syrians across large swathes of Syria's rebel-held north, according to a CNN survey of towns, activists and analysts that reveals an alarming increase in al Qaeda-linked control in just the past month.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/world/europe/syria-turkey-al-qaeda/index.html

Gunmen attack motorists in Nigeria, kill 4

Gunmen suspected of being members of the Islamist group Boko Haram attacked motorists in northeastern Nigeria on Sunday, killing four, authorities said.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/21/world/africa/nigeria-attack/index.html

5 killed in bombing outside Mogadishu hotel, Somali official says

Somalia has seen such violence before. Some of it has been traced to Al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked organization that the U.S. government calls a terrorist group and was behind the deadly siege earlier this fall of a Nairobi, Kenya, shopping mall.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/08/world/africa/somalia-attack/index.html

Pakistan's Gay Community Quietly Breaking Barriers

Actor Assad Khan is part of a generation of young men breaking barriers for gays in conservative Pakistan, where homosexuality is punished by prison or worse.

MORE: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/10/30/pakistan-s-gay-community-quietly-breaking-barriers.html

4 killed by bicycle blast in southwestern Pakistan

Balochistan has experienced deadly sectarian violence against its Shiite Muslim minority and is also home to separatists who carry out attacks.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/31/world/asia/pakistan-violence/index.html

Council leader, family killed in their sleep in Iraq; separate attacks on base kill 16

Wedding-bound minibus bombed in Afghanistan; 20 dead

Jan accused Taliban militants of the bombing.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/27/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html

Yemen: Sectarian fighting kills dozens

Dozens of people have been killed by sectarian clashes in Yemen's northern province of Saada in the past several days, according to local officials.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/03/world/meast/yemen-violence/index.html