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Your daily media briefing - Wednesday 19 February

  

In the Media is our daily collection of news and commentary related to secularism, available delivered to your inbox. You can also read the latest news and opinion and listen to our podcasts on our website.

  

Secularism in the media

 

Fears over jihadist attacks in jail

A convicted killer with no history of extremism launched a copycat jihadist attack on jail staff last week.

The Times (£)

 

Same-sex marriage: new law has no opt out for Northern Irish florists, photographers and hotels

Hoteliers, florists and wedding photographers will be unable to refuse to cater to same-sex weddings under plans being drawn up by the government. The plans will also see registrars given no religious opt-out from marrying couples.

News Letter

 

Offensive jokes logged in ‘non-crime’ databases in Scotland

Hundreds of people in Scotland are being recorded on police databases every year for committing "non-crimes" such as telling offensive jokes.

The Times (£)

 

Jersey to form ‘citizens’ jury’ on assisted dying

Campaign group Dignity in Dying has praised the announcement by Jersey's health minister that the government will form a 'citizens' jury' to discuss assisted dying.

ITV News

 

‘Fringe religious party gains seats in crisis-stricken Peru’

A messianic religious group called the Israelites of the New Universal Pact is the third-largest legislative bloc in Peru's new parliament.

The Conversation

 

‘Conservative Islamic views are gaining ground in secular Bangladesh and curbing freedom of expression’

There has been a long-term shift in Islam's role in politics in Bangladesh.

The Conversation

 

‘The idea of secularism is indispensable in India’

Rajeev Bhargava says the term 'secularism' enables a focus on religion-based discrimination and misrecognition.

The Hindu

 

Known sex abuse priest was appointed headmaster of Catholic junior school in Australia

A Christian Brother convicted twice for sexually assaulting boys was appointed headmaster of a Melbourne Catholic boys' school a few years after the religious order became aware of his abuse.

Brisbane Times

 

Couple who filmed X-rated video at holy site in Burma charged with blasphemy

A couple who filmed themselves having sex at an ancient temple and posted the clip online have been charged with blasphemy.

Daily Star

  

In case you missed it: from the NSS

 

Denying a judicial review over a faith school’s expansion was a lamentable decision

After he was refused permission for a judicial review against Vale of Glamorgan Council, James Brunt says its decision to expand a faith school was based on dubious methodology and defied reasonable logic.

  

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