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secularism.org.uk

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Your daily media briefing - Monday 7 October

  

In the Media, our daily collection of news and commentary related to secularism, is one of the most popular features on our website and now available delivered to your inbox.

  

Secularism in the media

 

Efforts to combat extremism failing because of way government has defined it, commissioner says

Efforts to combat extremism are failing because the government's definition of it is so broad that it is hampering free speech, the counter-extremism commissioner has said.

The Telegraph (£)

 

‘We must defend our right to be offensive - but hateful extremism demands a brave response’

Sara Khan says tackling extremism requires brave, bold and consistent leadership both from government and across civil society.

The Telegraph (£)

 

More schools opting out of Christian worship for ‘multi-faith’ alternatives – NSS quoted

The number of schools asking to opt out of legal requirements to provide a daily act of Christian worship appears to be slowing, but more are choosing to run "multi-faith" alternatives instead.

Schools Week

 

Ofsted quashes critical inspection report on Jewish school which separates boys and girls

Education inspectors have quashed a report which found a Jewish school in Manchester inadequate because it segregated boys and girls.

Jewish News

 

‘How your title deeds could make you liable for repairs to the local church’

Anna Tims says homeowners unaware of restrictive covenants can become liable for life-changing sums out of the blue, as a result of the law on chancel repair liability.

The Observer

 

Charity Commission chief questions if it should be able to refuse to register controversial organisations

The Charity Commission should consider whether it needs more powers to allow it to refuse to register organisations which cover areas including religion as charities, its chief executive has suggested.

Third Sector

 

Paris police attacker followed a 'radical vision of Islam,' prosecutor says

The perpetrator of a knife attack that left four people dead at a Paris police headquarters had recently adhered to a "radical vision of Islam," according to witnesses.

CNN

 

Catholic bishops in call for action against abortion law changes in NI

The Catholic Church has voiced "grave concern" at imminent changes to abortion legislation in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Telegraph

 

Sark could soon become the last of the Channel Islands to legalise same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriage could soon be legal across the whole of the Channel Islands.

Gay Times

 

In Iraq, religious ‘pleasure marriages’ are a front for child prostitution

A BBC investigation exposes Shia clerics in Baghdad advising men on how to abuse girls.

The Observer

 

Iranian Instagram star 'arrested for blasphemy'

An Iranian Instagram star has been arrested for crimes including blasphemy and instigating violence, according to reports.

BBC

  

Latest from the NSS

 

Don’t take lessons on democracy from Church of England bishops

The bishop of London has lamented the state of British democracy while delivering a sermon at the annual judges' service. Perhaps someone should point out the undemocratic nature of her own position, says Chris Sloggett.

  

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