76 Leicester Secularist.Cdr

HamLi.sSA.hSS .W RI ehPpoiLtrEetlAeSyE AS I PLEASE Hamish Whiteley AS I PLEASE

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Footnotes 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, Leicester 3rd President of the United States. 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign) saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks SECULARIST and someone put it about that they contained coded messages about a Journal of the Leicester Secular Society child-sex ring and implicating Autumn 2017 - no 76 named restaurants and members of t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, Church clutches at straws as survey reveals that: received hundreds of threats, and then in December, 28 year old Edgar Maddison Welch, burst in and fired of British people three shots, scattering terrifyied diners. Welch later surrendered to police after he "found no evidence have no religion that underage children were being harboured in the restaurant". 53% 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian restaurant in New Cross was hit by a of 18 - 24 years olds news item claiming that it sold human meat. The proprietor was said to have been have no religion arrested and nine bodies found in 7Brand new 1research shows% that 71% of British people the freezer; and staff had to contend aged between 18 and 24 have no religion. For the with people screaming down the whole age range, the survey also shows that 53% of ‘phone "Why are you still open?" the population overall and 58% in Scotland have no religion. This is the result of the latest British Social Ÿ Attitudes Survey, which has provided extended data on religion or belief in Britain. In a random, representative sample, almost 3,000 people were asked: 'Do you regard yourself as belonging to any particular religion?' If respondents said yes, they were asked which one, without being given a list of religions. One of the most striking aspects of the data is the clear open.” drop-off between the over 65s, of whom the majority Over the last 30 years, the proportion of people who call 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 religious. For every other cohort, the non-religious are themselves Catholic has remained relatively stable, at C h a r t i s t L e a d e r a majority. Past surveys have shown that non-religious around one in 10. Around 6% of people say they belong a n d P o e t people do not tend to 'pick up' religion later in life. to non-Christian religions. Of those, half were Muslim Author of: Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be This suggests a very dismal future for religion and the and a third were Hindu, with Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist and Church of England in particular, whose following is other groups all much smaller. down to just 3% among 18-24s. Just 15% of those Humanists UK chief executive Andrew Copson said: “It surveyed called themselves Anglican – half the is long overdue that the Government woke up to the proportion who said the same thing in 2000. demographic reality of today’s Britain and recognises that Despite this, the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd Paul ever-increasing state funding for religion, and public emphasis Bayes, said that: "saying ‘no religion’ is not the same as a on the activities of religious groups, is the reverse of what the considered atheism. People's minds, and hearts, remain public wants," Inside: Alice Hawkins, Republic, Fire Safety, Caste Politics in India

Council. The Human Rights AtCouncil the U isN the, t hbodye I nresponsibleternationa forl This photogrHaphupromotingm ofa anni sattheis a nantd mee protectingEtt-uphic al U humannion group in Kualahighlightedrights Lumpur around thewen thegravt wvireorld. al,situation for prompting deaatthhLe thraisseat s ts m ifrnoom nM tmemberha,l aay ssiM a,a lwa hyesri ea n of the public and threats of prosecution govgernmento v e r n m ministerse n t m arei n i essentiallys t e r s a i d by police and officials. callingauth oforriti eas witchwould huntinve sagainsttigate a Leicester melocalmbe ratheists of tmeet-uphe Kua lgroupa Lum afterpur a SECULARIST chapterpicture of Atheistfrom their Republic. meeting in Kuala N e x t E d i t i o n TheLumpur statement, went supported viral. The by groups Atheist also The next copy deadline is Friday Republic,received w threatsas deliv fromered antagonisticby IHEU 24th February 2017. We welcome dirsocialector mediaof ad users,vocac yangry, Eliz thatabe thso- new articles, letters, jokes, poems, O’Caseycalled, “apostates”to the UN Humanfrom Islam Rights may news, cartoons, etc. Send to: be involved in the group. [email protected] Describing the government fueled Please include photos where you hate against atheists, secularists and have them. Aim to write less than humanists as a “witch hunt”, 700 words. Ned Newitt (editor) 9 O’Casey also referenced Prime Minister Razak’s comments a few years ago when he described humanism and secularism as threats to Islam and the state, and labelled human rights based on secularism, humanism and liberalism as “deviationist”. HamLi.sSA.hSS .W RI ehPpoiLtrEetlAeSyE AS I PLEASE Hamish Whiteley AS I PLEASE

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Footnotes W H AT ’ S O N Ireland to vote 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States. at the on abortion and 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary blasphemy laws Clinton’s presidential campaign) S e c u l a r H a l l saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks Ireland is to hold referenda on and someone put it about that they .Sunday Oct 22nd 6.30pm, Corinne Fowler: changing its laws on abortion and contained coded messages about a Colonial Countryside: Exploring English Country Houses' Colonial blasphemy next year. child-sex ring and implicating Connections. Many country houses have Caribbean or East India Company Leo Varadkar, the Irish prime named restaurants and members of connections. A Black History Month event. minister has confirmed that a t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e Sunday Oct 29th 6.30pm, film: Dispossession: The Great Social Housing ballot on abortion will be held in restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, Swindle. A new feature documentary, directed by Paul Sng and narrated May or June 2018, and another on received hundreds of threats, and by Maxine Peake. Runtime 1hr 20 mins blasphemy in October 2018. They then in December, 28 year old Edgar NOVEMBER 2017 are part of a wave of seven Maddison Welch, burst in and fired Sunday Nov 5th 6.30pm, Kenneth Lowles: The Balfour Declaration referenda which will take place in three shots, scattering terrifyied 1917: Seeds of Conflict. Marking the centenary of the Balfour the next two years. diners. Welch later surrendered to Declaration. An outline of Britain's contribution to the Arab-Israeli conflict The terms of the vote on police after he "found no evidence in the 20th Century. blasphemy have not yet been that underage children were being Sunday Nov 12th 6.30pm, Milan Rai: Chomsky's Propaganda Model of finalised. Currently Article 40.6.1 of Ireland's constitution says the harboured in the restaurant". the Mainstream Media There's no state control of the mass media, but we still have 'brainwashing under freedom'; an enormously powerful state guarantees citizens' right 'to 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian propaganda system. express freely their convictions restaurant in New Cross was hit by a and opinions'. But it also specifies: news item claiming that it sold Sunday Nov 19th 3pm, AGM (members only) Society officers report 'the publication or utterance of human meat. back on the year. Motions. Elections to the Board. Light refreshments blasphemous, seditious, or available. Have your say. Stand for/elect a strong Board for a strong indecent matter is an offence The proprietor was said to have been Society. which shall be punishable in arrested and nine bodies found in accordance with law'. the freezer; and staff had to contend 6.30pm: Red Leicester Evening (open to all) What we sing is what we are. The Red Leicester Choir will be talking about their story with songs This gained public attention earlier with people screaming down the of celebration and protest. Light refreshments available from 6pm. this year when Stephen Fry was ‘phone "Why are you still open?" Sunday Nov 26th 6.30pm, Mermaids Charity: Transgender Children and investigated for blasphemy. In an Teenagers. Mermaids strives to provide information on issues regarding interview in 2015 Fry had asked: Ÿ gender identity amongst children and teenagers, to dispel myths and "Why should I respect a capricious, promote positive inclusion. mean-minded, stupid god who DECEMBER 2017 creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain?" Sunday Dec 3rd, Rosalind Adams: The Story of a Book: From the first idea to the publication of 'The Children's Book of Richard III.’ Atheist Ireland, a group which lobbies for change to the law, said Sunday Dec 10th 6.30pm, Anna Feigenbaum: 100 Years Of Tear Gas And it had "discussed several possible Human Rights. Dr. Feigenbaum shows how policing with poison came to approaches" to reform with be - and why it matters for human rights around the world. Human Department of Justice officials in Rights Arts and Film Festival Lecture. 2015. Sunday Dec 17th 6.30pm, Winter Solstice Celebration Quiz from Trevor Another vote will propose 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 Chesterton, 5 minute talks and 5 minute performances from members. repealing the country's near-total C h a r t i s t L e a d e r Please bring food and/or drink to share. ban on abortion. Currently the a n d P o e t Date to be announced: Harry Leslie Smith: Harry's Last Stand. 94 year old eighth amendment to the Irish Author of: 2nd world war veteran, writer and activist speaks about how the world his constitution gives 'equal right' to Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be generation built is falling down and what we can do to save it. the life of a mother and an unborn Date to be announced: Visit to Century Theatre, Coalville Built after the child. A woman convicted of second world war as a travelling theatre, the Century Theatre is unique. having an illegal termination can face up to 14 years in prison. Visit includes transport, a slide show, talk and backstage tour. Suggested donation £5 Source: National Secular Society

2 Leicester Secularist

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Footnotes Secular Hall bid for lottery from the 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, editor 3rd President of the United States. funding is rejected 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary The Secular Society’s bid for money to restore the front of the Hall has been GOD AND THE Clinton’s presidential campaign) rejected. At the time of writing, it is not known precisely why the HLF saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks committee in Nottingham turned the Secular Hall down. From the brief WEATHER and someone put it about that they letter received by the Society, it appears as if the main cause was the Whenever natural disasters contained coded messages about a inbalance between the “communities” and “bricks and mortar” aspects of occur, some religious group will child-sex ring and implicating the bid. claim that it is divine retribution. named restaurants and members of Although disappointed by the decision, the Secular Society Board will I n t h e p a s t , s o m e U S t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e submit a revised bid. Members of the Board are to meet with the Heritage fundamentalists have claimed restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, Lottery Fund and, in the light of the discussion, will make every effort to that hurricane Katrina was God’s received hundreds of threats, and meet the HLF criteria. retribution for homosexuality. then in December, 28 year old Edgar The high cost of restoring the stained glass at the front of the Hall, means that What is strange is that the recent Maddison Welch, burst in and fired the work cannot be funded from the Society’s own resources. The bid would hurricanes and tornados have hit three shots, scattering terrifyied have also restored damaged and missing architectural features, as well as the deeply religious and diners. Welch later surrendered to the balcony area to the ballroom. conservative states. Whilst the police after he "found no evidence One member suggested that the Hall might stand a better chance if the Hall “den of sodomy,” San Francisco that underage children were being was renamed the Leicester Secular Cathedral. has been spared both hurricanes harboured in the restaurant". and fires, God’s wrath has been 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian felt by the deeply conservative restaurant in New Cross was hit by a “Bible Belt.” news item claiming that it sold Although Secularists find the human meat. idea of divine retribution to be The proprietor was said to have been absurd, some believers might arrested and nine bodies found in conclude that God must be angry the freezer; and staff had to contend at the religious right. Perhaps the with people screaming down the Christians who believe in a link ‘phone "Why are you still open?" between sin and natural disasters, should be looking at the Ÿ sin of greed. Thomas Aquinas wrote that “Greed is a sin against God, just as all mortal sins.” It is this sin which seems to have fallen out of fashion with the Christian fundamentalists. They seem to ignore the immense g r e e d o f t h e b i g e n e r g y Sunday 29th October 6.30pm Secular Hall 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 Dispossession is the story of people who know that corporations. Their lust for C h a r t i s t L e a d e r housing is not an expensive luxury, but a profits may not have caused a n d P o e t hurricanes, but it is probably fundamental human right. Author of: making them worse. So maybe This new feature documentary explores the agenda Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be God had good reason to punish behind the neglect, demolition and regeneration of the climate change deniers of the council estates over the past thirty years. The film southern states. reveals how individuals and communities are fighting against the state and private developers, as they try Whilst Secularists reject the doctrine that greed is a “sin to save their homes from demolition, while against god,” they can see that investigating the decisions that turned a crisis into a corporate greed is a crime against tragedy. humanity.

Leicester Secularist 3

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Extensive work carried out at the Hall during the summer Footnotes 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, FIRE SAFETY AT THE SECULAR HALL 3rd President of the United States. 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary For some years, the number of people able Clinton’s presidential campaign) to use the Secular Hall has been limited saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks by fire regulations. As a result, upstairs and someone put it about that they rooms, previously used for meetings, contained coded messages about a have had to be for storage. After taking child-sex ring and implicating advice from fire safety consultants, an named restaurants and members of action plan was drawn up and during t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e the summer various works have been restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, carried out at the Hall. received hundreds of threats, and Mike Burden has put a considerable then in December, 28 year old Edgar amount of time and effort working with Maddison Welch, burst in and fired builders, our architect and fire safety three shots, scattering terrifyied experts to bring the work to completion. diners. Welch later surrendered to He writes: police after he "found no evidence During the Summer most of the that underage children were being doors at Secular Hall were harboured in the restaurant". upgraded. Old door cladding has 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian been removed revealing much of the restaurant in New Cross was hit by a original panelling. After many years news item claiming that it sold the original woodwork is now human meat. visible again. The proprietor was said to have been Doors arrested and nine bodies found in Doors have been made to open in the the freezer; and staff had to contend direction of travel from the building. with people screaming down the For this reason, the outer oak doors ‘phone "Why are you still open?" to Humberstone Gate have been reversed. Some doors have all had Ÿ vision panels installed, whilst a bespoke fire door from the ballroom has been fitted which is in the style of the Hall’s original doors. Altogether, 18 fire doors have been improved. To meet fire safety regulations the door closures. doors have been painted using a fire Ceilings retardant ‘intumescent’ paint. Some doors needed only one side painted, All of the basement ceilings have 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 others both sides. been double boarded to improve C h a r t i s t L e a d e r their resistance to fire. You may a n d P o e t Intumescent Paint recall the fallen ceiling in Room 5. Author of: The joiner, Chris, has done a stirling This has also been double boarded Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be job in making the doors close fitting. and will be replastered. Intumescent strips have been Top left: The front door now open There is still a lot of redecoration to inserted, which seal the doors outwards to facilitate a swift evacuation do. If you have the time, interest and minimising smoke spreading in the Top right and below: the new fire door experience and would like to help event of a fire. If you are a hall user to the Ballroom then Mike Burden would be happy you will find that you will have to Above: The ceiling in room 5. This to hear from you. He can be push or pull doors a little harder as damage caused by water has now been contacted on [email protected] many have been fitted with new repaired

4 Leicester Secularist

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Pete Stone Footnotes 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States. Five decades of discussion results in unanimous 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign) agreement between religions of the world saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks and someone put it about that they Five decades of discussion results advisers arrived for ten days in contained coded messages about a in unanimous agreement between Antwerp for the Inauguration on child-sex ring and implicating religions of the world. September the 9th 1970. named restaurants and members of After nearly fifty years an Free For All t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e i n t e r n a t i o n a l m u l t i f a i t h Since that first Great Interfaith restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, convention of religious leaders, Council there have been six meetings received hundreds of threats, and clerics, scholars and theologians every year with each nation playing then in December, 28 year old Edgar have finally come to an agreement host to the delegates. There have Maddison Welch, burst in and fired on an unequivocal answer to the been two major delays in coming to three shots, scattering terrifyied one question that unites all faiths; consensus on the difficult task before diners. Welch later surrendered to what is the meaning of life? them, one was that most clerics have police after he "found no evidence All Welcome reached a venerable age by the time that underage children were being they were considered senior enough harboured in the restaurant". The General Assembly of the Faiths and embodying the wisdom of their 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian of the World was originally chosen faith to represent their order piety. The result of this was that at restaurant in New Cross was hit by a established in 1970 after a concerted at the Council, with the result being least six days of each ten-day synod news item claiming that it sold campaign for interdenominational that at each meeting a percentage of was taken up with supplication for human meat. cooperation and dialogue led by The the delegates would have died in the guidance blessings and for progress. The proprietor was said to have been Reverend Father Noorth of the Faroe intervening time, meaning that their arrested and nine bodies found in Islands. Originally conceived to be replacements had to be fully Insert Synonym an ecclesiastical discussion among the freezer; and staff had to contend inducted and brought up to speed on The current incumbent of the Chair of the Christian faiths, this was with people screaming down the the progress of theological debate up the Great Interdenominational broadened to take in the views of all ‘phone "Why are you still open?" to that point. C o u n c i l F a t h e r R u p p o f three Abrahamic religions, then with All in wrestling Ballygosideways Eire was delighted only two months before the General Ÿ to announce to a gathering of Council was planned to meet The second delaying factor which reporters from the worlds press and applications came in from many resulted in the Great Council taking media that the work of the Synod was other faiths including a personal 47 years to arrive at its conclusion now complete and in full agreement delegation from the Dalai Llama, a was that at the first meeting in with the statement: communiqué from a Confusion Antwerp one of the delegates Order, and a telegram from the Last proposed that each meeting should “We representatives of the religions Thursdayists (fervent believers in begin with 'prayers', unfortunately of the world have made comparative t h e O m p h a l o s h y p o t h e s i s ) . being in the company of every other study of holy text, scriptures A r c h b i s h o p C h e s s p i e c e o f creed on the planet nobody was teachings and philosophies, we have Gondwanaland who, acting as assertive enough or had the exchanged expression of our beliefs 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 and tenets that we each hold, we have C h a r t i s t L e a d e r t e m p o r a r y s e l f a p p o i n t e d prescience to suggest that this might a n d P o e t coordinator for the putative General not be the best use of their time. Thus compared what we share and each meeting convened with prayer examined the reasons why and how Author of: Council conceded that it might be Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be both morally justified and ethically from each of the denominations we differ. In this quest we have plausible to invite all the religions of being translated simultaneously for managed to arrive at a resolution on the world to nominate a team of each language of each delegate. which we concur as to the Meaning of delegates to attend the Great Occasionally some religions became Life: We have to concede that we interdenominational Council with a little competitive by insisting that should indeed turn around after the words “Oh, what the hell”. Thus their prayer persisted a little longer doing the hokey-cokey, as that is, in it was that 9255 clerics and their than others to establish their deeper fact, what it is all about”

Leicester Secularist 5

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Gush Bhumbra reports on Babu Gogineni’s lecture Footnotes 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, Religious fundamentalism and Caste politics: 3rd President of the United States. 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary A THREAT TO INDIA’S INTEGRITY Clinton’s presidential campaign) Mr. Babu Gogineni is a member of the saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks of the South Asian Humanist and someone put it about that they Association. His lecture on Religious contained coded messages about a Identity and Secular Values in India was child-sex ring and implicating organized by Asian Rationalist Society named restaurants and members of of Birmingham in association with the t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e Leicester Secular Society. restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, received hundreds of threats, and The grip of religion on India’s social then in December, 28 year old Edgar and cultural institutions is Maddison Welch, burst in and fired t i g h t e n i n g w h i l e c u l t u r a l three shots, scattering terrifyied nationalism and majoritarianism are diners. Welch later surrendered to damaging relations amongst police after he "found no evidence members of society. Political parties that underage children were being are sharpening their caste appeal harboured in the restaurant". profiles. Overall, Indian society is lurching to the right and to greater 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian Slum dwellers in Assam (Wikipeadia Commons) intolerance and we are witnessing a restaurant in New Cross was hit by a weakening of harmony in a society Babu Gogineni reviewed India’s for declaring the country as a Hindu news item claiming that it sold of extraordinary diversity. great and inspiring Humanist and nation. While constitutionally it human meat. Division & conflict Rationalist heritage starting with the would not be possible to abrogate the The proprietor was said to have been philosophical schools of Vaisesikha, basic structure of the constitution, if In his lecture, Babu Gogineni said: arrested and nine bodies found in Samkhya which were materialistic in ever it happened, it would be a huge “As the world’s youngest country the freezer; and staff had to contend their understanding of the universe. step backwards with most damaging with more than 50% of its 1.35 billion with people screaming down the While the Buddha offered a most consequences in a country with population being younger than 35 ‘phone "Why are you still open?" modern secular morality and paved perhaps the greatest religious years of age, the youthful energies the way for a casteless society, diversity in any country in the world. are being devoted to division and Ÿ subsequent historical developments The Caste System conflict rather than nation building. led to a loss of this great heritage. It is time that the leadership take India is yet to overcome the extreme India: A Secular State note of the growing dangers to divisions that the caste system has India’s extraordinary achievements The founders of the nation were imposed on society, and is only now in the last 70 years. Liberal thinkers aware of this great heritage, and addressing the plight of the poor who and journalists who hold this view when India became independent, outnumber those in sub-Saharan are receiving physical threats and the pioneers and the framers of the Africa. No where in the world is the some have even been eliminated, constitution agreed on a secular state gender imbalance more shamefully with little progress in identifying the as a defining feature of the new and disastrously existing than in culprits . India. The word secular is now part India. Child labour continues to be a 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 of the Indian constitution’s C h a r t i s t L e a d e r Humanist & Rationalist heritage concern with the world’s largest a n d P o e t p r e a m b l e , a n d s u b s e q u e n t number of children out of school This is not about one particular judgements of the Supreme Court being in India. These, and the Author of: political party; who ever proposes it, Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be have confirmed that the preamble debilitating effect of low literacy and r e l i g i o n a s a d e f i n i t i o n o f was part of the constitution, and also malnutrition should be addressed as nationhood, its alliance with politics, that secularism is part of the basic a priority in India. and additionally the appeal to and structure of the constitution which renewal of primitive caste identities Is is worth noting that Mrs. Annie even Parliament cannot change. is really dangerous. This is how Besant who spoke at the opening of the Pakistan and Bangladesh started Of late, some are however Secular Hall in 1881, later became the their disastrous journey some 40 or questioning this and are even calling President of the Indian National 50 years ago” for the constitution to be revised and Congress. 6 Leicester Secularist

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Ned Newitt reports on the recent lecture by Graham Smith of Republic Footnotes 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States. WHY THE MONARCHY MUST GO 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary In 1991, Labour MP Tony Benn belief that our Monarchs are chosen Clinton’s presidential campaign) introduced the Commonwealth of by God and therefore, should be saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks Britain Bill, which called for the treated with the utmost deference. and someone put it about that they transformation of the United They are, after all, the closest thing contained coded messages about a Kingdom into a "democratic, federal on Earth to God and should be child-sex ring and implicating and secular Commonwealth of treated as such. Royal protocol named restaurants and members of Britain", with an elected President. extends much further than common t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e The monarchy would be abolished courtesy and is a law unto itself. restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, and replaced by a republic with a This protocal decrees that when received hundreds of threats, and written constitution. It was read in dining with Her Majecty, you may then in December, 28 year old Edgar Parliament a number of times, but find that when she is finished eating, Maddison Welch, burst in and fired never achieved a second reading. # your plate is suddenly whipped three shots, scattering terrifyied Jeremy Corbyn away - even if you have not finished. diners. Welch later surrendered to Unfortunately, this is situation is police after he "found no evidence Although Benn’s bill was seconded made worse by the fact that The that underage children were being by Jeremy Corbyn, he has recently Queen is a quick eater. harboured in the restaurant". stated that republicanism was "not a battle that I am fighting." His An Elected Head of State Graham Smith, CEO of Republic (Paul S. 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian predecessor as leader of the Labour Jenkins CC) restaurant in New Cross was hit by a The more serious side of Republic’s Party George Lansbury, also a news item claiming that it sold case concerns the need for an elected not be asked to fund their extended republican, took a similar view human meat. head of state who would: family or maintain multiple homes. regarding the issue of the monarchy Ÿ represent the nation Puppet Head of State The proprietor was said to have been as a "distraction" from more Ÿ defend our democracy Graham Smith argued that our arrested and nine bodies found in important issues. the freezer; and staff had to contend Ÿ act as referee in the political present constitutional monarch is a In 2009, an ICM poll in 2009 found with people screaming down the process puppet head of state. Because a king that 76% of those asked wanted the ‘phone "Why are you still open?" Ÿ offer a non-political voice at times or queen has no democratic monarchy to continue after the of crisis and celebration legitimacy, they simply only do what Queen and 18% who said they Ÿ The job would not simply be they're told to by the government of would favour Britain becoming a ceremonial, such a head of state the day. This lack of legitimacy also republic. In this context, it is not would have very clear and limited means that the Queen retreats from surprising the Jeremy Corbyn powers. Those powers would be t h e h e a d o f s t a t e ' s r o l e i n wishes to sidestep the issue. non-political, which means that they representing and speaking for the Deference & Royal Protocol can only be exercised according to British people. The pressure group Republic has the certain official criteria. If there's a risk that a new law may difficult task of trying build support Since their neutrality can be breach fundamental rights or for a British republic. Its chief prescribed by law, this elected head principles, an elected head of state executive, Graham Smith, came to of state could be genuinely could refer it to the Supreme Court. 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 the Secular Hall and presented a independent of government, acting Or if there is widespread public C h a r t i s t L e a d e r very cogent argument for a British as an impartial referee of the political opposition to a bill, the president may a n d P o e t Republic. He argued that the system and an extra check on the consult the people in a referendum. Author of: monarchy should be abolished and power of government. These powers might only used rarely, Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be the Queen replaced with a head of If such a head of state attempted to but would be vitally important state chosen by the people. He also overreach their powers, there would safeguards in a democracy. described the culture of deference be a clear process for removing them Although Graham Smith presented a which surrounds the Royals which from office - unlike a monarch. And a logical and well argued case, it will be in his view was fundamentally president would be paid a interesting to see if Republic can undemocratic. This is enshrined in straightforward annual salary, m a k e a n y i n r o a d s i n t o t h e royal protocol. usually with a small office and one entrenched royalistic sentiments of Royal Protocol originates from the official residence. The public would so many people. Leicester Secularist 7

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Caroline Moles reviews Elaine Pantling’s Show Footnotes 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States. 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign) saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks and someone put it about that they contained coded messages about a child-sex ring and implicating named restaurants and members of t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, received hundreds of threats, and Some of us will have met Elaine before at the Secular then in December, 28 year old Edgar Society, telling us about Alice Hawkins in a previous Maddison Welch, burst in and fired show. This new and improved version will be staged at three shots, scattering terrifyied Curve Theatre at the end of October. It includes choirs diners. Welch later surrendered to and our Red Leicester Choir, which rehearses at the police after he "found no evidence Secular Hall. that underage children were being harboured in the restaurant". Elaine herself has a lovely voice for singing. And this performance included quite a few songs often sung to 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian the melodies of popular songs and hymns but with restaurant in New Cross was hit by a n e w w o r d s a b o u t v o t e s f o r w o m e n . news item claiming that it sold The play tells of key events in Alice's life and her role in human meat. the Suffragette Movement. The proprietor was said to have been Alice started work as a shoe machinist in a Leicester arrested and nine bodies found in shoe factory at age 13 years. She met her husband to-be the freezer; and staff had to contend at a socialist meeting and they had 5 children together, carved Votesfor Women on the greens of Stoughton golf with people screaming down the 3 girls and 2 boys. Alice said that they 'had all been with course in Leicester and put cards saying Votes for ‘phone "Why are you still open?" her every step of the way’. Women, in all the holes. Women felt they were voiceless in unions so set up Ÿ She had learned about unions from her father who held union meetings in their house. Alice joined the women's unions, such as the Women's Boot and Shoe Independent Labour Party and found that women did Union. Alice went to Hyde Park in London for a mass not have a voice, so she joined the Leicester Women's rally of Suffragettes and spoke on a platform with Keir Labour League. With them she went to London to hear Hardie and Bernard Shaw. Mrs. Pankhurst speak. Then, the masses of women Alice then took part in a campaign to break politicians' marched to the House of Commons, singing and were windows, throwing stones with messages such as, stopped by police. Alice was arrested and sent to 'freedom is my right'. This was followed by a campaign Holloway prison for 14 days. She described the awful to pour ink into official letterboxes, Alice was arrested nature of imprisonment but the women sang to keep again and sent to prison for 14 days. She went on hunger strike for 7 days. She became very ill and was sent home. 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 their spirits up. C h a r t i s t L e a d e r When the militant women were released from prison, a Other suffragettes were force fed which was very a n d P o e t detrimental to their health. brass band greeted them and they marched to Charing Author of: Cross for tea. And a stirring speech from Finally, on February 6 th. 1918, the Representation of the Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be Mrs.Pankhurst. Mrs. Pankhurst gave Alice a pledge People Act, went through parliament, giving men the card and signed her up as a Suffragette. After this Alice right to vote at age 21 and women that right at 30 years Hawkins worked to recruit women to the WSPU, the of age. Alice commented that 'the door is open but the Women's Social and Political Union, known otherwise fight remains for the same rights everywhere' as the Suffragette Movement or the Movement for This was a very inspiring and involving story and a Women's Suffrage. Alice addressed women wonderfully well told performance with excellent everywhere, including in Leicester at the Market place. singing from Elaine. As an example of the Suffragette campaigns, women Much to be recommended...... Caroline Moles 8 Leicester Secularist

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Terry Sanderson Footnotes 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States. BBC overdoing religion 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary New figures show that the BBC is country understand the UK without Clinton’s presidential campaign) devoting hundreds of hours of learning of the crucial role Christianity saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks programming to religion each year. NSS has played in the formation of its political and someone put it about that they president Terry Sanderson argues that structures and culture? contained coded messages about a more of its scarce resources should be "This is not about promoting faith; it's child-sex ring and implicating spent elsewhere. about promoting knowledge and named restaurants and members of In its recently published annual understanding – surely a central role of a t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e report, the BBC reveals the amount public service broadcaster? But the BBC restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, increasing amount of research is of time it devotes to religion on its TV is coming up short." received hundreds of threats, and showing, has little meaning for many, and radio channels. This year's then in December, 28 year old Edgar This is, of course, the familiar if not most, other people in this figures are: Maddison Welch, burst in and fired argument often put forward by the country. BBC1 - 88 hours (last year 92 hours) three shots, scattering terrifyied churches that there is an urgent need Why do we have to know about it? If BBC2 - 73 hours (last year 50 hours) diners. Welch later surrendered to for more "religious literacy" in we aren't going to follow it, aren't BBC 4 - 20 hours (last year 24 hours) police after he "found no evidence Britain. Religion is so important, they going to observe it and even consider it Radio – 574 hours (last year 573 hours) that underage children were being say, that we must all know much to be slightly off the wall, why do we harboured in the restaurant". The corporation, as we know, is more about it. have to educate ourselves about its under severe financial strain and theology? Isn't it enough to know that 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian But, of course, "religious literacy" is needs to make savings in all areas. its adherents are tearing the world restaurant in New Cross was hit by a never defined and as we have seen in Surely it is sensible to put most of its asunder? news item claiming that it sold schools, it can very quickly morph resources into programmes that If religions want to go to war over tiny human meat. into evangelising and proselytising. people actually want to watch. differences in theology, there is The proprietor was said to have been The latest reasoning for demanding That, quite clearly, doesn't include more programmes that people don't nothing I can do about it. As recent arrested and nine bodies found in research has shown, people with religion. The audiences for these want to watch is that "religious the freezer; and staff had to contend dogmatic beliefs hold them on programmes are often so small that literacy" is at an all-time low and with people screaming down the emotional grounds and they will not they can't be measured by the usual needs to be increased. The theory ‘phone "Why are you still open?" be shaken by any logic or reason. That methods. goes that because religion is tearing does not mean that the rest of us have Despite this, the BBC is regularly the world apart we all have to know Ÿ to endure their obsessions. attacked by religious interests for not much more about it, we have to know The BBC is a public service broadcaster taking its religious programming about the theology of various sects (unlike ITV, which was long ago seriously and, in fact, reducing its and denominations so we can relieved by Ofcom of the requirement religious output. This claim was understand why they are murdering to provide any religious programmes given a new impetus earlier this year each other. at all). As such the Corporation must when it was discovered that the BBC And, of course, in schools, children seek to serve all sections of society. It is was closing its religion and ethics have to know how to worship and therefore not unreasonable that department in Salford. This followed have their heads filled with the idea religious people should get a look in. the announcement that BBC1's only that religion is essential, important, But it should be a proportionate look vaguely popular religious show, 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 all-pervasive and inescapable. in; 574 hours of radio is surely more C h a r t i s t L e a d e r Songs of Praise, was being (Fortunately, their own lives tell them than enough for any special interest a n d P o e t outsourced to an independent that they can get along very nicely group. Religion no longer holds a Author of: producer. without religion, thank you, and special place in the hearts of large Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be The usual voices were raised in nothing would induce them to start swathes of the British people and that protest. Roger Bolton, who presents going to church). should be taken into account when programmes for the BBC and has Personally speaking, I don't want to allotting scarce BBC resources. long campaigned for more religion know anything more about religion – I don't think it is the duty of the BBC to on TV, said that the corporation is nothing at all. I don't think that my provide ill-defined "religious literacy" "not fit for purpose". In the Radio life would be diminished one iota if I to a nation that doesn't want it. And the Times last year, he wrote: "How can knew nothing whatsoever about it. It BBC should not be used as a platform young people and immigrants to this has no meaning for me, and as an for proselytising at public expense. Leicester Secularist 9

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Compiled from NSS & Humanist UK reports by Ned Newitt Footnotes 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, Court of Appeal finds against Birmingham faith school 3rd President of the United States. 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary GENDER SEGREGATION UNLAWFUL Clinton’s presidential campaign) The segregation of girls and boys at a saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks Muslim school in Birmingham has and someone put it about that they been deemed unlawful by the Court contained coded messages about a of Appeal. This decision states that child-sex ring and implicating such segregation discriminates named restaurants and members of against both girls and boys and, t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e overturns an earlier ruling of the restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, High Court. received hundreds of threats, and It is likely to force changes at a host of then in December, 28 year old Edgar other faith schools which segregate Maddison Welch, burst in and fired their pupils. Ofsted will now be able three shots, scattering terrifyied to penalise Islamic and other faith diners. Welch later surrendered to schools if they continue to practice police after he "found no evidence gender segregation. There are that underage children were being approximately 20 faith schools that harboured in the restaurant". teach boys and girls separately. 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian The Al-Hijrah School in Birmingham restaurant in New Cross was hit by a with a boy pupil only because of her sex; 2012. This was to make sure the was found by Ofsted back in 2016 to news item claiming that it sold if she were a boy she would be permitted school’s admissions policy complied be fostering a culture off prejudicerom the in N ational Secular Society human meat. to interact with a boy pupil, and vice with equal opportunities legislation. relation to girls. Al-Hijrah is a state- The proprietor was said to have been versa. It was reasonable for Ofsted to The Girls and Boys schools are funded Islamic school which admits arrested and nine bodies found in take the view that this policy is housed under the same roof. pupils of both sexes. But from year the freezer; and staff had to contend detrimental to each pupil as it adversely Segregation part of the Religious Ethos five boys and girls are completely with people screaming down the impacts upon the quality and segregated for religious reasons for The school says that in accordance ‘phone "Why are you still open?" effectiveness of the education given to all lessons, break and lunchtimes, with its religious ethos, boys and girls them by the School. As a result of the school trips and school clubs. are segregated – but so too are the Ÿ policy each pupil suffers less favourable teachers. Although the students Segregation treatment by reason of their sex.’ share some facilities, the school day is The schools inspectorate received an Implications staggered so that they never meet, anonymous complaint from one The ruling is likely to have with the girls starting 15 minutes pupil immediately following one of implications on other schools in the earlier. There’s even a separate its inspections claiming that boys UK that similarly segregate boys and timetable for the shared library, with and girls were ‘segregated all the girls. Ofsted had made clear in the girls and boys only being allowed time’. The pupil was ‘worried about run up to their appeal that, if access on separate days. going to college and not having the social successful, ‘it will apply a consistent The recent Ofsted inspection of the skills to be able to speak normally to the approach to all similarly organised Madani School for Girls makes no 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 opposite gender.’ schools’. This point was accepted by mention of gender segregation. C h a r t i s t L e a d e r Despite this, the school claimed that the court, although it suggested that However in 2014, Hussein Suleman, a a n d P o e t boys and girls were treated equally ‘the schools affected should be given time governor of the school and a former Author of: and this claim was subsequently to put their houses in order’ given the Liberal councillor told Channel 4 Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be upheld by the High Court. However, state’s historic failure to deal with that: the Court of Appeal has ruled that such discrimination. “We don’t believe it would be right for the segregation amounts to The Madani School in Leicester males to teach our female pupils, or for a discrimination against both boys It will be interesting to see what woman to teach our young men. In our and girls. Explaining the reason for ruling this will have on the Islamic religion, men and women do not interact their decision, the court stated that: Madani Schools in Leicester. The on a casual basis, there are dos and don’ts ‘The School’s policy prevents an original mixed school was split into a and rules of conduct,” individual girl pupil from interacting separate girls’ and boys’ school in 10 Leicester Secularist

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Mel Read Footnotes 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, THE POWER OR PRAYER 3rd President of the United States. 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary or a quick peek at God's 'To Do List' Clinton’s presidential campaign) saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks god intervened and that our boy is and someone put it about that they now on the mend because of the contained coded messages about a power of prayer. Not the skill of the Leicester Secular Society members child-sex ring and implicating surgeons, not the National Health attending the 16th Annual named restaurants and members of service, not medical science, but god. Commemoration of Charles t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e The illustrates the importance of Bradlaugh in Northampton. restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, teaching children logic-that they Members heard a talk entitled received hundreds of threats, and grow up understanding the nature “Liberty’s chief foe is theology” then in December, 28 year old Edgar of a causal relationship, grasp what and are seen here by Charles Maddison Welch, burst in and fired is a necessary but insufficient Bradlaugh’s statue in Abington condition three shots, scattering terrifyied Square Northampton. diners. Welch later surrendered to My question is-how does god pick police after he "found no evidence out the lucky ones? Is it how hard that underage children were being and with what conviction the godly Heritage Open Day harboured in the restaurant". pray? Is it the faith of the recipients at the Secular Hall Our grandson has just had a major 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian (certainly not in Nate's case) Or is operation in the Salford Royal Thanks to everyone for helping on restaurant in New Cross was hit by a god oversubscribed, and slowing Hospital-a tumour removed his neck Open Day which I think was a news item claiming that it sold down because of serious overload? and shoulders. All has gone well, success. We had about 145 visitors human meat. And my second question is-does this and he is recovering nicely-mainly throughout the day (though a few The proprietor was said to have been faith overshadow science? And d u e t o t h e s k i l l s o f t h e always manage to miss signing in) arrested and nine bodies found in engineering in its various forms in neurophysiologist, who managed to - by far our best ever attendance. the freezer; and staff had to contend particular? Some years ago there was insert probes into Nate's neck and Gillian Lighton with people screaming down the a major mining accident in Chile, brain, using robots. These probes ‘phone "Why are you still open?" and about 40 miners were trapped sensed when the surgeons were underground in an air pocket- Visibility at the getting too near the nerves and Ÿ trapped like rats and thinking that beeped. Some top notch technology, they would die slowly-buried alive. Clock Tower free at the point of need Mining engineers surveyed, drilled, It has been a while since there has His Facebook Friends sent warm tested and finally rescued each one, been any Leicester Secular Society encouragement, and commiserated to great and emotional rejoicing. presence at the clock tower. With with him that the impressive scar is And who got first credit? Well, god, support and funding from the in his back-not his neck. He had of course. Society, I believe we can have a planned to hint that the scar was the monthly Saturday presence there. But god ought not to have things result of a knife fight. both ways. If he rescues some and For literature we could use pamphlets produced by the NSS Only smallish problem was that too not others, he comes over as picky, and BHA as well as own flyers for 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 many were saying prayers. He went vindictive even. If he rescues on an lectures etc. We could also C h a r t i s t L e a d e r onto prayer lists, prayers offered at a arbitrary basis, what is the point of a n d P o e t variety of churches, private prayers , encourage members to write topic asking him anything? sheets. Author of: family prayers and all-purpose, I can live with other folks praying if it Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be 'catch me if you can 'prayers. I would be happy to co-ordinate makes them feel better about such a group but all would need to How-to handle this? What would themselves and the world. But not if contribute. you do if people insisted on praying prayer and religion mask more If there are like minds out there for you? You could just smile, say rational ideas . I can even then do feel free to contact me, thanks but no thanks, or just ignore contemplate the surgeons at the [email protected] or the whole thing. The problem comes Salford Royal praying before our 07722782727. when those who pray think their g r a n d s o n s s u r g e r y - b u t n o t Ever hopeful, Mike Burden prayers have been answered-that during,OK? Leicester Secularist 11

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Chris Goodwin Footnotes 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, The Christian Broadcasting Network 3rd President of the United States. 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary The Christian Broadcasting b r o a d c a s t . D e m o c r a t s a r e 1988 and was a close friend and ally Clinton’s presidential campaign) Network (CBN) was set up by Pat demonised as socialists, communists of Ronald Reagon. CBN was found saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks Robertson in Portsmouth Virginia in or Marxists. Catholics are not guilty of using its funds for political and someone put it about that they 1960. Its aim was to televise represented in the anti-abortion purposes and fined in 1992. No other contained coded messages about a “ c h a r i s m a t i c C h r i s t i a n i t y ” - campaign because they vote penalty was issued for this or for child-sex ring and implicating speaking in tongues and signs, Democrat. Evangelicals are at the funding the contras in Nicaragua. named restaurants and members of healing and miracles. forefront of it. Fundamentalist Christians were a t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e The programme was called the 700 The 700 Club presented current key element of Donald Trump's restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, Club whose executive producer events, miracles and Christian laws. election. The evangelicals help to received hundreds of threats, and executive was Terry Heaton. He has It was well researched and planned. draw in the poor behind the then in December, 28 year old Edgar written the book The Gospel of Self Thousands of activists learnt party Republicans by linking the two Maddison Welch, burst in and fired (Or Books) on which this article is campaigning and organising campaigns and giving hope to them three shots, scattering terrifyied based. through the show according to Pat through their lies and irrationality. diners. Welch later surrendered to CBN has been replaced by Fox Robertson. Beyond Reason police after he "found no evidence News, conservative radio and off The Wealthy F o x n e w s s a y s i t i s u s i n g that underage children were being and online observer websites. Terry There was an emphasis on transparency in a counter to harboured in the restaurant". H e a t o n d e s c r i b e s h o w h e supporting the haves. Anyone can be questions about the so-called 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian unwittingly brought Donald Trump one. “Testimony stories always led to objectivity of its predecessor CBN restaurant in New Cross was hit by a to power. the proclamation this is available to news. Say what you want as long as news item claiming that it sold The mission of CBN was that “God you.” Scriptures were selected to you know who said it. human meat. wanted us to wrest control away from promote prosperity and wealth and “The most vocal wing of the Republican The proprietor was said to have been those who were destroying the Christian excluded that which opposed the Party represents the Evangelical arrested and nine bodies found in foundation of the country''. wealth of the few. Also, often quoted Christians who are in it for beyond the freezer; and staff had to contend They propagandised the pending in the 700 club was the Shakespeare reason. Their zealotry leads the way in with people screaming down the return of Jesus Christ as prophesised of the Divines “for God loves to bless expressing extreme conservative ‘values’ ‘phone "Why are you still open?" in the Book of Revelation. Jesus will and reward labour and not support in all matters relating to social mores and not return until God has given idleness.” their minds are closed to discussion.'' Ÿ Jerusalem back to Israel which had F u n d r a i s i n g wa s t h r o u g h Terry Heaton begun in 1948 with the NAKBA membership of the club and based Pat Robinson has talked of killing when Zionists began seizing land on self-centeredness. Robertson gays and is said to have talked of from the indigenous people. worked out a formula whereby killing judges who opposed prayers It was based on John the Baptist individuals came first and were in schools. Fortunately, we do not “preparing the way of the Lord.'' ultimately blessed as a result of their have Christian television in this Anything went, as long as it was donations. country but where else are they establishing God's kingdom on Terry Heaton was the executive spreading their dogma? earth. “Jews are friends, Muslims are producer of the 700 club until he was enemies.” sacked in 1988 for telling Pat Leicester Secular 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 Republicans Robertson he did not think his son C h a r t i s t L e a d e r was suited to the TV programme. Pat a n d P o e t They targeted the USA, countries in Robinson was the absolute authority Society AGM the Middle East, the far east and Author of: in CBN news. Terry Heaton is now 3pm, Sunday Nov 19th Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be South America. Film, music and opposed to hierarchies and calls for a social media were also used. It was (members only) different kind of Christianity. His aimed to win over conservative Society officers report back on book is primarily aimed at Democrats, rural and suburban the year. Motions. Elections to Christians who he sees as the only Christians to the Republican Party. the Board. Light refreshments people capable of changing the grip Right wing views on issues such as available. Have your say. Stand of the fundamentalists. patriotism, family, religious liberties, for/elect a strong Board for a school prayers and sanctity of life are Pat Robertson ran for president 1987- strong Society.

12 Leicester Secularist

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Footnotes S E C U L A R W O R L D N E W S 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, from the International Humanist and Ethical Union 3rd President of the United States. 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign) UN Human Rights Council condemns death penalty saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks and someone put it about that they for apostasy, blasphemy and same-sex relations contained coded messages about a Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) hosted an child-sex ring and implicating Expert Group Meeting on the death penalty and named restaurants and members of discrimination earlier this year. t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e In that meeting as an invited panellist, IHEU director of restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, communications and campaigns, Bob Churchill, raised received hundreds of threats, and the issue of the need to recognise and understand the then in December, 28 year old Edgar situation of the non-religious as a distinct minority Maddison Welch, burst in and fired within death penalty work. He highlighted several cases three shots, scattering terrifyied of people accused under ‘blasphemy’ or ‘apostasy’ in diners. Welch later surrendered to countries where those crimes are punishable by death, police after he "found no evidence and where they have been targeted for being non- In a momentous move on the eve of International that underage children were being religious, or at least accused of being non-religious. He Blasphemy Day, the UN Human Rights Council harboured in the restaurant". argued that the existence of death penalties for these yesterday passed a resolution on the death penalty. It 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian crimes was a prime facie violation of the rights to calls on any states who have not abolished the death restaurant in New Cross was hit by a freedom of thought and expression, and pointed out penalty to ensure that it is not imposed as a sanction for news item claiming that it sold how the injustices faced by non-religious people tended apostasy, blasphemy, adultery and consensual same- human meat. to be structurally different from some other groups sex relations. The proprietor was said to have been accused under similar laws, and that we must arrested and nine bodies found in The resolution, was sponsored by Benin, Belgium, understand this as a prerequisite to fixing it. the freezer; and staff had to contend Costa Rica, France, Mexico, Republic of Moldova, with people screaming down the Mongolia, and Switzerland. It was adopted by a vote of ‘phone "Why are you still open?" 27 in favour, 13 against and 7 abstentions and has been warmly welcomed by the International Humanist and

Ÿ Ethical Union (IHEU). The resolution follows a report by UN Secretary General on the death penalty and discrimination ahead of the 36th session of the UN Human Rights Council, which discusses the disproportionate impact of the death penalty on people who are discriminated against. It quotes the foreword to the 2016 edition of the IHEU Freedom of Thought Report, which was written by the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Luxembourg ends religious education noting that “Several States continue to criminalize forms of 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 non-religious beliefs, including 13 States that impose the Luxembourg is to replace faith-based religious C h a r t i s t L e a d e r death penalty for blasphemy or apostasy.” education in schools in favour of inclusive ‘life and a n d P o e t The report also notes that the imposition of the death society’ classes. Faith-based education is to be phased Author of: penalty for offences relating to consensual homosexual out as part of its formal process of separation between Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be conduct continues to be provided for in the legislation church and state which was announced in 2015. of many States. It says, “the existence of such laws Previously religious education in Luxembourg schools discriminates against the conduct of lesbian, gay, bisexual was instructional; encouraging children to participate and transgender persons. Those laws also send a social in Catholic worship and preparing children to take message. They have an intimidating effect and can create an their first communion. Schools will no longer provide enabling environment for acts of violence and stigma.” such classes. Parents wishing to instruct their children In preparation for the report, the Office of the High in religious ceremonies can do so within the church institutions outside of school hours. Leicester Secularist 13

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Mike Flood Footnotes 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, How Damaging Is Bad Information? 3rd President of the United States. 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary Mike Flood asks what we have to fear Clinton’s presidential campaign) from fake news and misinformation. saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks If "information is the currency of and someone put it about that they democracy," what happens when contained coded messages about a that currency is deliberately child-sex ring and implicating corrupted? named restaurants and members of Can democracy survive? t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e Heard the one about the 41-year-old restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, woman arrested in New York for received hundreds of threats, and defecating on her then in December, 28 year old Edgar boss’s desk after winning $3 million Maddison Welch, burst in and fired on the lottery? She learned of her win three shots, scattering terrifyied on Friday night but showed up for diners. Welch later surrendered to work on Monday to deliver one last police after he "found no evidence package on the boss’s desk. “It was that underage children were being w o r t h i t , ” s h e s a i d w h e n harboured in the restaurant". apprehended, “I’ve been putting up 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian with that guy’s sh*t for years, it’s time restaurant in New Cross was hit by a he put up with some of mine.” news item claiming that it sold Great story. Pity its fake — just like human meat. the photo that accompanied it! The ‘fake news farms’ proliferate and likely to vote. The proprietor was said to have been author, comedian Dave Weasel, new voice simulating software is Critical Information arrested and nine bodies found in thought he’d set up a satirical launched onto the market making it Clearly fake news and its close cousin the freezer; and staff had to contend website like The Onion, but his story possible to put words in politician’s conspiracy theory are not new with people screaming down the went viral and clickbait earned him a and celebrity’s mouths.The phenomena, but the combination of ‘phone "Why are you still open?" lot of money, so he could see he was consequences don’t bear thinking advances in IT and communication onto a good thing… His was one of about… technology, and the astronomical Ÿ the biggest fake crime news hits on Serious Consequences growth in social media, has made Facebook last year, generating more “Beware false knowledge; it is more them a game changer. Today, ‘post- than 1.7 million shares, reactions and dangerous than ignorance.” George truth’, we face a situation in which comments. Bernard Shaw “sources of opinion are proliferating, This may seem like harmless fun but So fake news is very real, and it has but sources of facts on which those many fabricated stories are far from consequences. It can: opinions are based are shrinking.” benign… take the one about the 13 ProPublica (a US-based, independent Ÿ damage people’s reputation and year old Russian girl, Lisa, newsroom) notes that the former is, livelihood reportedly abducted in Germany by on balance, “a societal good”; the Ÿ incite hatred, putting foreigners m i g r a n t s a n d g a n g - r a p e d . latter, “a problem”, a BIG problem. 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 According to NATO the story was and minorities at risk — as C h a r t i s t L e a d e r One characteristic of fake news is that seeded (in Jan 2016) by First Russian happened with the Lisa abduction a n d P o e t it can be very ‘sticky’, and sadly, as TV and it led to a media storm, a story; Author of: Alexis de Tocqueville observed two public backlash against immigrants, Ÿ cause serious damage to Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be centuries ago, "the public will believe and a serious diplomatic row. businesses — recall the claim that a simple lie rather than a complex an Indian restaurant in New Cross Joseph Nye points out that: “in the truth" — hence the rise of vulgarians was selling human meat? information age, it’s not just whose like Donald Trump. They are pushing army wins but whose story wins," Ÿ have grave political ramifications, on an open door… and right now it seems that the tall not least by creating anxiety and Demonising Science stories are winning hands down. confusion, subverting public One aspect of the problem which I And expect things to get worse as attitudes, and making people less personally find especially disturbing

14 Leicester Secularist

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

is the glib dismissalof scientific Caroline Moles Footnotes analysis and findings, and the demonizing of professional 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, commentators, whose job it is to 3rd President of the United States. The Zinthiya Project w i n k l e o u t t h e t r u t h a n d 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary contextualize it for the rest of us. Zinthiya, herself, came to the Clinton’s presidential campaign) Facts and opinions have become Secular Society to talk about the saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks s e e m i n g l y i n t e r c h a n g e a b l e , two strands to her work. Firstly, to and someone put it about that they evidence and reasoned analysis are mention her Leicester based trust, contained coded messages about a routinely dismissed, and experts are based in Bishop Street in Leicester child-sex ring and implicating reviled and ridiculed. The my- and secondly to tell us about her named restaurants and members of o p i n i o n - i s - a s - g o o d - a s - yo u r s new project in Sri Lanka, t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e attitude is now seriously hampering Zinthiya's original home. restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, global efforts to tackle climate The Leicester project exists to castes. Many of the population of received hundreds of threats, and change, eradicate infectious disease, support women suffering abuse, of Sri Lanka are buddhists. Sadly then in December, 28 year old Edgar and deal with a host of other various kinds, and to help them because other Tamils in Sri Lanka Maddison Welch, burst in and fired existential threats to life. It also and educate them in their civil and are of different [higher?] castes, three shots, scattering terrifyied threatens to undermine democracy human rights.She describes her they do not want to have much to do diners. Welch later surrendered to and our belief in established political services as including support with lower castes. Thus these Tamil police after he "found no evidence institutions; and it contributes to the groups, counselling and practical tea workers are very isolated. that underage children were being general feeling that things are out of support such as housing and harboured in the restaurant". Zinthiya explained that the people control, “like history speeded up”. benefit advice. She told us that of the Central Highlands were very 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian Trust, a shared sense of reality, and a many women are unaware of their poor and lacking in basic education. restaurant in New Cross was hit by a basic level of consensus are all vital rights and may be controlled by Their standard of living is very low. news item claiming that it sold to social cohesion and human family members and subject to Women work long hours picking human meat. flourishing, and they are today in having any money they earn taken tea leaves and then have domestic The proprietor was said to have been short supply. off them, or being made to do work to do as well. Men have a hard arrested and nine bodies found in A Humanist Initiative excessive housework. Financial life too. Zinthiya hopes to help the freezer; and staff had to contend If you would like to know more support comes from many sources women in the tea plantations to get with people screaming down the about practical things that can be including the Lottery. The Zinthiya an education and realise a better ‘phone "Why are you still open?" d o n e t o t a c k l e f a k e n e w s , Trust supports a shop, also based life, she hopes to teach them their misinformation and alternative facts in Bishop Street, at number 10. The rights. However she is under no Ÿ take a look at a citizen’s initiative that shop aims to offer assorted goods illusions it will be easy, because we launched recently. It’s called at very reasonable prices. there is money at stake and the Critical Information and it aims to The Sri Lanka Project is relatively Government do not want a work with and through civil society recent and is based in the tea workforce demanding better and community-based organisations plantations of the Central conditions and better wages. Tea to raise awareness of the nature of Highlands of the island of Sri exports bring in money for the problems posed by fake stories and Lanka. Zinthiya gave us a brief country. As well, there is little misinformation, and also reach out history lesson. Tea was introduced sympathy in the wider society for a to young people through schools to Sri Lanka (known then as minority of different ethnicity and and colleges — it is, after all, their Ceylon) by the British Raj, it was religion. 1 8 0 3 - 1 8 4 6 future that is being put at brought (query stolen?) from However, Zinthiya hopes to be able C h a r t i s t L e a d e r risk by the rapid devaluation of our China. The Chinese had grown tea to work with the women to improve a n d P o e t most basic of currencies, accurate for hundreds of years. The climate their toilet facilities and their health Author of: Britannia’s Sons, Though Slaves Ye Be information. and soil of Ceylon were ideal for and their diet. I should add that growing tea and tea from Ceylon Zinthiya speaks some Tamil and her was highly prized. The people Mike Flood works on grassroots husband is a Tamil speaker, picking the tea were also brought international development with Zinthiya, is a native of Sri Lanka in to Sri Lanka by the British Raj, Powerful Information. He also chairs who speaks Singhalese and English. they were Tamils from Tamil Nadu M i l t o n K e y n e s H u m a n i s t s . I certainly wish her every success in South India. They were [[email protected]] and I think she is in a good position indentured labour and from low to help these poor people.

Leicester Secularist 15

Christian art: “If he dies it’s your fault, if he lives it’s a miracle.” The Atheist Republic of Kuala Lumpar NATIONAL NEWS from the National Secular Society

Secular Society Contacts Council considers cut for transport for special needs pupils Footnotes All can be reached by post via the 1 The quote is by Thomas Jefferson, Hall address Getting its priorities wrong 3rd President of the United States. President: Gush Bhumbra Leicestershire County Council 2 John Podesta (chairman of Hillary [email protected] (LCC) has to make £66m of savings Clinton’s presidential campaign) Chairperson: Anthony Matthew over the next four years. This is due saw his emails leaked by WikiLeaks [email protected] to cut backs in central government and someone put it about that they Membership Secretary/Treasurer funding. Currently, the County contained coded messages about a John Catt Council provides transport to child-sex ring and implicating Tel: 01509 211468 nursery and school/college for named restaurants and members of [email protected] approximately 400 children with t h e D e m o c r a t i c Pa r t y. O n e Company Secretary: Special Education Needs (SEN) restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, Gillian Lighton under five, and between the ages of their children to a school that will received hundreds of threats, and [email protected] 16-19. inculcate their "faith" - even when then in December, 28 year old Edgar Hall bookings/maintenance The Council is considering cutting there is a closer community school Maddison Welch, burst in and fired Mike Burden: back on the support it provides to available. three shots, scattering terrifyied Tel: 07722 782727 low income families towards getting Whilst the County Council is diners. Welch later surrendered to [email protected] these often severely disabled considering reducing transport police after he "found no evidence Events Coordinator: Gillian Lighton children to and from school. It is also support to children with Special that underage children were being Secularist Editor: Ned Newitt considering cutting all financial Educational Needs, there are no harboured in the restaurant". [email protected] support for transport for 16-19 year matching proposals to cut the 3 In May 2017 the Karri Twist Indian Library and archives olds with SEN who wish to get to financial assistance for faith school restaurant in New Cross was hit by a Gillian Lighton school or college. transport. If you want to have your news item claiming that it sold [email protected] Since 2015, the County Council has say, you can take part in the County human meat. Keyholders: been in the process of phasing out C o u n c i l ' s c o n s u l t a t i o n a t The proprietor was said to have been Mike Burden and Gillian Lighton assisted transport to faith schools. www.leicestershire.gov.uk/school- arrested and nine bodies found in Audio-visual kit However, it still subsidises transport transport-policy-changes the freezer; and staff had to contend Normally held by Mike Burden for families on low income who send The deadline is 21st December 2017. with people screaming down the Leicester Secular Society ‘phone "Why are you still open?" Registered Office: Secular Hall, 75 Humberstone Gate, Ÿ Leicester LE1 1WB Email: [email protected] Website: www.leicestersecularsociety.org.uk

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