Ri Hyon Ok Publicly Executed: Distributed Bible in North Korea

Ri Hyon Ok, a 33-year-old Christian woman in North Korea, was executed for distributing copies of the Bible, which is banned in the country. South Korean human rights activists revealed this event as a sign of a renewed crackdown on religion in North Korea, despite the fact...

Ga. Judge Jails Muslim Woman Over Head Scarf

Religious freedom or judges control of a courtroom? A difficult choice. Judges have the power to set and enforce rules for their courtrooms,  for behavior, language, dress. Should an exception be made for...

Cyprus: Portrait of a Christianity Obliterated

Cyprus: Portrait of a Christianity Obliterated In the northern part of the island, occupied by Turkey, the churches have become stables or mosques. The diary of a trip beyond the wall by Sandro Magister ROMA,...

Congressman is Openly Atheist; Religious Right Openly Hostile

"Peter Stark made a statement about his religious beliefs, making him just one of many congress critters who've done so. In fact, for too many, their religious beliefs are their only real qualification for office...

Mom Loses Custody Because a Judge Thinks She's not Funny

"It's a blurb on Boing Boing that has renewed interest in the case of Rachel Bevilacqua and her son Kohl. Unfortunately, the blurb isn't entirely accurate."The story about Rachel Bevilacqua (a.k.a. Reverend Mary...

Republicans are for Religious Freedom -- Except When They're Not

""Protecting our religious freedom requires the vigilance of the American people and of government at all levels. Within my Administration, the Department of Justice is acting to protect religious freedom,...

Bush Plays Politics with the Religion of a Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

"Family and friends of a Nevada soldier killed in Afghanistan a year ago marked the anniversary of his death by holding a demonstration in Reno.The small group gathered in the early morning chill Tuesday at a downtown veterans memorial to remember Nevada Army National Guard...

Mercury regulations - a threat to religious freedom?

Reuters.com reports that the US Environmental Protection Agency is treading cautiously over regulating the use of mercury in Voodoo ceremonies lest it be accused of violating the First Amendment, which includes the right to freedom of religion.

New Mexico State Kicks Muslim Players Off the Football Team

"This was supposed to be Muammar Ali’s year at New Mexico State. “Muammar Ali, who led the team with 561 yards rushing, will get even more opportunities,” predicted SI.com in its NCAA football preview.But he...

closeSign in to NowPublic

is reporting from