A three-year-old boy has had his penis cut off during a
circumcision in Brazil. Meanwhile some Sri Lankan Muslim groups are calling for forms of female genital mutilation to be permitted on 'religious
freedom' grounds, using language deployed to defend ritual male circumcision. The NSS argues that all children deserve equal and complete protection from
unnecessary genital cutting.
A group of Italian doctors are on trial for manslaughter after
refusing to perform a potentially life-saving abortion. The NSS argues that 'conscientious objection' to providing treatment, which is often justified on
religious grounds, must not be allowed to endanger women's health.
A rabbinical court in Israel has taken two children from
the care of their mother after claims she was not complying with observant Jewish practices. The court granted the children's father custody despite the fact
he'd formerly been convicted of violent crimes. The NSS has described this as a shocking reminder of the harm that can be done when the state empowers religious
'courts'.
Two Italian footballers have been suspended after being seen "uttering a
blasphemous expression" on the pitch.
The Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, which supports those who leave Islam and has seen its casework double in recent years, is offering supporters the
opportunity to become patrons.
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