This is my RTE Radio 1 Late Debate yesterday on the right to life and Marie Fleming’s Supreme Court ruling, with palliative care doctor Regina McQuillan, hosted by Audrey Carville.
Supreme Court rejects appeal, but says Oireachtas can legislate on right to die
The Supreme Court has today upheld the High Court ruling that Marie Fleming does not have a constitutional right to be assisted to die by her partner Tom Curran. See full judgment here. But the Supreme Court has also said that it is open to the State, through the Oireachtas, to legislate to deal with […]
Right to Die Ireland website launched as Supreme Court to rule today on Marie Fleming appeal
The Irish Supreme Court is to rule today on Marie Fleming’s appeal to allow her to be assisted in dying peacefully, instead of being forced to live through the final stages of multiple sclerosis. She is appealing against a High Court decision that upheld the current ban on assisted suicide, because the legal right to […]
International protests to defend Bangladeshi bloggers, today and May 2nd
Some international protests scheduled for today, April 25th, to defend Bangladesh’s atheist bloggers and activists are going ahead as planned, and some have been rescheduled for next Thursday, May 2nd, due to the national day of mourning in Bangladesh today after the Savar building collapse. Here are the details of the protests that are going […]
Is teaching children religion as fact child abuse? Jen Keane and I on 98FM
I and Jen Keane (zenbuffy on Twitter) discussed teaching religion in Irish schools on 98FM, in light of Richard Dawkins comment that teaching children religion as fact is a form of child abuse. The host is Muireann O’Connell and the show is the Joan Lee show on Monday 22 April 2013.
Register today for Dublin international conference on Empowering Women Through Secularism
Secularism protects freedom of conscience, and advances equal rights for women. And, whether you are a woman or a man, you can help to shape the future of secular activism and women’s rights around the world by coming to Dublin on the weekend of 29-30 June 2013. You will hear and meet and socialise with […]
The Full Facts Book of Cold Reading
The postman has just delivered The Full Facts Book of Cold Reading by Ian Rowland, which I ordered after Richard Saunders recommended it at last week’s Dublin Skeptics in the Pub event. So within weeks I will be able to tell you everything about yourself, including that you are considerate and kind yet sometimes understandably […]
An update on the atheist skeptic dialogue process
I would like to thank the participants and those who have been following the progress of the atheist skeptic dialogue process so far. We have got off to a good start, with people discussing important issues, including areas of agreement and disagreement, in a reasonable way that can gradually build trust. The moderating team has […]
Support Bangladeshi bloggers and activists on Thursday 25 April 2013
In January, 29 year old blogger Asif Mohiuddin was stabbed. In February, 35 year old atheist blogger involved in the Shahbag protests, Ahmed Rajib, was brutally killed. Islamists continue to threaten prominent bloggers and have called for the “execution of 84 atheist bloggers for insulting religion”. Rather than defend freedom of expression and protect freethinkers, […]
Remembering my wife Anne Holliday on the anniversary of her death
My wife Anne Holliday died of cancer two years ago today. Here are some of my memories of her loving, caring, campaigning, inspirational life. My tribute to my late wife Anne Holliday