religions in the classroom

Two recent stories reported in the New York Times about U.S. professors being fired for posting art pieces that students or parents found offensive to their beliefs. One (above) was a painting within a 14th-century Islamic history book supposed to represent G and M. As showed [with much warning] during an art class at Hamline College. The other is the (monumental) Renaissance Michelangelo’s David [exhibited a la Galleria dell’Academia, in Florence]. Whose posting during a Florida sixth-grader class on Renaissance art led to accusations of pornography! These extreme cases of religious beliefs taking over the classroom (and rationality!) remind me of the difference I noticed between teaching in D and W, since in the former institution, classes and tests can take place any day that is not a public holiday, following general secular rules in French public institutions, while in the latter, every possible effort should be made (by the University) to provide an alternative test…

what happens when you mix religious beliefs and reproductive rights

“Certain practices associated with the manifestation of a religion or belief, or perceived as such,may constitute violations of international human rights standards. The right to freedom of religion or belief is sometimes invoked to justify such violations. The EU firmly opposes such justification, whilst remaining fully committed to the robust protection and promotion of freedom of religion or belief in all parts of the world. Violations often affect women, members of religious minorities, as well as persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.” EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, 2013

On 5 and 6 July 2022 the UK Government hosted a human rights conference to urge increased global action on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all. (Countries involved in this International Freedom of Religion or Belief Alliance do not include Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, or Switzerland, in the signatories. I am also unclear about the final purpose of this conference, beyond good-will statements.) Among several such statements, one brings a connection between FoRB and gender equality.

 The statement in its original format is quite mush-y-mash-y, as methinks promoting (one’s) religion rarely walks hand in hand with supporting (all) gender equality and even less reproductive rights. Witness the Catholic Church’s unremitting activism against abortion, up to this day, from Poland to the US.

“As such, FoRB serves not only to protect people from discrimination, inequality, and violence; it can also serve as a source of empowerment for those who find inspiration and strength in their convictions to fight for gender equality and justice.” Statement on freedom of religion or belief and gender equality, 7 July 2022

But the main issue here is that the final statement published by the UK Government eliminated reproductive rights that were present in the original version, as of below, which was signed by many of the participating countries. Without said countries being informed of the cancellation and some now refusing to sign the new version…

“…support and build capacities of local religious and belief leaders to advocate for gender equality, denounce sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health and rights”. Statement on freedom of religion or belief and gender equality, 7 July 2022

This is sadly connected with the unceasing attacks of religions on abortion rights. For instance, Malta suddenly appeared as a signatory of the final version, while missing from the earlier one. Which may have a correlation with Malta being a country where abortion is completely prohibited. (Nor Poland neither the USA have signed either.) And the (former) prime minister’s special envoy is co-chairing the MP “pro-life” group (funded by the anti-abortion “Right to Life UK” “charity”).

my body is my own [UNFPA report]

Today, the United Nation Population Fund published its 2021 State of World Population report, entitled My Body is My Own.

“The report examines data on women’s decision-making power and on laws supportive of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Tragically, only 55 per cent of women have bodily autonomy, according to measurements of their ability to make their own decisions on issues relating to health care, contraception and whether to have sex.”

Countradicting seven myths about bodily autonomy:

1. it is a Western concept
2. there is no universal right to bodily autonomy
3. it represents radical individualism; it undermines group decision-making
4. one person’s bodily autonomy could end up undermining the autonomy of others
5. some groups of people are not entitled to bodily autonomy
6. it undermines traditions and religions
7. it is “just another” women’s issue

and presenting (incomplete) data on the overwhelming proportion of countries with bodily lack of autonomy.

“These data are only available in about one in four countries, but they paint an alarming picture: only 55 per cent of girls and women are able to make their own decisions in all three dimensions of bodily autonomy.”

touche pas à mon prof!

news from the theocrazy [Uwolnić Elę]