In Afghanistan, President Karzai has approved the controversial law that permits Shia men to refuse to give food to their wives if they do not have sex with them. Earlier drafts of the bill were condemned by Western leaders in the United States, Canada and Europe. But that was months ago. Now, the U.S. and Britain are opposed to any strong public protest because they don't want to disrupt Thursday's presidential election. While these leaders figure out some kind of strategy, it emerged last week that the "rape law" had already been brought into effect on July 27 (!). The policy applies to Afghanistan’s Shia Muslim minority, which makes up about 15 per cent of the population of about 30 million.
Egypt Rejects Request for Moderate Islamic Party
On Monday, Egypt rejected for the fourth time the application for legal status of a political party seeking to promote a moderate version of Islam. Al-Wasat Al-Jadid (the New Center) was founded in 1996 by activists who split off from the conservative Muslim Brotherhood and sought to create a political movement promoting a tolerant version of Islam with liberal tendencies. The government says the proposed party's program doesn't comply with Egyptian laws, which ban parties based on religious affiliation. Authorities seem to fear the party would be a front for the banned Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's most powerful opposition group.
Former Priest Admitted Sex Abuse
In Adelaide, Australia, the District Court has heard a former Anglican priest allegedly make admissions to an Archbishop that he had sexually abused more than 40 boys. Wilfred Edwin Dennis is on trail for sexually abusing two altar boys in the 1970s. The court prosecutor said that Archbishop John Hepworth spoke with Dennis over the phone after one the victims came forward and Dennis estimated he had abused 41 boys.
Former Rabbi Sentenced to Probation for Sex with Student
In Greensboro, NC, a former rabbi received three years' probation after pleading guilty to taking indecent liberties with a student. David Alan Stein, 37, was the former director of campus life at the American Hebrew Academy. In October 2007, police charged Stein with eight counts of having sex with a 16-year-old male student.
Trial Proceeds in a "God Told Me To" Case in Canada
In Moorhead, Canada, the criminal case against a man accused of nearly stabbing another man to death at a rest stop because "God told him to" will proceed. The case against Harmit Bhangu, 32, was on hold after he was determined to be incompetent to stand trial. Doctors also determined that Bhangu is mentally ill, but not dangerous, which Melton called “absurd.”
Omarosa To Become a Minister
In Dayton, Ohio, former reality show "star" Omarosa (Manigault-Stallworth) began studies this week at a local seminary to become a minister. The Apprentice villain is trying to earn a doctorate of ministry, which will require field work among the sick and dying at local hospitals. "Very few people have faith in my transformation, so this is a wonderful gift," Omarosa told her. Call me cynical but I'm suspecting this is either a publicity stunt or the pilot for a new reality show on VH1.
And finally...Transvestite Cult Not So Fab Amongst Religious Leaders
In India, religious leaders are baffled by a new --and growing-- transvestite cult for men where followers dress as a Hindu love goddess. Its followers, which number in the thousands, dress up as Radha - the goddess lover of Krishna. Understandably, the cross-dressing is annoying some religious traditionalists -- and if the photo on the right is any indication, scaring the shit out of children. "There are many ways to be closer to the Lord without trying to be his girlfriend," lamented a senior priest.
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