An international survey has shown that Irish primary school children on average spend more time learning religion and less time on maths and science than children in other developed countries. The report, published by the OECD, says that despite the growth in science-based jobs in industry, very little time is given to the subject in...
The Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan (pictured), has said that she believes a children’s referendum can be of benefit to children. Writing in today’s Irish Times, Ms Logan says that while the focus of the debate has been mainly on the impact of a new wording on court proceedings, an overlooked aspect of the debate...
UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (pictured) has sought to reassure Church leaders after a draft speech he was due to give described same-sex marriage opponents as “bigots”. The comment has landed Mr Clegg in trouble after it appeared in prepared remarks which he was due to give at an event this week. Mr Clegg...
Teachers who disagree same-sex marriage in the classroom could be fired under controversial UK Government reforms, according to a prominent lawyer. In a report on the legal implications of Government plans to introduce same-sex marriage, Aidan O’Neill, a senior QC and expert on religious freedom and human rights, also warned that the most serious impact...
Hundreds of Jewish, Muslim and Christian protesters demonstrated in the German capital of Berlin on Sunday for religious freedom and the decriminalisation of circumcision. Police officials said 300 demonstrators appeared at Bebelplatz in the Mitte district in eastern Berlin. The protest was in reaction to a new directive issued by Berlin’s Justice Minister, Thomas Heilmann...
There is no need for the Government to hold a referendum to secure children’s rights, a former Supreme Court judge has said. Writing in the Irish Independent, Hugh O’Flaherty said that the aims of the proposed referendum could be addressed by legislation. Mr O’Flaherty is the latest prominent legal figure to cast doubt on plans...
Legislation allowing people to change the sex registered on their birth certificates and other official documents without having to undergo “sex change” operations is set to come before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social Protection in coming weeks. The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton (pictured), made the announcement at the opening session of the...
The grandparents of two children in Scotland adopted by a same-sex couple have been denied access to them for three years. The grandparents, who cannot be named for legal reasons, say they were prevented from continuing to care for the youngsters because they were deemed ‘too old’ to care for them. However the City of...
The British Government has appointed its first ever Minister for Faith. Prime Minister David Cameron appointed Baroness Sayeeda Warsi (pictured) Minister for Faith and Communities in a cabinet reshuffle earlier this week. Formerly co-chairman of the Conservative Party and Minister without Portfolio, Baroness Warsi becomes a Senior Minister of State and will attend cabinet, although...
Having sex early in a relationship can lead to less emotionally satisfying relationships further down the road, according to a new study from New York’s Cornell University reported in The Daily Mail. According to the researchers delaying sex in a relationship is a better approach to building up a healthy relationship. The study, published in...
