Atheist sues for denied request of 'IM GOD' license plate in Kentucky An atheist's request for a personalized license plate saying "IM GOD" was denied by the state of Kentucky, which said it might distract other drivers, and would be in bad taste. Bennie Hart says that by announcing "IM GOD" on his license plate, he simply wants to show the impossibility of disproving anyone's claim to being "God". Besides, Hart says, he had the same plate for a dozen years when he lived in Ohio, without causing any problems. Hart sued the state transportation secretary, Greg Thomas, on Tuesday on free speech grounds, asking a federal judge in Frankfort to strike down some Kentucky laws and rules for personalized plates. Transportation spokesman Ryan Watts says the agency does not comment on pending litigation. Read Article

In the News Extreme Islam: What makes a British woman turn to Salafism? They're heavily veiled, believe in polygamy and have to follow thousands of rules. Yet increasing numbers of young and educated British women are converting. Independent, 27 November 2016 An extremist in the family Rasheed Benyahia was in a hurry. Like so many young adults going places in Britain today, he needed to get a move on. BBC News, 21 November 2016 British Gymnastics banning Louis Smith is beyond ridiculous When he said that he had only himself to blame for the death threats and abuse, he epitomised how morally redundant this whole controversy has become. Independent, 2 November 2016 The demonisation of Louis Smith: a de facto blasphemy law The castigation of a British gymnast for 'mocking Islam' is illustrative of a troubling return of blasphemy, argues Stephen Evans. National Secular Society, 11 October 2016 I know that banning the burkini makes no sense As someone who works full-time to promote political secularism, to see what is now happening in France defended in these terms is deeply troubling. Independent, 26 August 2016 Conflating abuse with criticism of Islam risks a return to a UK blasphemy law The BBC and Demos have published an accidental case-study in why we should all stop using the meaningless and sinister word 'Islamophobia'. National Secular Society, 18 August 2016