feminist news round-up: 08.02.14
Disney child-star receives death threats after same-sex couple appears on show
Last month, Disney show Good Luck Charlie featured a same-sex couple (two mums of Charlie’s playdate friend). It was the first time a gay couple had appeared on a Disney show. According to the highly reputable sources at TMZ, the 5-year-old star of the show, Mia Talerico, has received death threats as a result of the move. If there is a cross-over between the group of people who watch Disney shows and people who make death threats via Instagram (particularly over something so harmless), I am very sad for the world.
UN criticises Vatican over sexual abuse
A United Nations committee has called upon the Vatican to remove all child abusers from its ranks. The committee also demanded that the suspected offenders be turned over to the police, and for the church’s archives to be opened to the public. Church officials who covered up crimes should also be punished, according to the findings. ‘The committee is gravely concerned that the Holy See has not acknowledged the extent of the crimes committed, has not taken the necessary measures to address cases of child sexual abuse and to protect children, and has adopted policies and practices which have led to the continuation of the abuse by and the impunity of the perpetrators,’ the report concluded.
American woman receives mail from Bank of America addressed to ‘Lisa Is A Slut McIntire’
Freelance feminist writer Lisa McIntire took to social media to share images of an unusual credit card offer from Bank of America on Friday. The mail, sent to her mother’s house, was addressed to ‘Lisa Is A Slut McIntire’ on both the envelope and the enclosed letter. So far Bank of America has apologised for the mistake, but there is no word on how the callous error occurred.
Abortion levels are at lowest in 30 years in US
According to a new study from the Guttmacher Institute, the US abortion rate fell by 13 percent between 2008 to 2011, continuing a long-term downward trend and reaching its lowest point since 1973. Observers are torn between attributing the drop to a more consistent access to birth-control, or an increase in the restrictions on abortion. However, the drop is spread across all states, not just ones with abortion restrictions, and the majority of the restrictions came into effect after the 2011 cut-off of the study… take from that what you will.
In other news…
Check out some amazing photos from a Pride March in India
Man arrested after ‘marrying’ 12-year-old girl in NSW
Human Rights Watch says rape is norm in Iraqi prisons
On Lip this week…
Scotland legalises same-sex marriage and removes transphobic ‘spousal veto’ laws.
Australian Tax Institute suggests that costs of childcare be tax deductible.
US Biggest Loser winner body-shamed for her dramatic weightless, now deemed ‘anorexic’.
