Thomas More Institute

Category Archives: Human Rights

Published on
30 March 2011

Charity and the Big Society

Posted in Big Society, British Politics, Culture, Human Rights, Moral Philosophy, Public Policy, Virtue

We reported here recently on the case of Bed & Breakfast owners sued by a same-sex couple for refusing to allow them to share a double-bed at their Cornish hotel. It now emerges that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), who funded the claim, are investigating gay hotels for possible unlawful discrimination against heterosexuals. […]

Published on
28 March 2011

Christianity, the Crucifix, and European Values

Posted in Christianity, Conscience, Education, Europe, Human Rights, Legal Affairs, Liberty, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy, Religion, Social Commentary

It was with surprise that many people heard last week of the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), by a majority of 15-2, to overturn its own much-criticised decision in 2009 to forbid the display of crucifixes in Italian schoolrooms. Perhaps it would be kinder not to point out to the hapless […]

Published on
22 March 2011

Revolution in the Middle East

Posted in Human Rights, Liberty, Middle East, Military Ethics

As air-strikes in Libya intensify we here at A Blog for All Seasons have collected together a few of our reactions to the crisis. Should Britain Invade Libya? What Libyan and Other Jasmine Revolutionaries Owe Burma Can Democracy Save Egypt?

Published on
14 March 2011

After Euthanasia: Will Our Heroes Still be Heroic?

Posted in Conscience, Euthanasia, Human Life, Human Rights, Moral Philosophy

From a guest blogger: A sculpture inside the European Parliament in Brussels is said to represent the interconnectedness of all people. Life in particular is a myriad of interconnected events, ideas and of course people. It has been even been said that a baby throwing a rattle out of its pram affects the farthest star […]

Published on
11 March 2011

From Guantánamo With Love

Posted in Civil Liberties, Human Rights, Liberty, Military Ethics, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy, United States of America, Virtue, World Affairs

To the delight of many of his foes, and no doubt to the chagrin of many who voted him, Barack Obama has announced the resumption of Bush-era Military Commissions for trying detainees held at Guantánamo Bay. Long after the deadline passed for the President to deliver on his pledge to close Guantánamo within a year […]

Published on
4 March 2011

Should Britain Invade Libya?

Posted in Africa, Human Rights, Legal Affairs, Middle East, Military Ethics, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy, World Affairs

The title I have chosen is somewhat disingenuous. I do not support armed intervention in Libya, and so my intention in blogging on this subject is not to voice support for military action. Neither, however, do I oppose it. But the suggestion that the West might use force in the Arab world has once again […]

Published on
17 February 2011

Religious Freedom and Same-Sex ‘Weddings’

Posted in British Politics, Christianity, Freedom, Human Rights, Marriage & Family, Public Policy, Religion, Same-Sex Marriage

Several media outlets over the weekend reported that the British Government is poised to allow civil partnership ceremonies to be held in places of worship and to include religious elements. Under current legislation, ceremonies are forbidden to include religious readings, music, or symbols. A spokesman for the Home Office said that ‘the government is currently […]