Rape conviction rates under spotlight

A look at possible reasons behind low conviction rates for rape on the BBC website today. Some very deluded and annoying comments. Some sad personal accounts of decisions not to report a rape because of lack of faith in criminal justice system too.

Bill to bring laws against forced marriages in the UK

Another great 'comment is free' article on the gaurdian online, today taling about forced marriages and a bill that is in front of the House of Lords designed to help the women (and men) forced into marriages that are abusive, miserable, degrading.

"Even India and Pakistan have laws against forced marriage, however badly
enforced they may be. It is time Britain not only had them, but sent out a clear
signal that violence against women in this country, whatever their colour or
religion, should never be tolerated. "

Positive that Sunny Huandal framed this as not only a gender issue, but an issue of violence against women.

And while we're here link to more Sunny Hundal articles on the Guardian website
And link to Sunnys profile - lefty dream-boat.

Ambiguous laws

Thoughtful article on the Guardian Online regarding the ambiguity in the law that makes it very difficult to convict someone of rape - ie. the jury have to be 'sure' a crime has been committed.

Some interesting comments, some fights over language, and a commentator suggesting trying people for GBH rather than rape ie. rape not as a crime in itself, but part of a spectrum of violence covered by grevious boldily harm.

Could classifying rape as GBH add weight to the accusation, lead to a better conviction rate or prompt a change of perception away from thinking of it as the victims fault? Should rape be classified as GBH?

Appaulingly the convication rate for rape has fallen way below the rate I had heard in previous reports (1:5) to an even more worrying 1:20 (in 1999).

Accidentally on purpose

Slavery promoter and lesbian fearer off 'Shipwrecked' described as 'far right' by BBC.
Her location, that is, not her politics.
It's so coincidental though, I wonder if they phrased it this way on purpose.


I almost wrote 'one wonders if they phrased it...' but then realised that I am not the Queen.

Let it grow, let it grow, let it grow

So, women who choose not to shave are news worthy (or something) according the the BBC. In fact, I think this even received a homepage picture it's such a scoop!
Man bites dog, woman doesn't shave etc.

Still, isn't it nice to read the solidarity of other women who also choose not to shave, and interesting to read about those who continue to shave alongside an understanding of the reasons why they feel compelled to do so. There are mixed reactions from male commentators too.

Meet Bert and Ern

"The boys"

Feeling safe?

Interesting article on the Guardian website today taking a critcal look at Guantánamo Bay, now facing it's 5th brithday.

"Human rights have been traded away in Guantánamo in the hope of gaining security, and it has not worked. One of the US's founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, stated: "He who trades liberty for security deserves neither and will lose both." Adorned on the walls of the Guantánamo camp is its mission statement: "Honour-bound to defend freedom". After five years of Guantánamo, do you feel any safer?"

Hell no.