For equality, against bigotry

How can we beat racism and fascism? NW London discussion

Date: 
16 December, 2009 - 19:00 - 21:00
Description: 

NWLondon AWL hosts a discussion on how to beat racism and fascism, drawing on lessons from the recent events in Harrow. Two speakers - Faryal Velmi from AWL, and Steve Hedley, London region RMT (personal capacity) - but also lots of time for everyone to ask questions/share views. Wednesday 16 December, 7pm, Victoria Hall, Sheepcote Road, Harrow

French burqa ban: socialists defend women’s rights and fight racism

Following a law passed in 2004 banning the hijab (Muslim headscarf) and other symbols of “religious affiliation” in state schools, the French government is now discussing a proposal to ban the wearing of the burqa (the full body veil) in various public spaces, including on public transport. It takes place as part of a concerted government campaign to assert a secular French “national identity”.

Why society needs equality

Author: 
Matt Cooper

Matt Cooper reviews Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better

The Spirit Level created a considerable stir when it was published earlier this year. Its central proposition is that societies characterised by economic inequality are bad for everyone, not just the poorest.

The shameful face of Al Quds day

Author: 
Peter Tatchell

ON the Al Quds march, I held two placards. One with a Palestinian flag and “Free Palestine”, and the other with a photograph of a 16-year-old girl, Atefeh Rajabi Sahaaleh, who was executed in 2004 by the Iranian regime for “crimes against chastity”, having been sexually abused since childhood.