Malaysia loosens movie censorship, but keeps tight leash on tiny bikinis, ‘erotic voices’

Malaysia movie censors ease up, but scorn bikinis

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia’s censors have loosened decades of restrictions on sexual and religious content in movies, but are still keeping a tight leash on tiny bikinis, kisses and passionate hugs on screen.
The guidelines – made public on the Home Ministry’s Web site this week – are …. Original source  : Malaysia loosens movie censorship, but keeps tight leash on tiny bikinis, ‘erotic voices’.

Barred from airport, Hare Krishnas to spread message elsewhere

WASHINGTON – The Hare Krishna movement has expressed disappointment over a ban on soliciting donations inside Los Angeles International Airport but said the group plans to continue to spread its message in other public spaces in the United States.

“We are disappointed by the ruling,” said Anuttama Dasa, a spokesperson of the International Society for Krishna … Read more : Barred from airport, Hare Krishnas to spread message elsewhere.

Criticism of Vatican in Wisconsin over handling of abuse scandal after recent revelations

Criticism of Vatican in Wis. over abuse scandal

MILWAUKEE – The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is criticizing the Vatican for its handling of revelations about a case involving Wisconsin abuse victims.
The group claims top Catholic officials in Rome have vilified and insulted victims. SNAP spokeswoman Mary Guentner says victims should be praised for …. Read the original article  : Criticism of Vatican in Wisconsin over handling of abuse scandal after recent revelations.

Retired Calif minister again faces charges from church for performing gay marriages

Church charges Calif minister over gay weddings

SANTA ROSA, Calif. – A retired Presbyterian minister in Northern California is again facing charges she violated church law when she officiated at the weddings of gay couples.
The Rev. Jane Spahr was acquitted two years ago of similar charges when the church’s Supreme Judicial Council found that she did … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Retired Calif minister again faces charges from church for performing gay marriages.

Gadhafi says Nigeria should be split along ethnic lines into mini-states like Yugoslavia

Gadhafi: Nigeria should split along ethnic lines

TRIPOLI, Libya – Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi suggested Monday that Nigeria be split along ethnic lines, like Yugoslavia, into several mini-states as a way of resolving violence in Africa’s most populous nation.
Gadhafi drew Nigeria’s anger last week by saying the oil-rich nation should be divided into Muslim and Christian … Read more »»».

Iraqi committee wants to bar 4 elected on winning list for ties to Saddam Hussein’s regime

Iraqi panel wants to bar 4 elected on winning list

BAGHDAD – A committee that vets candidates for ties to Saddam Hussein’s regime is recommending four people elected to parliament from the winning list of former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi be disqualified, an official on the committee said Monday. The challenge risks deepening Iraq’s sectarian tensions.
If … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Iraqi committee wants to bar 4 elected on winning list for ties to Saddam Hussein’s regime.

Obamas to host Passover Seder at White House with aides, friends

Obamas mark Passover with private Seder
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to mark the start of Passover with a private Seder in the executive mansion.
Obama and first lady Michelle Obama invited friends and White House aides to mark the Jewish holiday with a meal on Monday. The Obama aides started the tradition during …. Source  : Obamas to host Passover Seder at White House with aides, friends.

Somalis protest against al-Qaida linked militants after rebels exhume tombs in Mogadishu

Somalis protest against al-Qaida linked militants

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Hundreds of women and children marched through Somalia’s capital Monday to protest the destruction of tombs of Somali clerics, some a century old, by al-Qaida-linked militants wielding sledgehammers and pickaxes.
It was a rare demonstration against al-Shabab in a city mainly controlled by the extremist group. Protesters chanted … Original article on : Somalis protest against al-Qaida linked militants after rebels exhume tombs in Mogadishu.

Benedict leads faithful in honoring John Paul II on 5th anniversary of death

Benedict honors John Paul 5 years after death

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI is commemorating the fifth anniversary of the death of John Paul II with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Many pilgrims from Poland, the late pontiff’s homeland, joined Benedict in prayer Monday evening.
The 84-year-old John Paul died on April 2, 2005, after battling …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Benedict leads faithful in honoring John Paul II on 5th anniversary of death.

Several prominent Iraq politicians fail to get into parliament, new election lists show

Prominent Iraq politicians fail to win seats

BAGHDAD – Several prominent Iraqi politicians – long considered untouchable – failed to win seats in the country’s March 7 election, according to lists published Monday, reflecting voter dissatisfaction with the country’s political class.
Their failure comes as weeks of haggling to form a new government lie ahead, possibly opening …. Source article  : Several prominent Iraq politicians fail to get into parliament, new election lists show.

Turkish man who shot previous pope calls on Benedict to resign over clerical sex abuse cases

In Turkey, Pope gunman says Benedict should resign

ANKARA, Turkey – The Turkish man who shot Pope John Paul II says Pope Benedict XVI should resign over the Catholic Church’s handling of clerical sex abuse cases.
Mehmet Ali Agca, who emerged from prison in January nearly 29 years after wounding Pope John Paul II in Rome, has … Read more »».