Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Say a little prayer for me?
Author Philip Pullman has condemned the “terrible things” Islamic extremists have “done to young girls” in the name of religion.
Salman Rushdie MK II?
Speaking of recent unconfirmed reports of a Syrian girl stoned to death for using Facebook, Pullman, 67, said: “That’s what happens when religion gets its hands on the levers of power. As soon as it has any political influence, it does bad things; becomes wicked and cruel.” He continued: “I don’t believe there’s anything in the Koran about genital mutilation.”
What’s his attitude to zealots of other persuasions?
He was equally scathing about everyone from Salafi Muslims to extreme Orthodox Jews. Pullman, famous for the His Dark Materials fantasy trilogy, which features two children battling the repressive authority of the Magisterium (a thinly veiled Catholic Church), said: “They have different origins but their effect is to give power to a group of men who have an unhealthy interest in other peoples sexuality…That’s religion prying into places it doesn’t belong. We should resist it.”
He’s not afraid of ruffling feathers…
Pullman challenges oppressive dogma, encourages free thought and is used to attracting the wrath of religious figureheads. The Golden Compass, a 2007 film of his first Dark Materials book, was attacked by the Catholic League.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments