Weekly Update nov. 29, 2012 Laws Penalizing Blasphemy, Apostasy and Defamation of Religion are Widespread On Nov. 20, a Pakistani court ordered blasphemy charges dropped against a Christian teenager who had been accused of burning pages from the Quran. A new Pew Forum analysis finds that as of 2011 nearly half the countries and territories in the world have laws against blasphemy, apostasy or defamation. READ THE FULL ANALYSIS > SEE ALSO: Rising Tide of Restrictions on Religion PEW FORUM IN THE NEWS NOV. 28 - REUTERS In U.S. fight over gay marriage, both sides gearing up for more battles An article on state battles over the legal status of same-sex marriage in the U.S. cites a July 2012 Pew Research Center report. The report found that 48% of Americans favor allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally, while 44% oppose this. READ MORE PEW FORUM IN THE NEWS > TOP RELIGION NEWS ON THE WEB NOV. 28 - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Tibetan protests against Chinese rule in new phase NOV. 25 - THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR In world's most religious country, humanists rally for secular space NOV. 25 - THE WASHINGTON POST Colombian evangelical Christians convert to Judaism, embracing hidden past NOV. 24 - THE WASHINGTON POST Afghan's Shiite minority fears a return to old ostracism NOV. 24 - THE WASHINGTON POST As O'Malley eyes repeal, Md. death row remains at 'impasse' NOV. 22 - CHARLESTON GAZETTE At public meetings, fights over prayer drag on NOV. 21 - REUTERS Saudi reforms detour through Vienna faith center NOV. 19 - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Syrian Islamist groups reject Western-backed opposition, declare Islamic state in key city NOV. 19 - LOS ANGELES TIMES Ever misunderstood, Sikhs savor teaching moments NOV. 14 - MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL Atheist group likely to get $67,000 in UW student fees READ MORE RELIGION NEWS ON THE WEB > Photo Credit: © NADEEM KHAWER/epa/Corbis In This Issue Laws Penalizing Blasphemy, Apostasy and Defamation of Religion are Widespread Pew Forum in the News Top Religion News on the Web Follow us: About the Forum Contact Information Subscribe Analyzing religious change and its impact on societies around the world. Read More...