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Let's hope it's true
Over the weekend, news broke that Iran's theocracy had bent a little and would disband its "morality police" in the face of ongoing protests over the in-custody death of a young woman there.
For background, Masha Amini, 22, died in September after being arrested for allegedly violating the law that required women to cover their hair with hijab.
The Iranian government claimed she had collapsed and died of a heart attack while receiving "educational training" about how to wear hijab. Her family and a dubious public disagreed, pointing to signs of a concussion. Protests broke out.
On Dec. 4, the New York Times quoted Iranian Attorney General Mohammad Javad Montazeri and stated the morality police were being abolished. At last report, the government had neither officially confirmed or denied the abolition.
I am hoping it is true. Women should not have to cover their hair, their face, or the shape of their bodies for fear of how men will act. Men need to do what most men the world over (including in Iran) in fact do, and that is regulate their own conduct.
I also hope the protesters continue their push for reform until the very notion of a religious police is stamped out. And I hope America is taking note, so that we never travel down this path, no matter what religion is involved.
— Katharhynn from the newsroom, with what she hopes is a little good news on the international front.
New life at the historic Masonic temple
You probably know the building on East Main Street, the one with the columns up top, and a magnificent stained glass dome inside. It has over the years hosted the likes of The Lark and Sparrow and Upstairs at Precedence, as well as many community events.
The building now has new owners and they have rebranded the space as "The Temple." You can read about that here, courtesy Stephen Woody.
(Crystal Combs, co-owner, and Brette Huff, manager, at The Temple)
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