Jamaica holds its first gay pride rally. Europe grapples with the ongoing refugee crisis. And women in Saudi Arabia gain some long-deserved political rights. It's Fiery Tuesday, our weekly take on political and societal news. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

With same-sex marriage triumphant in much of the Western world it's easy to forget that there remain many places where gay marriage—and indeed, homosexuality—is illegal. One such place is Jamaica in the Caribbean, though that doesn't mean there hasn't been progress in recent years. The Guardian covers the story of Jamaica's first public celebration of homosexuality and what it means for the island's embattled citizens.

Recently, controversy has been drawn by suggestions from some quarters that the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which provides for the citizenship of all individuals born within the U.S.' incorporated borders, should be either revised or superseded. Such arguments are hardly limited to our times however. The Huffington Post examines the controversial history of the 14th Amendment and how racists throughout history have sought its repeal time and time again.

Speaking of race and citizenship, should we think of all of humanity as our family? That's the perspective raised by Nathanael Johnson of Grist, who says that we should feel as much concern for refugees, immigrants, and those suffering from environmental catastrophes as we do our own countrymen and women.

Among the United States' allies around the world, Saudi Arabia is easily one of the most controversial. Valued for its mineral resources, military might, and cultural influence, Saudi Arabia has nonetheless drawn criticism from American and other Western activists for its quasi-theocratic regime and restrictions on the rights of women. However, some progress may have been made in that latter area recently, as Saudi Arabia has legalized women's right to vote as well as to run for office.

How much do you really know about the refugee crisis in Europe? According to sociologist Hein de Haas, much of the public perception surrounding refugees and human migration are based on misconceptions and political rhetoric, rather than facts. You can read Nick Robins-Early's interview with the professor here.


Top image by Jonathan McIntosh