Welcome to the Atropos Blog! Dive into the realm of critical thinking with Atropos, a skeptics society based in the Czech Republic. Our podcast, Meaning of (Skeptical) Life, explores various topics within the skeptical movement, tackling issues such as alternative and complementary medicine (with a focus on its often tragic consequences), conspiracy theories, and a…
Tensions Within Czech Catholicism: The Impact of Vácha’s Removal
The Czech Republic, often touted as one of the most atheistic nations in Europe, has recently witnessed a contentious episode within its Catholic Church, highlighting the deep-seated tensions between traditionalist and progressive factions, as well as broader issues of conservatism, transparency, and the handling of sexual abuse allegations. The controversy surrounding the dismissal of Marek…
The Czech Republic and the Vatican: A Controversial Concordat
The Czech Republic is currently embroiled in a heated debate over the ratification of a concordat with the Vatican. This agreement, long a source of contention, has sparked significant concern among proponents of secularism, human rights advocates, and those seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse. Signed in October 2024 by Prime Minister Petr Fiala…
Statement of the Atropos Skeptics Society on the Concordat
Changes in the Atropos Skeptics Society
Alliance for Family: Controversial Ultraconservative Group’s Recent Activities Raise Concerns Again
The Alliance for Family (Aliance pro rodinu, APR), a Czech ultraconservative interest group, has recently found itself embroiled in multiple controversies. This organization, known for its opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, same-sex marriage, and abortion, has been criticised for its undemocratic practices and potential ties to international ultraconservative movements. Legal Dispute and Russian InfluenceIn a recent…
The Controversy of Home Births in the Czech Republic: A Skeptical Perspective
In recent years, the debate surrounding home births has intensified in the Czech Republic, a country known for its excellent perinatal care outcomes without any religion-driven bias. Debates about home births on social media are often very heated. Women who choose to give birth at home are considered irresponsible and called with disdain eso-mothers (esotericism)…
End of sterilization as a condition for official sex change
We wholeheartedly welcome the Constitutional Court’s decision to abolish the legal requirements for surgery and sterilization as a condition for official sex change. This decision is an important victory for personal autonomy and human dignity for transgender and non-binary people in our country. In its ruling, the Constitutional Court today clearly stated that the legal…
Beyond the economic impact of sexualized violence and the Christian lobby
Sexualized violence is a dark stain on the face of Czech society, affecting the lives of thousands of women every year. New research presented by proFem and MindBridge Consulting presents alarming data on the economic impact and consequences that ripple through our society.The research found that more than half of women have experienced some form…
Strawmanning & refusing Istanbul Convention
The Senate of the Czech Republic voted narrowly not to ratify the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Only 34 of the 71 senators present voted in favour of ratification, which was not enough to achieve the required majority of 36 votes. The failure to ratify the Convention is…
Nightmare instead of therapy – sexual predatory psychiatrist
A case of sexual abuse by one of the biggest personas of the Czech psychiatric community is now seeing its day in court. Dr. Jan Cimický, once a prominent psychiatrist who helped establish the field in the country (and also novelist, poet, translator, playwright and screenwriter), is currently on trial facing charges relating to 39…