NSS to co-host discussion on Islam and secular democracy

The National Secular Society is delighted to co-host a discussion on Islam and secular democracy in Birmingham next month.

The NSS will join The Neem Tree, a UK-based forum of progressive Pakistanis, to host a free event exploring the challenges and tensions that may exist between Islam and secular democracy, and how they might be overcome.

Speakers include Mohammed Amin MBE, the chair of the Islam & Liberty Network and co-chair of the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester. He was previously chair of the Conservative Muslim Forum. Amin has on several occasions been listed as one of most influential Muslims in the UK.

He will be joined by feminist and human rights activist Yasmin Rehman. Rehman is CEO of JUNO Women's Aid and a former NSS council member.

Provost of the Oxford Institute for British Islam Dr Taj Hargey, and Senior Lecturer and founder of the Al-Mahdi Institute Shaykh Arif Hussain, will also speak.

NSS chief executive Stephen Evans said: "Recent events, not least last week's brutal attack on Salman Rushdie, underscore the very real conflict between Islamist extremism and pluralistic, liberal democracy.

"This event will explore why these tensions exist and how secular democracy is the best means of creating a society where people of all religions and beliefs can co-exist peacefully."

The event will take place on Saturday 10 September at the Midlands Arts Centre. Book your place for free here.