Ex-Muslims gather in Oslo to celebrate dissent

The importance of secularism and freedom of expression to promoting individual rights was stressed at this year's Celebrating Dissent conference in Oslo.

The conference, which was co-sponsored by the National Secular Society, saw ex-Muslim activists from across the globe convene in the Norwegian capital last week.

Speakers included more than 50 freethinkers, activists and authors from 30 countries across four continents.

Many spoke passionately about their experiences and the importance of creating and preserving space for dissenting voices.

Discussions spanned topics such as the challenges posed by racism and identity politics, religion's role in promoting misogyny and gender-based violence, apostasy related trauma, and the importance of science and rationality to challenging dogma.

NSS chief executive Stephen Evans (pictured) spoke on a panel exploring secularism as a keystone to fundamental rights including freedom of expression. He pointed out that while the UK is not yet a secular state, the dissent of freethinkers such as NSS founder Charles Bradlaugh has shaped the UK's secular outlook – and all the human rights and freedoms which have flowed from that.

Stephen spoke of the necessity to prevent backsliding on liberal principles and preserve the right to speak freely around religion. He highlighted current threats to free speech such as poorly drafted hate speech laws and the concept of 'Islamophobia', which conflates hatred against Muslims with criticism of Islam.

This year's event was dedicated to honouring the late comedian and activist Shabana Rehman, a pioneer for freedom of expression in Norway. Rehman, a Pakistani-born Norwegian stand-up comedian, was known for her brave and often controversial use of humour to challenge religious and cultural taboos, especially within Muslim communities.

The event was organised jointly by the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) and the Norwegian secular think tank Dømmekraft.

NSS: Ex-Muslims' testimonies "need to be heard"

Commenting on the landmark event, NSS chief executive Stephen Evans said: "Dissent is vital for progress.

"Dissenters' and blasphemers' challenges to dogmas have paved the way for freer, fairer, secular societies. Ex-Muslims are at the sharp end of the ongoing fight for individual rights and freedoms. Their testimonies need to be heard, and their dissent celebrated.

"It was an honour to speak at and sponsor an event dedicated to doing that."

Maryam Namazie, CEMB Spokesperson and the initiator of the Celebrating Dissent conferences since 2008, said creative dissent is "an important vehicle for resistance, survival and humanisation" in a world where far-right forces, including religious extremists, "normalise their politics of hate".

She added: "Women's dissent and blasphemy are especially crucial for breaking taboos and challenging racism, dogma and fundamentalisms, whilst appealing to our common humanity.

"Creative dissent responds to hate, violence and fear with humour and non-violence and reimagines a world where nothing is sacred but the human being."

Maryam Namazie will be speaking next month at the NSS's Secularism 2024 conference. Tickets are available here.

Watch Exmuslim Scandinavia's interview with Stephen Evans: