Tags: Free speech
NSS: Report reveals ‘inherent danger’ of Islamophobia definition
Creeping restriction of free expression illustrated in report's account of increasingly spurious accusations of 'Islamophobia'. Read More »
NSS announces major conference on protecting liberal values
Kenan Malik, Joan Smith and more speaking at NSS Secularism 2024 conference in London. Read More »
NSS hosts talk with author of Annie Besant book
Renowned author Michael Meyer discusses 'A Dirty, Filthy Book' in online event. Read More »
Response unit needed to tackle blasphemy flashpoints, report says
Recommendations echo NSS calls for more support for schools facing religious intimidation and threats. Read More »
NSS address urges UN to call for government action on human rights
Religious privilege is undermining rights of UK citizens, NSS tells UN committee. Read More »
Anti-blasphemy extremism “gaining momentum” in UK, report warns
Counter-extremism report recommends review of religious charities linked to anti-blasphemy activism. Read More »
New extremism definition may put free speech at risk, NSS warns
Proposed definition could 'label secularists as extremists'. Read More »
NSS to host talk with author of ‘Dirty, Filthy Book’
Author Michael Meyer to discuss new book on leading NSS figure Annie Besant at free online event. Read More »
Protect human rights from religious imposition, NSS urges UN
NSS tells UN Human Rights Committee religious privilege is undermining rights in education, healthcare and around free speech. Read More »
Hindu group threatens secularists with police over “offensive” talk
Hindu charity told Leicester Secular Society it would report talk on caste to local Hindu community and police. Read More »
Danish parliament outlaws burning Quran and other religious texts
Following a string of Quran burnings, threats of violence pressure Denmark into banning the destruction of religious texts. Read More »
Islamophobia definitions threaten free speech at 20+ universities
21 universities have adopted definition of Islamophobia rejected by government amid free speech concerns. Read More »
Beware religious threats to free speech, NSS warns UN rapporteur
Attempts to impose de facto blasphemy laws must be resisted, says NSS. Read More »
Counter-extremism lead: blasphemy codes are chilling free speech
Cleric on 2023 UK speaking tour advocates decapitation for 'blasphemers' Read More »
2023 Bradlaugh Lecture: “Let’s talk to each other”
Nicky Campbell delivers impassioned defence of free expression and robust public debate Read More »
Faith schools should not impose hijab on girls, report says
Report also recommends government resist 'Islamophobia' definitions that inhibit criticism of religious practices Read More »
Blasphemy laws identified in 11 more countries since 2020
Mocking religion in Portugal can be punished by up to a year's imprisonment, report finds Read More »
Report: one in seven councils has adopted ‘Islamophobia’ definition
National Secular Society's role in resisting adoption of flawed definition highlighted Read More »
UN resolution claims damaging holy books violates international law
UK efforts to introduce "more balanced language" were rejected Read More »
Report: ‘blasphemy’ backlash could lead to violence
Religious backlash to 'blasphemy' could "inspire intimidation, violence and even mass killings" in the UK, a new report... Read More »
UN rights body votes in favour of banning Quran burnings
The National Secular Society has warned a United Nations resolution to ban the burning of religious texts could be... Read More »
NSS defend mayor ousted for questioning religious circumcision
The National Secular Society has teamed up with a men's health charity to raise concerns after a mayor was ousted... Read More »
Established church hinders religious freedom, NSS tells UN expert
The NSS has told a UN expert that lack of separation between Church and state is undermining freedom of religion or belief in the UK. Read More »
NSS warns council on free speech after ‘Islamophobia’ allegations
The National Secular Society has warned members of Boston Council against characterising criticism of religion as... Read More »
Kettlethorpe: New guidance on ‘non crime hate incidents’ approved
Guidance saying 'non crime hate incidents' should not be recorded at schools has been approved following a high-profile... Read More »