Tags: Freedom of Expression
Campaigners call for release of Iranian blogger who ‘insulted Islam’
Posted: Tue, 26 Oct 2021
Over 200 organisations and individuals have called for the release of an Iranian blogger imprisoned for 'blasphemy'. Read More »
Nigerian Humanist leader charged over ‘blasphemous’ Facebook posts
Posted: Thu, 05 Aug 2021
Nigerian Humanist leader Mubarak Bala is facing formal charges over Facebook posts which allegedly contained 'blasphemous' content. Read More »
NSS welcomes moves to protect free speech on communications offences
Posted: Thu, 29 Jul 2021
The NSS has welcomed moves to protect free speech in a Law Commission report on reforms to communications offences in England and Wales. Read More »
Video sharing rules risk encroaching on free speech, says NSS
Posted: Fri, 07 May 2021
The NSS has said proposed Ofcom rules for video sharing platforms risk unduly encroaching on freedom of expression. Read More »
Investigation opens into use of Muhammad cartoon at Batley school
Posted: Thu, 29 Apr 2021
The academy trust behind Batley Grammar School says an investigation has begun after a row over the use of a Muhammad cartoon in class. Read More »
NSS urges release of Humanist leader after a year in detention
Posted: Wed, 28 Apr 2021
The NSS has urged authorities in Nigeria to release Mubarak Bala, who was arrested a year ago after being accused of insulting Muhammad. Read More »
Teacher suspended after using Muhammad cartoon in class on blasphemy
Posted: Thu, 25 Mar 2021
A teacher has been suspended after using a cartoon of Islam's prophet Muhammad in a religious studies lesson about blasphemy. Read More »
Hate crime bill passes and blasphemy law abolished in Scotland
Posted: Thu, 11 Mar 2021
Scotland's hate crime bill, which will introduce 'stirring up hatred' offences and abolish the blasphemy law, has passed its final vote. Read More »
Don’t renege on free speech protection, NSS tells justice minister
Posted: Fri, 26 Feb 2021
The NSS has urged Scotland's justice minister not to dilute protection for free speech on religion in the current hate crime bill. Read More »
Confusion over free speech protection on religion in hate crime bill
Posted: Thu, 18 Feb 2021
New proposals could substantially weaken the protection for free speech on religion in the Scottish government's current hate crime bill. Read More »
Law Commission proposals risk chilling free speech, NSS warns
Posted: Fri, 08 Jan 2021
The NSS has warned that Law Commission proposals on hate crime and communications offences in England and Wales could chill free speech. Read More »
Drop charges against ex-Muslim campaigner in Tanzania, says NSS
Posted: Wed, 06 Jan 2021
The NSS has backed a campaign in defence of Zara Kay, who has been arrested in Tanzania and prevented from leaving the country. Read More »
MSPs back ‘general principles’ of Scottish hate crime bill
Posted: Thu, 17 Dec 2020
MSPs have approved the 'general principles' of a proposed bill on hate crime, but many have called for stronger free speech protections. Read More »
Amend hate crime bill to protect free speech, Scottish government told
Posted: Thu, 10 Dec 2020
A group of MSPs has called for changes to Scotland's current hate crime bill, after taking evidence from groups including the NSS. Read More »
Success: free speech clause in hate crime bill to be strengthened
Posted: Tue, 24 Nov 2020
The NSS has welcomed the Scottish government's decision to strengthen a clause on free speech on religion in its current hate crime bill. Read More »
NSS gives evidence to parliamentary committee over hate crime bill
Posted: Wed, 11 Nov 2020
The NSS has said a planned hate crime bill will "intimidate" free speech in evidence to the Scottish parliament's justice committee. Read More »
Stronger free speech protection needed over hate crime bill, says NSS
Posted: Thu, 29 Oct 2020
The NSS has urged the Scottish government to protect free expression after ministers hinted at possible concessions in a hate crime bill. Read More »
Plan to amend Scottish hate crime bill isn’t enough, says NSS
Posted: Wed, 23 Sep 2020
The NSS has welcomed plans to amend Scotland's current hate crime bill, but warned that they don't go far enough to protect free speech. Read More »
Plans on ‘stirring up hatred’ threaten free expression, warn MSPs
Posted: Thu, 10 Sep 2020
MSPs from across the political spectrum have warned that Scotland's hate crime bill threatens free expression during a Holyrood debate. Read More »
Ditch ‘stirring up’ offences in hate crime bill, say NSS and others
Posted: Mon, 24 Aug 2020
The NSS is among signatories to a letter which expresses "grave reservations" over proposed 'stirring up hatred' offences in Scotland. Read More »
