Tags: Freedom of Expression
Secularists at “serious” risk in Bangladesh, UK government says
Posted: Wed, 04 May 2022
Secularists and atheists in Bangladesh are at "serious" risk of persecution, new UK government guidance says. Read More »
Nigerian humanist sentenced to 24 years in prison for ‘blasphemy’
Posted: Wed, 06 Apr 2022
The National Secular Society has condemned a Nigerian court for sentencing a humanist activist to 24 years in prison for 'blasphemy'. Read More »
NSS raises “serious” free speech concerns in press regulator code
Posted: Mon, 04 Apr 2022
A press regulator's standards code may restrict free speech and distort reporting through pro-religion bias, the NSS has warned. Read More »
NSS calls for better free speech protection in NI hate crime reform
Posted: Tue, 22 Mar 2022
The National Secular Society has warned proposed reforms to Northern Ireland's hate crime laws could undermine free speech. Read More »
Egypt proposes law banning journalists from discussing religion
Posted: Wed, 23 Feb 2022
Egypt may ban 'non-specialists' from discussing religion in the media after a journalist expressed doubts about the Quran. Read More »
NSS urges government to aid Ahmadi Muslim prosecuted for blasphemy
Posted: Thu, 10 Feb 2022
The NSS had urged the FCO to intervene in the case of an Ahmadi Muslim woman prosecuted for 'blasphemy' in Pakistan. Read More »
NSS welcomes free speech assurances in proposed hate crime reforms
Posted: Tue, 07 Dec 2021
The National Secular Society has welcomed proposals to protect the freedom to criticise harmful cultural practices. Read More »
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 »
