Opinion

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Parliamentary modernisation must address religious privilege

The practice of opening parliamentary sessions with Christian prayers is an outdated tradition that undermines inclusivity....

It’s fair to question how religion influences politicians

It’s fair to question how religion influences politicians

If religious institutions use their power to coerce MPs, they must expect religious candidates to face additional...

Why are we still tied to the “old boys’ club” of the Church?

Why are we still tied to the “old boys’ club” of the Church?

A recent interview revealed Justin Welby is still trying to salvage his reputation. But we shouldn't forget his resignation...

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How vested religious interests block progress in medical ethics

Patient autonomy should be central to medical decisions. But religion has long presented the main obstacle to the...

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Islamophobia and the dangers of chilling discourse

In the wake of this week's Casey report, Stephen Evans says accusations of racism, often framed as 'Islamophobia',...

Coskun’s conviction is a surrender to Islamic blasphemy codes

Coskun’s conviction is a surrender to Islamic blasphemy codes

Establishing a right not to be offended sounds the death knell for free expression, says Stephen Evans.

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Time to end the absurd anomaly of ritual child circumcision

Two men have been convicted for performing dangerous and medically unnecessary circumcisions on male babies and children...

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The burning question: are blasphemy laws back?

Charges of harassment, alarm or distress "against the religious institution of Islam" set a dangerous precedent for...

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Why aren’t we taking religious misogyny seriously?

A popular Netflix show has politicians astir over young men being exposed to misogynistic ideology. But they have...

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Laws shouldn't be used to shield religious sensitivities

Stephen Evans warns that the conviction of a man for burning a Quran brings us perilously close to reinstating blasphemy...

Why was a struck off doctor able to keep circumcising boys?

Why was a struck off doctor able to keep circumcising boys?

The appalling harm wrought by an ex-doctor highlights the urgent need for boys to be protected from circumcision,...

The 'peace wall' along Cupar Way in Belfast. Sonse, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Northern Ireland’s parties are putting their interests before integration

DUP and Sinn Féin's resistance to integrated schools betrays their fear of meaningful unity between Catholics...

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Charlie Hebdo’s principled defiance is an example to us all

Ten years on from the Charlie Hebdo massacre, Stephen Evans says the legacy of those who lost their lives should be...

U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Time for the morally deficient Church of England to be stripped of its privileges

Stephen Evans argues that the Church of England abuse scandal means it's time to abolish the bishops' bench. This...

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Time for the state to resign from the Church

The most recent abuse scandal and Welby's subsequent resignation should be the final straw for establishment, says...

Book review: ‘Rethinking Law and Religion’ by Russell Sandberg

Book review: ‘Rethinking Law and Religion’ by Russell Sandberg

This new book highlights why it's vital for secularists to follow the future of the field of law and religion, says...

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Blasphemy is a catalyst for progress. Let’s celebrate it.

Blasphemy has been a powerful driver of individual rights and freedoms, argues Stephen Evans.

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British ex-Muslims, already unfree, face perils of worsening censorship

To mark International Apostasy Day on 22 August, Dr Ben Jones reflects on his recent research into the experiences...

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Defining ‘Islamophobia’ is not the answer to combatting anti-Muslim hate

The recent upsurge in anti-Muslim bigotry should be universally condemned. But supporting affected communities doesn't...

Book review: ‘The Divine Economy’, by Paul Seabright

Book review: ‘The Divine Economy’, by Paul Seabright

Paul Seabright's economic perspective on religion provides useful insights into the power of religious institutions...

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Secularism and the safeguarding of liberal values

Stephen Evans highlights the myriad threats to secular liberalism and sets out what's needed to preserve it ahead...

Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, Wiki Commons

Starmer must bring our diverse but divided people together

Megan Manson says the election revealed the threats faith-based politics poses to community cohesion, and calls for...

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Bishops shouldn’t have a role in the Isle of Man’s parliament

Muriel Garland explains why she supports removing bishop's vote in Tynwald's upper chamber.

Image credits from top left: The White House, David Woolfall, Northern Ireland Assembly, Ariesoceantea, Scottish Government, Katie Chan, Welsh Parliament (All via Wiki Commons)

What do parties in NI, Scotland & Wales have to offer secularists?

Megan Manson examines what Alliance, DUP, Sinn Féin, SDLP, ALBA, SNP and Plaid Cymru think about secularist...

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