Opinion
We must empower secular schools to assert their ethos
When Islamists tried to bully Michaela Community School, the school refused to back down. Other schools have not been so successful in challenging religious intimidation. Megan Manson explores what made Michaela different. Read More »
Allowing more religious selection in schools would be a big mistake
Abandoning the 50% admission cap would exacerbate the discrimination, disadvantage and division inherent with faith schools, argues Stephen Evans. Read More »
Three years on, the lessons of Batley are yet to be learned
The Batley affair exposed the Islamist threat to UK schools. We're still yet to come to terms with its implications, says Jack Rivington. Read More »
A state Church is no bulwark against extremism – but secularism is
With its commitment to the separation of religion and state and safeguarding the rights of all individuals, secularism can provide an effective defence against the spread of extremism, says Stephen Evans. Read More »
We can’t allow extremists to make the truth taboo
If accusations of Islamophobia can be used to silence criticism of Hamas, the UK is in a very dangerous place, argues Stephen Evans. Read More »
We must stop giving public funds to religious colleges which restrict academic freedom
Many religious higher education providers are shirking their duty to uphold freedom of expression and academic freedom. Christopher Higgins and Keith Sharpe say it's time to stop funding these institutions. Read More »
Michaela shows the need to end collective worship laws
The Michaela case demonstrates why we need a change in law to enable schools to promote a secular, inclusive ethos, says Megan Manson. Read More »
Ritual slaughter: is the government about to renege on its commitment to consult?
Stephen Evans criticises the government's U-turn on animal welfare and says food labelling policy should serve consumers rather than religious interests. Read More »
Time to bring policies on religion in line with public opinion
As yet another study confirms Brits aren't keen on religion, Megan Manson says politicians should reflect public opinion by reeling in religious privilege. Read More »
Religion should not be a roadblock to child safeguarding in healthcare
A new paper highlights barriers to reforming guidance on non-therapeutic circumcision. The author, Dr Antony Lempert, explains why religion is one of the biggest barriers of all. Read More »
Secularism in 2023: A year in review
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the moments, stories, and insights that shaped our work, through the blogs we've published. Read More »
The universality of human rights needs defending
Seventy-five years on from the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, its promise of freedom and equality remains a distant dream for those living under religious rule, says Stephen Evans. Read More »
The time to disestablish the Church of England has come
Lib Dem peer Paul Scriven explains why he has introduced a bill in parliament to separate Church and state. Read More »
Time for Church and state to part ways
Separating church and state would signal a forward-looking Britain committed to equality, inclusivity and freedom of religion or belief. National Secular Society CEO Stephen Evans explains why the NSS is backing a bill to disestablish the Church of England. Read More »
We must stop charities promoting antisemitism
The horrific attack on Israel by Islamist terrorists Hamas, and Israel's subsequent response, have unleashed unprecedented... Read More »
Bishops, know your place: it’s not in parliament
It was with great lamentation and gnashing of teeth that members of the Church of England reacted to news this week... Read More »
Freedom of religion or belief must include the freedom to ‘blaspheme’
The freedom to question and criticise religious ideas in the same manner as any other kind is foundational to a democratic... Read More »
A monument to hijab is no way to celebrate women
A 16ft steel statue of a grim-faced women clad in an Islamic veil looms over a largely Muslim community. Weighing... Read More »
Don't extend religious privilege in parliament - end it
If you're vexed by Anglican clerics sitting as of right in our legislature deciding on the laws that affect us all,... Read More »
Denmark stood up against fundamentalists in the past. It must not give in now
It is now almost two decades since an organised campaign of lies, threats and violence attempted to force Danish society... Read More »
The Church of England is legitimising spiritual abuse
The Exorcist director William Friedkin died at the age of 87 this week. His seminal film immortalised the concept... Read More »
Sexist state church should be disestablished
Imagine if a colleague of yours, due to his deeply held religious beliefs, refused to follow his manager's instructions... Read More »
From Barbie to blasphemy: how religion muzzles free speech
This week, religious groups have found ways to be offended by both of the summer's biggest blockbusters. In Pakistan... Read More »
Taxpayers shouldn't be burdened with propping up the Church
Faced with dwindling congregations, the Church of England is looking for ways to fund the growing repair bill of its... Read More »
Don’t let the Church dictate how we marry
In justifying its uniquely privileged position as the established religion, the Church of England likes to portray... Read More »