Opinion

BBC

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 »

Lord Austin, UK Parliament (CC BY 3.0)

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 »

Elly from Pixabay

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

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 »

Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

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 »

Malcolm Lightbody, Unsplash

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 »

Atharva Whaval, Unsplash

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 »

The universality of human rights needs defending

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

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 »

Separate church and state

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 »

Christopher Penler, Shutterstock

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 »

ukhouseoflords, CC BY 2.0 (cropped)

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 »

frank333, Shutterstock

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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 »

Faith schools foster unfairness and discrimination

Faith schools foster unfairness and discrimination

Fairness and freedom should be central to state education. Recommendations from the UN child rights committee lay... Read More »

It’s religion’s critics, not believers, who are being pushed out of politics

It’s religion’s critics, not believers, who are being pushed out of politics

Christian politicians have recently claimed they cannot talk openly about their faith. Megan Manson says recent events... Read More »

Shutterstock

Why are councillors doing Islamists’ work for them?

After a councillor was denied mayoralty for criticising Islam, Jack Rivington warns politicians are playing into the... Read More »

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