Author: Stephen Evans

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

House of Lords makes politicians out of prelates

House of Lords makes politicians out of prelates

Religious leaders should be free to speak out on matters that concern them, but they should do so on the basis of... Read More »

A coronation fit for a king, not a modern democracy

A coronation fit for a king, not a modern democracy

An exclusively Anglican religious ritual is no way to inaugurate a head of state in diverse Britain, argues Stephen... Read More »

Homophobic churches and liberal states make for unhappy bedfellows

Homophobic churches and liberal states make for unhappy bedfellows

Parliament should begin the process of disestablishment rather than try to fix the Church of England, argues Stephen... Read More »

We need to normalise blasphemy

We need to normalise blasphemy

Stephen Evans argues that the huge overreaction to a Quran being scuffed in Kettlethorpe is symptomatic of the adoption... Read More »

Why not judge politicians by their views?

Why not judge politicians by their views?

Kate Forbes' religious beliefs have come under scrutiny as she bids to succeed Nicola Sturgeon, prompting suggestions... Read More »

A homophobic church shouldn’t be an arm of the state

A homophobic church shouldn’t be an arm of the state

Anglican bishops' stance on same-sex marriage shows Church and state have drifted apart. Formal separation should... Read More »

Happy Christmas, secular Britain

Happy Christmas, secular Britain

2022 was the year which made the case for secularism stronger than ever – not only in the UK but across the... Read More »

Show FIFA’s moral relativism the red card

Show FIFA’s moral relativism the red card

Human rights defenders are perfectly entitled to ignore FIFA's plea to 'focus on the football' and use the World Cup... Read More »

Union Jack

Time for an anthem we can all sing with sincerity

The religious and monarchical God Save the King should make way for something that the whole country can sing along... Read More »

Our head of state should not have constitutional ties with religion

Our head of state should not have constitutional ties with religion

As King Charles assumes the title of Defender of the Faith, Stephen Evans argues that the role of head of state in... Read More »

Talk of a public appetite for religion is wishful thinking

Talk of a public appetite for religion is wishful thinking

The established church's proclivity to insert itself into the secular realm should not go unchallenged, argues Stephen... Read More »

The silencing of Salman Rushdie must not succeed

The silencing of Salman Rushdie must not succeed

The best way to show solidarity with Salman Rushdie is by making sure his voice continues to be heard, says Stephen... Read More »

Anglican gay sex debate is a reminder of the need for secularism

Anglican gay sex debate is a reminder of the need for secularism

The Church of England's position on same-sex relationships should set the wheels of disestablishment in motion, says... Read More »

Freedoms that flow from secular democracy need to be defended

Freedoms that flow from secular democracy need to be defended

The rolling back of reproductive rights in America shows necessity of secularism, says Stephen Evans.

"History is not... Read More »

Britain’s de facto blasphemy law strikes again

Britain’s de facto blasphemy law strikes again

Pandering to fundamentalism is not the way to a more open, tolerant and peaceful society, argues Stephen Evans.

With... Read More »

The Church shouldn’t have a privileged platform in political debate

The Church shouldn’t have a privileged platform in political debate

Following the furore over the archbishop of Canterbury's latest political intervention, Stephen Evans argues Justin... Read More »

An inclusive Britain starts with inclusive schools

An inclusive Britain starts with inclusive schools

Keeping religion and state education separate is the best way of ensuring schools promote free inquiry, equality and... Read More »