Tags: FoRB
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 »
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 »
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 »
Don’t sacrifice the principle of universal human rights to religious leaders
A recent report on state-sanctioned killings of 'blasphemers' and 'apostates' suggests re-interpreting Islam as a... Read More »
The Taliban takeover is part of a wider threat to secular liberal democracy
Stephen Evans argues that secular liberal democracy is the antidote to the totalitarian Islamism offered up by the... Read More »
Heads of state shouldn’t have to swear religious oaths
A challenge to Ireland's religious presidential oath should be supported – and prompt questions across the Irish... Read More »
Women Leaving Islam: the rights of those who leave religion must be protected
The film Women Leaving Islam shows the risks facing those who stand up for the fundamental right to leave religion... Read More »
Religious censorship is about ownership
Theocratic demands for censorship in India and Pakistan reflect attempts to grab power which undermine everyone's... Read More »
All I want for Christmas is freedom of and from religion
Opponents often erect a straw man of secularism to justify demands for religious privilege. But freedom of religion... Read More »
The world has abandoned freethinkers of Muslim heritage
The first Apostasy Day has highlighted the human rights abuses facing many who leave Islam. To stand up for them we... Read More »
Secular attitudes and laws are assets against coronavirus
Religious fanaticism is hindering the fight against coronavirus across much of the world. But in Britain claims to... Read More »
Medical regulators shouldn’t let doctors push religion on patients
The General Medical Council has decided not to pursue a case against a GP who was accused of pushing religion on a... Read More »
Election 2019: Where do the major parties stand on secularist issues?
Megan Manson studies the election manifestos for the main UK-wide parties – and says religion will continue... Read More »
Praying on the vulnerable
A ruling that a nurse was not wrongly dismissed for repeatedly evangelising was unsurprising, says Stephen Evans.... Read More »
Britain needs to stand up for everyone’s religious freedom
The appalling attacks in Sri Lanka again highlight the growing global persecution of Christians. But there should... Read More »
The advertising regulator is pandering to religious offence-taking
As a regulator issues patronising advice to advertisers in the run-up to Easter, Chris Sloggett takes a look at its... Read More »
Review: The Children Act
Emma Park says Ian McEwan's book and the film it has inspired prompt the questions of what the state should do when... Read More »
We must resist both religious hatred and its weaponisation
After a sharp rise in reported crimes in which religious hatred was a factor, Alastair Lichten says liberal democracies... Read More »
China's religious persecution is a secularist issue
China may be the most godless country in the world, but it is far from being a secular one. Stephen Evans says the... Read More »
Why we must reclaim religious freedom
There is an urgent case for resisting those who claim the mantle of 'religious freedom' without regard for others'... Read More »
Pakistan’s elections will mean little for minorities and secularists
Religious hardliners have pushed both frontrunners in Pakistan's elections to the right – and neither is prepared... Read More »
It’s worth knowing why more Muslims are leaving faith behind
A new book reveals a substantive movement of people choosing to leave Islam. Fiyaz Mughal, its co-editor, reflects... Read More »
Seven women who refused to be silenced by religious bullies
On International Women's Day, Megan Manson celebrates the stories of seven brave and determined women in the UK who... Read More »
Male circumcision is an issue of religious freedom - and should be prohibited as such
Proponents of ritual genital cutting often claim a 'right' to religious freedom justifies their position. But individuals... Read More »
Fundamentalists feel the Force of Star Wars
Sabbatarians in Lewis claim a right to impose their beliefs on others, including by banning screenings of Star Wars... Read More »
