Tags: Free speech
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Time for an Islamophobia self-awareness month
Recent incidents reveal pushing the term 'Islamophobia' is less to do with challenging genuine anti-Muslim bigotry,... Read More »
Blasphemy laws, not books, belong on the bonfire
During Banned Books Week, Helen Nicholls examines the impact of blasphemy laws on those who write about religion –... Read More »
The Ayatollah will not have the last word
Salman Rushdie's battle is the battle of all of us who stand on the right side of history, says Pragna Patel.
The television... Read More »
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 »
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 »
‘Islamophobia’ distracts from tackling anti-Muslim bigotry
We need to tackle anti-Muslim hate, but the politicised and problematic term of Islamophobia should be ditched, argues... 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 »
Naz Shah’s argument on blasphemy should be rejected
The Labour MP has effectively called for a blasphemy law as she highlighted the "emotional harm" caused by depictions... Read More »
The ugly Batley and Spen campaign showed the risks of indulging religious identity politics
Voters and politicians who value social cohesion and basic democratic principles should reject the trend of pandering... Read More »
The outcome of the Batley investigation is a surrender of liberal principles
As an investigation into the Batley Grammar affair concludes, Stephen Evans says we should recognise the censorious... Read More »
The drive for ‘religious literacy’ in the media would undermine press freedom
A parliamentary report has called for measures to promote 'religious literacy' in the media - including tighter regulation.... Read More »
The DfE must show leadership when religious hardliners turn on schools
The start of an investigation into the Batley Grammar affair raises questions over the government's willingness to... Read More »
There is nothing new about cartoons which mock religion
Religious leaders have long feared irreverent drawings that could challenge their authority. We should remember that... Read More »
Western liberals’ weakness on blasphemy is letting down Muslim dissenters
The hand-wringing in the face of a vicious campaign against a teacher sends a demoralising message to those fighting... Read More »
