Opinion
Brutally murdered for doing his job
The beheading of Samuel Paty, a teacher in France targeted for showing Charlie Hebdo cartoons to his students, was... Read More »
Those providing public services – including religious groups – should respect reasonable boundaries
Following a call for a greater role for religion in public services, Stephen Evans argues that any expansion of faith-based... Read More »
It’s time to tackle loopholes in equality law which privilege religion
On the 10th anniversary of the Equality Act coming into force, Lynne Featherstone says reforms proposed by the NSS... Read More »
Religious fundamentalists can’t be trusted with child protection
The extraordinary antics of Jehovah's Witnesses at the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse demonstrate why... Read More »
NHS trusts’ cosy relationships with Jehovah’s Witness leaders could have tragic consequences
Committees of Jehovah's Witnesses who encourage patients to refuse treatments involving blood are seeking influence... Read More »
The Scottish hate crime bill is a threat to free and open debate
As ministers reportedly consider changing Scotland's hate crime bill to address free expression concerns, Stephen... Read More »
The continued effort to silence Charlie Hebdo is shameful
It is outrageous to try to force this small magazine to give the 2015 killers what they wanted, says Chris Sloggett.... 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 »
Problems around Islamic marriage require a secular solution
A new report says compulsory registration for Islamic marriages is needed to tackle discrimination and abuse. Megan... Read More »
Anthony Lester’s legacy for human rights and secularism
Keith Porteous Wood reflects on the achievements of Lord Lester, who died earlier this month, and the enduring relevance... Read More »
Our schools should promote social cohesion – so educate children together
As research shows social integration is key to fostering positive attitudes toward people of different religions and... Read More »
We all need the freedom to offend – including the most marginalised
Scotland's new hate crime bill could easily be weaponised to silence any speech deemed offensive. This will disempower,... Read More »
It's not too late to fulfil George Holyoake's secularist vision
With secularist principles under siege across much of the world, it's worth reconsidering the vision of the man who... Read More »
Let’s scrap discriminatory faith-based school admissions for good
In the UK, whatever happens to religious institutions is likely to have a knock-on effect on the state somewhere.... Read More »
Why make a spectacle out of religion in the courtroom?
Stephen Evans argues that the current system of religious oaths and affirmations should be replaced by a universal... Read More »
It’s time for one marriage law for all
A new High Court challenge to get humanist marriages legally recognised in England and Wales gives us an opportunity... Read More »
How faith schools are spreading without scrutiny or consultation
The National Secular Society campaign works to promote inclusive community ethos alternatives to faith schools. An... Read More »
We must protect pupils’ educational rights where schools consistently fail
Religious schools that censor textbooks, teach creationism and limit pupils' chances aren't respecting the right to... Read More »
Why can't Ofsted stop state schools preaching that same-sex relationships are wrong?
As the government considers ways to end 'gay conversion therapy' it should give Ofsted the power to stop faith schools... Read More »
Does Scotland’s justice minister realise the reach of his own hate crime bill?
Humza Yousaf has claimed a bill he's proposing isn't a threat to free speech because it sets a high threshold for... Read More »
Religious campaigners shouldn't be able to veto the refusal of treatment
Christian campaigners have questioned a ruling that allowed a severely ill man to die. Dr Antony Lempert says they're... Read More »
Outdoor marriage shouldn't be restricted on religious grounds
The government is reportedly planning to allow couples to marry outdoors as we emerge from lockdown. This is a chance... Read More »
Places of worship shouldn’t reopen prematurely
As a group of religious leaders threatens legal action over the closure of places of worship during the coronavirus... Read More »
Will Wales lead the way in reforming Religious Education?
The Welsh government's plans to reform RE risk being a missed opportunity for more radical reform of the way we approach... Read More »
The state must act to protect children in unregistered faith schools
Eye-opening evidence at a public inquiry has shown the dangers presented by unregistered schools. Richard Scorer,... Read More »
