Democracy cannot exist without the right to free speech.
Free speech should be robustly defended as a fundamental freedom.
The National Secular Society has defended free speech from religious threats since our founding. We played an instrumental role in abolishing "blasphemy" laws in Britain, but serious concerns remain. Blasphemy laws still exist in Northern Ireland. And throughout the UK, religious fundamentalists seek to impose their blasphemy taboos on others through violence and intimidation.
There are also increasing attempts to categorise offending religious sensibilities as 'hate speech', making criticism, mockery or perceived 'insult' of religion a criminal act akin to racial hatred or inciting violence – in other words, a 'blasphemy law by the back door'.
Without free speech no search for truth is possible; without free speech no discovery of truth is useful; without free speech progress is checked… Better a thousand fold abuse of free speech than denial of free speech.
We are further concerned by a developing 'culture of offence' in which any speech or action deemed likely to offend religious sensibilities is considered taboo. Enforced by a toxic mix of terrorism and religious deference, this is chilling free speech through self-censorship.
We also campaign against blasphemy laws around the world, where they continue to be used to target religious and political minorities. These are sometimes described by UK politicians as 'misuse' of blasphemy laws, but we contend there are never any legitimate uses for blasphemy laws.
Being offended from time to time is the price we all pay for living in a free society. Rather than trying to silence those we disagree with, we believe the answer to speech we don't like is more speech – better speech.
We therefore campaign to protect and preserve freedom of expression, including offensive, critical and shocking speech.
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Latest updates
Queen’s Speech: concerns over illiberal Government counter-terror plans
Posted: Wed, 27 May 2015 13:23
The National Secular Society has expressed concern over new "anti-extremism" plans announced in the Conservative Government's first Queen's Speech.
A new Extremism Bill will introduce "Extremism Disruption Orders"- previously promised by Theresa May, and "banning orders"- which will allow the Home Secretary to target and ban radical groups. Additionally, "closure orders" will give local authorities the power to close down premises used by religious extremists. An Investigatory Powers Bill is also promised, and it is thought that it will contain many measures blocked by the Liberal Democrats under the Coalition.
The Government claims the proposals will "promote social cohesion" and "protect people by tackling extremism".
When renewed plans for "Extremism Disruption Orders" were first announced by the Home Secretary earlier in May, the National Secular Society warned the plans could have a "chilling effect" on free speech.
Responding to the speech, NSS executive director Keith Porteous Wood commented: "There is a need to confront extremist ideology, but the vagueness of the orders and low prosecution thresholds are likely to result in a very significant threat to freedom of expression".
He called for a stronger civil society approach to tackle religious extremism, rather than one which relies on draconian new legislation.
The Christian Institute previously argued that the proposals could even exceed the Labour Government's 'religious hatred' plans or Section 5 of the Public Order Act in terms of the danger posed to free expression.
The National Secular Society has however welcomed the Government's apparent delay in delivering its manifesto pledge to scrap the Human Rights Act.
The Conservative Government's first Queen's Speech saw a pledge to "bring forward proposals for a British bill of rights". This has led to speculation that the Government will only offer a consultation, and will not press ahead with legislation to repeal and replace the Act.
Amnesty International responded that the UK already has a British Bill of Rights in the form of the current Human Rights Act.
Legislation will also be introduced to increase the powers of the Charities Commission to close down charities in breach of the rules. The National Secular Society has repeatedly warned about religious charities misusing their charitable status.
MP warns of “religious intimidation” of Muslim voters
Posted: Sat, 16 May 2015 07:59
The Labour MP for Slough has hit out against voter intimidation, after some Muslim voters were told that they were not 'true Muslims' unless they voted against her.
The row centres over a local campaign- with apparent support across religious groups- for a blasphemy law. During the General Election campaign newly re-elected MP Fiona Mactaggart apparently resisted calls for the draconian measure, and when the result was announced she issued a stark warning about "spiritual coercion in one community"- in an apparent reference to Muslims in Slough.
Ms Mactaggart said voters had been intimidated and that she wouldn't 'build bridges' with those behind the smears. "I don't see how you can build a bridge with someone who says 'you aren't a proper Muslim if you vote for Fiona'," she said.
"There has been an element of spiritual coercion in one community which I profoundly regret. I think it was an attempt to divide Slough and its community which is dangerous. It is religious intimidation.
"Slough has always been at its best when it is united and they wanted to divide us. It is really sad and it is a dangerous thing to do."
Her defeated Conservative Party rival, Gurcharan Singh, said: "The truth is that Fiona refused to listen to the concerns of Slough's Muslim community and the Pakistan Welfare Association about the need for action to provide a legal channel to respond to those blaspheming against their religion."
Worryingly, Mr Singh said the local campaign for a blasphemy law "resonated with Sikhs and Hindus too."
Stephen Evans of the National Secular Society said: "The recent election campaign saw numerous attempts to exert religious or spiritual influence over voters. There may well be problems with how the law deals with this kind of action by religious groups and leaders, as some argue. Either way, it is an extremely troubling development. We do not want to see sectarian politics emerging in this country.
"As for Mr Singh- it is deeply concerning to hear a parliamentary candidate supporting a campaign for a blasphemy law. Inter-faith support for such a regressive measure is nothing to be proud of."
