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.
What you can do
1. Share your story
Tell us why you support this campaign, and how you are personally affected by the issue. You can also let us know if you would like assistance with a particular issue.
2. Join us
Become a member of the National Secular Society today! Together, we can separate religion and state for greater freedom and fairness.
Latest updates
University Islamic Society tries to stop talk because speaker didn’t condemn Maajid Nawaz
Posted: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 11:24
Students from the University of Plymouth's Islamic Society failed in their efforts to get a speaker from the anti-extremist think tank Quilliam banned this week. They wanted his talk cancelled because he failed to condemn Maajid Nawaz's tweeting of the Jesus and Mo cartoon.
The talk by Sheikh Dr Usama Hasan, a senior researcher in Islamic Studies at Quilliam was on the topic of Islam and democracy in the wake of the Arab Spring.
But the Islamic Society organised a protest, attended by about 30 people, claiming that Dr Hasan has not condemned the actions of Quilliam co-founder Maajid Nawaz, a Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn. Mr Nawaz has received death threats and much abuse for saying that he did not find a Jesus & Mo cartoon offensive. He has written about the experience in The Guardian.
The Islamic Society had been pressing the University's Vice Chancellor, Wendy Purcell, to cancel the talk claiming that the Quilliam Foundation was promoting "Islamophobia".
In a template letter it encouraged others to send to Ms Purcell, the Society says:
"The decision to invite a member of the Quilliam Foundation by our chaplain David Evans has been extremely misjudged and we fear that if this invite is not withdrawn, a long term feeling of mistrust and suspicion will arise between the Muslim student community and the chaplaincy – the very chaplaincy set up to create a safe environment for the faithful and inter-faith cohesion.
"I would request that you consider the withdrawal of the invitation of Usama Hasan of the Quilliam Foundation and cancel the event. This would be a clear statement that the university listens to the concerns of its students and cares about the peaceful and cohesive environment we enjoy on campus".
Islamic Society spokesman Yusef Chambers, a senior figure in the extremist group Islamic Education and Research Academy (iERA), claimed that he had the support of the wider community: "It's not just Muslims – it's the community out there saying no". However, few people from the "community" turned out to support the protest.
A spokesman for Plymouth University said it hosted "hundreds" of events each year, attracting "high profile guest speakers" and these events played a key role in "stimulating debate and encouraging individuals to think for themselves, broaden their horizons and make sense of the world in an informed manner".
The spokesman added: "This does mean that some topics may not be of interest to everyone, suit their tastes, or be in keeping with their ideologies, which is something we understand and respect. We rigorously consider the appropriateness of any event or guest speaker in balancing our obligation to uphold the principles of free speech with our duty of care to students, staff and the community".
Terry Sanderson, president of the National Secular Society, said: "I am pleased to say that this particular attempt to stifle free speech. By all means let the Islamic Society students peacefully protest and make their feelings known, but any attempt to silence debate must be fiercely resisted. Quilliam is trying hard to promote a more moderate face for Islam – and incidents like this show how essential its work is".
Northern Ireland council lifts ban on “blasphemous” Bible play
Posted: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 07:24
Newtownabbey Borough Council in Northern Ireland has overturned its ban on a play that spoofs the Bible.
The Council's Arts Committee had originally cancelled two performances of The Bible: The Complete Word Of God (Abridged) at the council-owned Mill Theatre. But after an international outcry that brought condemnation from the likes of Amnesty International, Tim Minchin and Richard Dawkins, the Arts Committee has now reversed its ban. The decision was upheld by the full council at an acrimonious meeting on Monday.
DUP members of the council had branded the play "blasphemous" and an attack on Christianity, but the decision caused outrage to supporters of free expression and made international headlines.
When a supporter of the National Secular Society wrote in protest to one of the councillors behind the ban, DUP member Billy Ball, he received this message in response:
"Thank you for your email but when did I say I wanted to censor the arts? I stated my opposition to this play on its mockery of God's word. Last week in [the] European Parliament they highlighted 50 countries that persecute Christians if caught in possession of scriptures. [Christians] are either imprisoned or put to death. The word of god is not a book. It is THE book, our guide to everyday living [and] a comfort in times of trouble. I know you will not agree with me that's up to you. I as a Christian bear no malice for anyone. Yours in Christ, Billy Ball."
However, another DUP councillor, Alderman Dineen Walker, refused to support the ban and told the Belfast Telegraph it was not the job of councillors to censor art.
The Reduced Shakespeare Company, the company which is to perform the play, said they were "thrilled Newtownabbey audiences can now see what all the fuss was about." They said the publicity had resulted in several other dates on their tour selling out and their twitter following had increased to over 10,000.
