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
Video sharing rules risk encroaching on free speech, says NSS
Posted: Fri, 7 May 2021 11:44
Proposed rules which would protect users from material "likely to incite hatred" on video sharing platforms (VSPs) risk unduly encroaching on freedom of expression, the National Secular Society has said.
The communications regulator Ofcom is currently consulting on draft guidance for VSP providers, which is designed to protect consumers from viewing harmful content.
The NSS has responded to the consultation to express concern that Ofcom has not ensured adequate protection for freedom of expression.
The guidance is aimed at online video services which allow users to upload and share videos with the public.
Since November, UK-established VSPs must comply with new rules around protecting users from harmful content.
Vague definition of 'inciting hatred'
The guidance says providers must ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect children from material that might impair their development; and to protect the public from criminal content and material "likely to incite hatred".
The NSS said it was reasonable for Ofcom to require VSPs to moderate restricted material, but warned that rules around material "likely to incite hatred" were too vague.
The guidance requires moderation of material likely to incite hatred on various grounds, including religion or belief and "political or any other opinion".
It only defines 'incitement to hatred' by saying it "should be understood as having its usual meaning in everyday language".
NSS response
The NSS said hatred was a "largely subjective" term and different individuals would have "different interpretations" of its meaning.
The society raised concerns that the guidance would enable religious censorship, and highlighted examples of religious groups attempting to use claims of 'inciting hatred' to censor critical or satirical material.
The NSS also said platforms would be incentivised to err on the side of censorship. The guidance includes significant penalties for permitting content that violates the rules, while there are no equivalent penalties for failing to uphold freedom of expression.
The NSS also said the guidance could unreasonably curb religious groups' freedom of expression.
The society said the guidance should include clearer instruction on VSPs' duty to have due regard for freedom of speech and freedom of religion or belief.
It added that it should include more comprehensive explanations about what does not constitute material that is considered "likely to incite hatred" with regard to religion or belief.
NSS comment
NSS head of policy and research Megan Manson said: "Video sharing platforms can empower ordinary people to express themselves and share their stories. They also provide a crucial opportunity for oppressed and marginalised groups, who often lack any other means to speak out and seek justice.
"So it's essential that VSPs enable free speech – including speech about contentious and controversial ideas that many people may find 'offensive' or even 'hateful'.
"As it stands, Ofcom's guidance does not provide adequate free speech protections and is likely to prompt VSPs to over-censor content. We urge Ofcom to take another look at it."
Image: NicoElNino/Shutterstock.com.
Investigation opens into use of Muhammad cartoon at Batley school
Posted: Thu, 29 Apr 2021 13:28
The academy trust behind Batley Grammar School, which recently suspended a teacher after a cartoon of Islam's prophet Muhammad was used in class, has said an investigation over the incident is underway.
Batley Multi Academy Trust, which oversees the school, has said the investigation will "examine how certain materials, which caused offence, came to be used".
The school apologised for the use of the cartoon and suspended the teacher last month, as protesters gathered outside its gates to demand the teacher's resignation.
In a statement on its website this week the trust said the external investigation would be led by "an independent barrister with significant education experience".
It added that the barrister had "no prior connection with the trust or any of its trustees or employees".
The National Secular Society has been seeking assurances from the Department for Education that the process will be genuinely independent, and not unduly influenced by local religious leaders or others who may have been involved in the protests.
The NSS has also asked for assurances that the government is working to protect the safety and wellbeing of the teacher affected. In response the DfE has said it is working with the trust and local authority to ensure the necessary support is in place for staff and pupils.
NSS comment
NSS chief executive Stephen Evans welcomed the support being provided to protect the safety and wellbeing of the teacher, and the appointment of an independent barrister, but has raised questions over the remit of the investigation.
He added: "For any investigation to inspire confidence, it must consider the school's handling of this affair and its treatment of the teacher – impartially and in full.
"It must also bear in mind the importance of upholding fundamental principles. Cultural sensitivity can't be allowed to morph into censorship. Teachers must have the freedom to broaden pupils' horizons and encourage them to think critically. Decisions about the appropriateness of teaching resources shouldn't be influenced by intimidation and threats.
"This affair has caused a great deal of disruption, turmoil and distress, and should be a reminder of the harm that can be done when society fails to stand up to religious bullying."
Image: Oxana Maher / Batley Grammar School / CC BY-SA 2.0.
