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
'Religious literacy' drive mustn't erode press freedom, says NSS
Posted: Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:44
Initiatives to improve religious literacy in the media should not be used to shield religions from criticism, the National Secular Society has told a parliamentary group.
In response to a consultation, the NSS said "freedom of the press and rigorous public debate" depend on journalists being able to "report the truth, regardless of the sensitivities involved".
The all-party parliamentary group on religion in the media is currently seeking evidence on 'religious literacy' in print and broadcast media.
The APPG has said its aim is to examine how different groups understand the term and "what steps can be taken to cultivate a media environment which is religiously literate".
NSS's submission
In its response the NSS said countering negative stereotypes based on religious belief or affiliation is "desirable". It also said journalists' lack of knowledge of the diversity of beliefs and practices within religions can hinder accurate reporting and contribute to simplistic perceptions.
But the NSS added that there was "no compelling reason why the media should treat religion any differently to the way it treats other issues".
The society also said the press "should not be prevented from undertaking accurate reporting of religious extremism and violence or robust commentary about it".
The NSS added that:
- The media should not be expected to place "disproportionate emphasis" on religion or take an "uncritical view" of religious texts, doctrines or practices.
- Journalists should treat faith groups similarly to others, for example by listening to what people have to say, but it is not always their role to be "sensitive or pander to religious offence-taking".
Purpose and scope of APPG's inquiry
In its explanation of the purpose of its inquiry, the APPG has said "it is essential that the media provides a balanced portrayal of faith groups and an accurate reflection of the diversity of religious belief and practice in the UK".
The group has acknowledged that "journalists must be free to report accurately on matters relating to faith without fear or censure" while adding that "reductive, distorted or misleading depictions can provoke or aggravate social tensions".
It also argues that "religion continues to play a crucial role in public life".
NSS response
NSS spokesperson Helen Nicholls said: "The effort to promote religious literacy may have some welcome effects, such as a better understanding of the nuances of religious belief and practice. But parliamentarians should beware efforts to use 'religious literacy' as a tool to push a simplified, positive view of religion and to marginalise criticism.
"They must also avoid any measures which could restrict press freedom and should ensure religion isn't treated differently from, or given disproportionate attention compared to, other subjects of comparable importance."
NSS welcomes Scottish government proposal to abolish blasphemy law
Posted: Fri, 24 Apr 2020 18:12
The National Secular Society has welcomed a proposal from the Scottish government which would abolish the country's blasphemy law.
Ministers made the proposal in a bill on hate crime which has been published today, following its introduction to the Scottish parliament.
A government memorandum explaining the measure said it would remove an "outdated law that is no longer considered necessary or appropriate".
It added that it would remove the possibility of Scotland's law being cited by countries "which use such an offence for the purposes of persecution of their citizens".
The NSS, which has argued for the abolition of blasphemy laws since its founding in 1866, has often made similar points to the Scottish government in recent years.
New offence of 'stirring up hatred' on religious grounds
While the society strongly welcomed the government's proposal on blasphemy, it also sounded "a word of caution" on a new offence which is due to be introduced in the bill.
The bill would create an offence of "stirring up hatred" on the basis of religion. This would be defined based on a combination of the behaviour of the person involved, their intent and the likely outcome of the behaviour.
The person's behaviour would need to be "threatening or abusive" while either they intend to "stir up hatred" against a religious group or "it is likely that hatred will be stirred up" against one.
The bill also provides for an offence relating to the possession of inflammatory material.
A free speech protection in the bill says behaviour or material should not be considered "threatening or abusive" solely because it involves "discussion or criticism of religion".
NSS involvement and response
The NSS called for the abolition of blasphemy and argued for robust protections on freedom of expression in response to a Scottish government consultation on hate crime. The bill will now be put to another public consultation process.
In response to the bill's publication, NSS chief executive Stephen Evans said: "Scotland's blasphemy law sends a damaging message that religious ideas deserve special protection and, as ministers have rightly recognised, undermines efforts to defend human rights internationally. Its repeal would be a very welcome step.
"But the government should also be cautious that any new hate crime offences introduced in this bill don't undermine freedom of expression on religion. They'd be well advised to ensure any such offences are narrowly defined and have a very clear justification.
"During the coming consultation process we will strongly welcome the proposal to abolish blasphemy. Meanwhile we'll also remind ministers of the value of free expression on religion and the risks associated with criminalising speech."
The NSS's historical role
- The NSS has campaigned for the abolition of blasphemy laws across the UK, and internationally, since its founding in 1866.
- The society's campaigning played an instrumental role in the repeal of the blasphemy law in England and Wales in 2008.
Ongoing hate crime review in England and Wales
- The Law Commission is currently reviewing hate crime laws in England and Wales. The NSS is lobbying the commission to ensure protections for free speech on religion.
Image: The Scottish parliament building, © Mary and Angus Hogg [CC BY-SA 2.0]
