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
Counter Extremism Bill alarmed me most, says Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation
Posted: Thu, 3 Nov 2016 16:21
The senior lawyer tasked with reviewing the Government's legislation on counter-extremism has strongly criticised draft plans for tackling "non-violent extremism".
David Anderson QC said that in six years reviewing counter-terrorism legislation for the Government the draft Counter Extremism Bill was "the single document that has alarmed me most".
"Over the last six years I've seen an awful lot of secret material. Everything to do with the operation of the laws against terrorism, everything to do with surveillance. I think the single document that has alarmed me most was the early draft, I emphasise, of the Counter-Extremism Bill that I saw in the summer of 2015. Since then we've seen nothing definite."
The Government has been unable to define what "non-violent extremism" means, and Anderson warned that a broad definition was "very dangerous and quite wrong".
Existing law prohibits inciting violence or hatred, and Anderson suggested that applying the concept of "non-violent extremism" to "ideas that are, for example, un-British or opposed to democracy" would threaten freedom of speech.
"We got through the Cold War after all without making it illegal to be a Communist or to express Communist opinions."
Simon Calvert, campaigns director of the Defend Free Speech campaign backed by both the National Secular Society and the Christian Institute, said: "David Anderson is well-placed to assess the Government's approach to counter-extremism. He is saying, very plainly, very robustly, that the Government is on the wrong track.
"The Government's proposals – and Extremism Disruption Orders in particular – are dangerous. They need to be stopped before ordinary people are criminalised because their views don't fit the Government's ideological straitjacket of British values.
"David Anderson's remarks are at one with the Joint Committee on Human Rights and senior leaders within the Police and Security Services.
"The Government needs to get on with the consultation it's been promising for so long, so that the public can leave it in no doubt that the answer to extremism is not to be found in undermining the foundations of democracy."
Mr Anderson also welcomed a consultation on the proposals – something the NSS has called for once concrete details from the Government are made public.
Show your support for the Defend Free Speech campaign.
Open letter to British Gymnastics over decision to suspend Louis Smith
Posted: Wed, 2 Nov 2016 14:58
The National Secular Society has written an open letter to British Gymnastics calling on the body to reverse the two month suspension given to athlete Louis Smith for mocking Islam.
The sporting body suspended Smith for two months and gave fellow athlete Luke Carson a reprimand over a video in which the two mocked Islamic prayer.
President of the National Secular Society Terry Sanderson wrote to British Gymnastics that's its own "censorious actions" had caused far more harm than Smith and Carson's mockery of Islam.
In an open letter Mr Sanderson said that British Gymnastics "has contributed to a climate of censorship brought on by the unreasonable and reactionary views" of religious extremists.
"Rather than defending free expression, one of the most precious pillars of our liberal democratic society, you have chosen instead to side with extremists and patronise British Muslims by assuming they will take offence at the trivial actions of these two athletes.
"British Gymnastics' condemnation and punishment of Louis Smith and Luke Carson will only serve to embolden the religious extremists who reject free speech and religious tolerance by demanding that Islam must not be mocked."
Smith said that he has received many death threats following the publication of the video.
Mr Sanderson added: "We urge you to consider whether by taking the actions it has, British Gymnastics has further endangered the safety of these two athletes by giving succour to those who seek to silence all criticism and mockery of their religion."
British Gymnastics' Standards of Conduct prohibits athletes from making "offensive" jokes or remarks.
The National Secular Society has now called on British Gymnastics to revise its code of conduct to protect athletes' freedom of expression.
Matthew Syed wrote in the Times in October that the Louis Smith video would "become a test case" for the "illiberal contracts that British Olympians are required to sign".
Jane Allen, chief executive of British Gymnastics, said when the suspension and reprimand were announced: "As the custodians of the integrity and values of the sport, we have had no choice but to act responsibly.
"Whilst both individuals showed remorse following the incident, we hope in the future they use their profile to have a positive impact on sport and communities."
Read the National Secular Society's open letter to British Gymnastics.
Also see: The demonisation of Louis Smith: This is how a de facto blasphemy law works
