Opinion
The world has abandoned freethinkers of Muslim heritage
The first Apostasy Day has highlighted the human rights abuses facing many who leave Islam. To stand up for them we... Read More »
Problems around Islamic marriage require a secular solution
A new report says compulsory registration for Islamic marriages is needed to tackle discrimination and abuse. Megan... Read More »
Anthony Lester’s legacy for human rights and secularism
Keith Porteous Wood reflects on the achievements of Lord Lester, who died earlier this month, and the enduring relevance... Read More »
Our schools should promote social cohesion – so educate children together
As research shows social integration is key to fostering positive attitudes toward people of different religions and... Read More »
We all need the freedom to offend – including the most marginalised
Scotland's new hate crime bill could easily be weaponised to silence any speech deemed offensive. This will disempower,... Read More »
It's not too late to fulfil George Holyoake's secularist vision
With secularist principles under siege across much of the world, it's worth reconsidering the vision of the man who... Read More »
Let’s scrap discriminatory faith-based school admissions for good
In the UK, whatever happens to religious institutions is likely to have a knock-on effect on the state somewhere.... Read More »
Why make a spectacle out of religion in the courtroom?
Stephen Evans argues that the current system of religious oaths and affirmations should be replaced by a universal... Read More »
It’s time for one marriage law for all
A new High Court challenge to get humanist marriages legally recognised in England and Wales gives us an opportunity... Read More »
How faith schools are spreading without scrutiny or consultation
The National Secular Society campaign works to promote inclusive community ethos alternatives to faith schools. An... Read More »
We must protect pupils’ educational rights where schools consistently fail
Religious schools that censor textbooks, teach creationism and limit pupils' chances aren't respecting the right to... Read More »
Why can't Ofsted stop state schools preaching that same-sex relationships are wrong?
As the government considers ways to end 'gay conversion therapy' it should give Ofsted the power to stop faith schools... Read More »
Does Scotland’s justice minister realise the reach of his own hate crime bill?
Humza Yousaf has claimed a bill he's proposing isn't a threat to free speech because it sets a high threshold for... Read More »
Religious campaigners shouldn't be able to veto the refusal of treatment
Christian campaigners have questioned a ruling that allowed a severely ill man to die. Dr Antony Lempert says they're... Read More »
Outdoor marriage shouldn't be restricted on religious grounds
The government is reportedly planning to allow couples to marry outdoors as we emerge from lockdown. This is a chance... Read More »
Places of worship shouldn’t reopen prematurely
As a group of religious leaders threatens legal action over the closure of places of worship during the coronavirus... Read More »
Will Wales lead the way in reforming Religious Education?
The Welsh government's plans to reform RE risk being a missed opportunity for more radical reform of the way we approach... Read More »
The state must act to protect children in unregistered faith schools
Eye-opening evidence at a public inquiry has shown the dangers presented by unregistered schools. Richard Scorer,... Read More »
Scotland's faith schools are a divisive anachronism
Having worked in education for nearly 40 years I am convinced that the continuing existence of faith schools divides... Read More »
Discrimination, inconvenience, unfairness: The harm caused by faith school admissions
When parents in England have an unresolved complaint about their local council, they can approach the local government... Read More »
Scotland says it wants to clamp down on hate. But its charity law helps to promote it
The Scottish government has published a bill that threatens to outlaw the expression of hateful ideas. But meanwhile... Read More »
How charity law props up ‘gay conversion therapy’
As the NSS challenges the status of a Christian charity which pushes "change oriented therapy" for gay people, Megan... Read More »
Scotland’s new hate speech law will be too censorious
A new offence of 'stirring up hatred' on religious grounds is too restrictive of free speech, says Chris Sloggett.... Read More »
Is Northern Ireland set to move away from religious segregation in schools?
Northern Ireland has long been a byword for the problems with segregated, faith-based education. There are good reasons... Read More »
Why respect religious demands to keep pupils in the dark?
After a select committee chair urged more leeway for a faith school which has long censored textbooks, Stephen Evans... Read More »
