National Secular Society
@natsecsoc.bsky.social
Campaigning for separation of religion and state, challenging religious privilege and promoting equality between all citizens regardless of religion or belief.
#Secularism #Secular
#Secularism #Secular
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secularism.org.uk
We campaign for an inclusive, secular society where no religion is unfairly privileged. Join us in our stand for equality, freedom, and fairness. Become a member of the National Secular Society today: secularism.org.uk/join-and-renew
Reminder: you can now donate to our legal fund, to help us resist the CPS' appeal against the acquittal of Hamit Coskun.
This is a vital battle for free expression - and for that to include expression which challenges or offends.
To donate👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
This is a vital battle for free expression - and for that to include expression which challenges or offends.
To donate👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
Help us to defend free expression
A page set up for specific donations to Hamit Coskun's legal fees
www.secularism.org.uk
February 12, 2026 at 11:41 AM
Reminder: you can now donate to our legal fund, to help us resist the CPS' appeal against the acquittal of Hamit Coskun.
This is a vital battle for free expression - and for that to include expression which challenges or offends.
To donate👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
This is a vital battle for free expression - and for that to include expression which challenges or offends.
To donate👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
📣 Support the legal battle for free speech!
Hamit Coskun's acquittal, after being convicted of a public order offence, was a vital judgement. That's why we're going back to court to defend it against a CPS appeal.
Please consider chipping in👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
Hamit Coskun's acquittal, after being convicted of a public order offence, was a vital judgement. That's why we're going back to court to defend it against a CPS appeal.
Please consider chipping in👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
February 12, 2026 at 9:15 AM
📣 Support the legal battle for free speech!
Hamit Coskun's acquittal, after being convicted of a public order offence, was a vital judgement. That's why we're going back to court to defend it against a CPS appeal.
Please consider chipping in👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
Hamit Coskun's acquittal, after being convicted of a public order offence, was a vital judgement. That's why we're going back to court to defend it against a CPS appeal.
Please consider chipping in👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
The CPS, by appealing Hamit Coskun's acquittal, seems determined to establish a blasphemy law by the back door.
We're quoted on why this stance sets a dangerous precedent by handing a heckler's veto to those most willing to take offence.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02...
We're quoted on why this stance sets a dangerous precedent by handing a heckler's veto to those most willing to take offence.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02...
www.telegraph.co.uk
February 11, 2026 at 3:29 PM
The CPS, by appealing Hamit Coskun's acquittal, seems determined to establish a blasphemy law by the back door.
We're quoted on why this stance sets a dangerous precedent by handing a heckler's veto to those most willing to take offence.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02...
We're quoted on why this stance sets a dangerous precedent by handing a heckler's veto to those most willing to take offence.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02...
Next week, we'll be back in court to defend Hamit Coskun's acquittal against a CPS appeal.
This is a crucial battle for freedom of expression - which is why we're asking our supporters to help us with the cost of fighting it.
To donate👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
This is a crucial battle for freedom of expression - which is why we're asking our supporters to help us with the cost of fighting it.
To donate👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
Help us to defend free expression
A page set up for specific donations to Hamit Coskun's legal fees
www.secularism.org.uk
February 11, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Next week, we'll be back in court to defend Hamit Coskun's acquittal against a CPS appeal.
This is a crucial battle for freedom of expression - which is why we're asking our supporters to help us with the cost of fighting it.
To donate👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
This is a crucial battle for freedom of expression - which is why we're asking our supporters to help us with the cost of fighting it.
To donate👇
www.secularism.org.uk/support-hami...
58% of British adults think #ReligiousStudies is unimportant at secondary schools. And a quarter of England's secondary schools do not offer #ReligiousEducation. Time to rethink RE. 👇 www.secularism.org.uk/21st-century... #Education
Rethink RE
We need a new subject to teach children about worldviews, citizenship and ethics.
www.secularism.org.uk
February 11, 2026 at 1:29 PM
58% of British adults think #ReligiousStudies is unimportant at secondary schools. And a quarter of England's secondary schools do not offer #ReligiousEducation. Time to rethink RE. 👇 www.secularism.org.uk/21st-century... #Education
Reposted by National Secular Society
With the recent confirmation of the new archbishop of Canterbury, Keith Porteous Wood takes a look back at the shameful record of her and her predecessors in dealing with abuse in the Church of England. @natsecsoc.bsky.social
freethinker.co.uk/2026/02/the-...
freethinker.co.uk/2026/02/the-...
The shameful legacy of the archbishops of Canterbury, old and new - The Freethinker
This is an edited version of a piece by National Secular Society (NSS) President Keith Porteous Wood which…
freethinker.co.uk
February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
With the recent confirmation of the new archbishop of Canterbury, Keith Porteous Wood takes a look back at the shameful record of her and her predecessors in dealing with abuse in the Church of England. @natsecsoc.bsky.social
freethinker.co.uk/2026/02/the-...
freethinker.co.uk/2026/02/the-...
You can read our CEO's op-ed on why the moral deficiencies of the church highlight the injustice of its established status, including the place of 26 bishops in the House of Lords:
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2024...
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2024...
Time for the morally deficient Church of England to be stripped of its privileges
Stephen Evans argues that the Church of England abuse scandal means it's time to abolish the bishops' bench. This piece was originally published in The Freethinker. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
February 10, 2026 at 11:41 AM
You can read our CEO's op-ed on why the moral deficiencies of the church highlight the injustice of its established status, including the place of 26 bishops in the House of Lords:
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2024...
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2024...
Sarah Mullally says that the church must submit to “independent scrutiny of safeguarding practices”.
But the long shadow of disgrace over the abuse scandal must also mean an end to the church's privileged access to the levers of power.
#Disestablishment
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
But the long shadow of disgrace over the abuse scandal must also mean an end to the church's privileged access to the levers of power.
#Disestablishment
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
Church of England has failed to prevent abuse, archbishop admits
In her first speech as Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Dame Sarah Mullally called for an ‘independent scrutiny of our safeguarding practices’
www.thetimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:41 AM
Sarah Mullally says that the church must submit to “independent scrutiny of safeguarding practices”.
But the long shadow of disgrace over the abuse scandal must also mean an end to the church's privileged access to the levers of power.
#Disestablishment
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
But the long shadow of disgrace over the abuse scandal must also mean an end to the church's privileged access to the levers of power.
#Disestablishment
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
"Advancement of religion has been recognised as a charitable purpose for centuries. But this head of charity now seems archaic."
mentioned in this latest piece from Prof. Russell Sandberg on why charity law must be urgently reformed👇
sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/02/09/r...
mentioned in this latest piece from Prof. Russell Sandberg on why charity law must be urgently reformed👇
sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/02/09/r...
Religion and Charity Law – Time for Reform?
During a speech last Thursday, which was dominated at least at first by the latest Peter Mandelson scandal, the Prime Minister spoke about Britishness. During his remarks, Sir Keir …
sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:30 AM
"Advancement of religion has been recognised as a charitable purpose for centuries. But this head of charity now seems archaic."
mentioned in this latest piece from Prof. Russell Sandberg on why charity law must be urgently reformed👇
sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/02/09/r...
mentioned in this latest piece from Prof. Russell Sandberg on why charity law must be urgently reformed👇
sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/02/09/r...
The use of public money to fund the ritual genital cutting of children is entirely inappropriate.
Our human rights lead is quoted on why the Scottish Government must heed the calls for reform coming from within the NHS itself👇
www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow...
Our human rights lead is quoted on why the Scottish Government must heed the calls for reform coming from within the NHS itself👇
www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow...
Scottish Government faces calls to stop funding ritual circumcision of children with NHS cash
Scottish Government discovers it is only nation in UK to offer the service for non therapeutic reasons, amid calls to pull the plug
www.glasgowlive.co.uk
February 10, 2026 at 11:28 AM
The use of public money to fund the ritual genital cutting of children is entirely inappropriate.
Our human rights lead is quoted on why the Scottish Government must heed the calls for reform coming from within the NHS itself👇
www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow...
Our human rights lead is quoted on why the Scottish Government must heed the calls for reform coming from within the NHS itself👇
www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow...
The lack of regulation of ritual circumcision is an utter failure of safeguarding.
When it comes to children, circumcision should only be performed by doctors, and only with medical necessity.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
When it comes to children, circumcision should only be performed by doctors, and only with medical necessity.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
Struck off circumcision doctor still circumcising boys
NSS calls for Government action to protect boys amid "catastrophic failure of child safeguarding" Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
February 9, 2026 at 5:17 PM
The lack of regulation of ritual circumcision is an utter failure of safeguarding.
When it comes to children, circumcision should only be performed by doctors, and only with medical necessity.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
When it comes to children, circumcision should only be performed by doctors, and only with medical necessity.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
A struck off GP who hospitalised a baby after a "reckless" circumcision is still performing circumcisions as a layperson.
The lack of regulation of this practice is a catastrophic failure of child safeguarding that is endangering the lives of boys.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
The lack of regulation of this practice is a catastrophic failure of child safeguarding that is endangering the lives of boys.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
Struck off circumcision doctor still circumcising boys
NSS calls for Government action to protect boys amid "catastrophic failure of child safeguarding" Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
February 9, 2026 at 11:28 AM
A struck off GP who hospitalised a baby after a "reckless" circumcision is still performing circumcisions as a layperson.
The lack of regulation of this practice is a catastrophic failure of child safeguarding that is endangering the lives of boys.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
The lack of regulation of this practice is a catastrophic failure of child safeguarding that is endangering the lives of boys.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
"The fact that Mr Bux can perfectly legally continue to circumcise boys is a catastrophic failure of child safeguarding that is endangering the lives of boys."
Our human rights lead is quoted👇
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Our human rights lead is quoted👇
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
NHS doctor struck off over botched circumcision still performing operation
‘Catastrophic failure of safeguarding’ highlighted by fact Zuber Bux’s lay practice is legal, campaigners say
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:37 AM
"The fact that Mr Bux can perfectly legally continue to circumcise boys is a catastrophic failure of child safeguarding that is endangering the lives of boys."
Our human rights lead is quoted👇
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Our human rights lead is quoted👇
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Reposted by National Secular Society
It’s difficult see how any guidance can make the current law on collective worship compliant with the recent Supreme Court decision that required religion in schools to be critical, pluralistic and objective. Legislative reform is required.
The government is planning to “update” its guidance on collective worship in England’s schools.
We're quoted in Schools Week on why this is insufficient. No amount of revised guidance can fix a fundamentally outdated law.
schoolsweek.co.uk/government-t...
We're quoted in Schools Week on why this is insufficient. No amount of revised guidance can fix a fundamentally outdated law.
schoolsweek.co.uk/government-t...
Government to 'update' collective worship guidance
Move comes after landmark Supreme Court ruling over religious education in Northern Ireland
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 7, 2026 at 10:08 AM
It’s difficult see how any guidance can make the current law on collective worship compliant with the recent Supreme Court decision that required religion in schools to be critical, pluralistic and objective. Legislative reform is required.
Our latest report, Mission and Misogyny, uncovers the extent to which regressive and harmful ideas about women are furthered by fundamentalists exploiting our charity sector.
You can read it in full - including our recommendations for sector reform👇
www.secularism.org.uk/women/missio...
You can read it in full - including our recommendations for sector reform👇
www.secularism.org.uk/women/missio...
New report: Mission and Misogyny
www.secularism.org.uk
February 6, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Our latest report, Mission and Misogyny, uncovers the extent to which regressive and harmful ideas about women are furthered by fundamentalists exploiting our charity sector.
You can read it in full - including our recommendations for sector reform👇
www.secularism.org.uk/women/missio...
You can read it in full - including our recommendations for sector reform👇
www.secularism.org.uk/women/missio...
The lack of regulatory power to sanction charities which promote harmful ideas is regularly demonstrated by the issuing of ineffectual 'advice and guidance' to repeat offenders.
The Charity Commission must be empowered to act.
We're mentioned:
www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/pm-s-pl...
The Charity Commission must be empowered to act.
We're mentioned:
www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/pm-s-pl...
PM’s pledge of more powers to close charities promoting extremism draws sector concerns
www.civilsociety.co.uk
February 6, 2026 at 1:35 PM
The lack of regulatory power to sanction charities which promote harmful ideas is regularly demonstrated by the issuing of ineffectual 'advice and guidance' to repeat offenders.
The Charity Commission must be empowered to act.
We're mentioned:
www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/pm-s-pl...
The Charity Commission must be empowered to act.
We're mentioned:
www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/pm-s-pl...
Two amendments to the Children's Wellbeing and School Bill, which we had backed, to strengthen children's rights in education and other areas have been defeated in the House of Lords.
Read the full story👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
Read the full story👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
Amendments to strengthen children’s rights defeated
NSS backed amendments to introduce mandatory child rights assessments and improve transparency on faith based admissions Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
February 6, 2026 at 11:10 AM
Two amendments to the Children's Wellbeing and School Bill, which we had backed, to strengthen children's rights in education and other areas have been defeated in the House of Lords.
Read the full story👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
Read the full story👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
If ignoring the law is ‘non-negotiable’ for religious groups, then they should not be running a school. School standards protect the rights and wellbeing of children - they must be robustly enforced at all schools, no matter their religious character. www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
School says religiously restricted curriculum “non-negotiable”
Bnois Jerusalem Girls School does not allow pupils to sit any recognised qualifications Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
February 6, 2026 at 10:33 AM
If ignoring the law is ‘non-negotiable’ for religious groups, then they should not be running a school. School standards protect the rights and wellbeing of children - they must be robustly enforced at all schools, no matter their religious character. www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
The UK is one of the last western democracies with a state religion: the #ChurchofEngland. The Church's entanglement with the state is bad for both. Join our campaign to disestablish the Church. 👇👇👇 www.secularism.org.uk/disestablish... #Disestablishment #SeparateChurchAndState #CofE
Disestablish the Church of England
A state religion has no place in a 21st century democracy.
www.secularism.org.uk
February 5, 2026 at 12:57 PM
The UK is one of the last western democracies with a state religion: the #ChurchofEngland. The Church's entanglement with the state is bad for both. Join our campaign to disestablish the Church. 👇👇👇 www.secularism.org.uk/disestablish... #Disestablishment #SeparateChurchAndState #CofE
Public spaces should be designed for the whole community, and to promote social cohesion.
We're quoted on why religious voices shouldn't be privileged in town planning👇
www.ft.com/content/4e41...
We're quoted on why religious voices shouldn't be privileged in town planning👇
www.ft.com/content/4e41...
How central should religious buildings be to new town planning?
Architects are creating places of worship that also function as civic hubs in a bid to foster connection in the community. But it’s not the answer to everyone’s prayers
www.ft.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:15 AM
Public spaces should be designed for the whole community, and to promote social cohesion.
We're quoted on why religious voices shouldn't be privileged in town planning👇
www.ft.com/content/4e41...
We're quoted on why religious voices shouldn't be privileged in town planning👇
www.ft.com/content/4e41...
Reposted by National Secular Society
I was proud to attend this event on behalf of NSS. For these brave women, hijab was emphatically not a choice. Their stories must be heard; it speaks volumes that they have had to use aliases and the venue needed extra security. #NoHijab #NoHijabDay
Ex-Muslims have shared their stories of being forced to wear the hijab at an event in Leicester that we supported - despite the hosts receiving complaints, and a police visit, over the event poster👇
@leicsecularsociety.bsky.social
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
@leicsecularsociety.bsky.social
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
NSS supports ‘No Hijab Day’ discussion in Leicester
Event featuring ex-Muslim women required extra security following protests from Islamic groups. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
February 4, 2026 at 2:24 PM
I was proud to attend this event on behalf of NSS. For these brave women, hijab was emphatically not a choice. Their stories must be heard; it speaks volumes that they have had to use aliases and the venue needed extra security. #NoHijab #NoHijabDay
Ex-Muslims have shared their stories of being forced to wear the hijab at an event in Leicester that we supported - despite the hosts receiving complaints, and a police visit, over the event poster👇
@leicsecularsociety.bsky.social
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
@leicsecularsociety.bsky.social
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
NSS supports ‘No Hijab Day’ discussion in Leicester
Event featuring ex-Muslim women required extra security following protests from Islamic groups. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
February 4, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Ex-Muslims have shared their stories of being forced to wear the hijab at an event in Leicester that we supported - despite the hosts receiving complaints, and a police visit, over the event poster👇
@leicsecularsociety.bsky.social
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
@leicsecularsociety.bsky.social
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
Whilst moves to a more balanced syllabus are welcome, the NI Executive’s review of RE is overshadowed by its failure to abolish collective worship.
The Minister of Education is wrong – forcing children to pray at school isn’t desirable.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
The Minister of Education is wrong – forcing children to pray at school isn’t desirable.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
NI Executive announces review of Religious Education syllabus
Decision comes after Supreme Court found RE and collective worship in Northern Ireland breach human rights Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
February 4, 2026 at 1:14 PM
Whilst moves to a more balanced syllabus are welcome, the NI Executive’s review of RE is overshadowed by its failure to abolish collective worship.
The Minister of Education is wrong – forcing children to pray at school isn’t desirable.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
The Minister of Education is wrong – forcing children to pray at school isn’t desirable.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/02...
The government is planning to “update” its guidance on collective worship in England’s schools.
We're quoted in Schools Week on why this is insufficient. No amount of revised guidance can fix a fundamentally outdated law.
schoolsweek.co.uk/government-t...
We're quoted in Schools Week on why this is insufficient. No amount of revised guidance can fix a fundamentally outdated law.
schoolsweek.co.uk/government-t...
Government to 'update' collective worship guidance
Move comes after landmark Supreme Court ruling over religious education in Northern Ireland
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 1:11 PM
The government is planning to “update” its guidance on collective worship in England’s schools.
We're quoted in Schools Week on why this is insufficient. No amount of revised guidance can fix a fundamentally outdated law.
schoolsweek.co.uk/government-t...
We're quoted in Schools Week on why this is insufficient. No amount of revised guidance can fix a fundamentally outdated law.
schoolsweek.co.uk/government-t...
#Misogyny is frequently condoned and enabled by religion. #WomensRights are, and have always been, a #secularist issue. Join our campaign. 👇 www.secularism.org.uk/women/ #Feminism
Women’s rights
End religious subordination of women and girls.
www.secularism.org.uk
February 4, 2026 at 11:12 AM
#Misogyny is frequently condoned and enabled by religion. #WomensRights are, and have always been, a #secularist issue. Join our campaign. 👇 www.secularism.org.uk/women/ #Feminism