News, Opinions & Podcasts

Parliamentary modernisation must address religious privilege

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:43:00 +0100

The practice of opening parliamentary sessions with Christian prayers is an outdated tradition that undermines inclusivity. Ending these rituals would reflect the reality of modern Britain, says Stephen Evans

It’s fair to question how religion influences politicians

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:42:00 +0100

If religious institutions use their power to coerce MPs, they must expect religious candidates to face additional scrutiny from the electorate, says Helen Nicholls.

Why are we still tied to the “old boys’ club” of the Church?

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:27:00 +0100

A recent interview revealed Justin Welby is still trying to salvage his reputation. But we shouldn't forget his resignation as archbishop of Canterbury was the tip of a colossal iceberg of safeguarding failings within the self-serving Church of England, says Keith Porteous Wood.

NSS urges trust to halt faith school takeover of secular school

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:33:00 +0100

NSS response to consultation says removing only non-Church school in area is "extremely shortsighted"

NSS backs open letter against ‘Islamophobia’ definition

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:11:00 +0100

Letter signed by 10 groups says definition "risks fuelling division rather than fostering social cohesion"

Christians a minority in the UK, newly published data reveals

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:34:00 +0100

Statistics based on most recent censuses also show 37.65% of Brits are nonreligious

Lord spiritual ‘wrongly denied’ stalking victim's claims

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:23:00 +0100

Bishop of Leicester allegedly denied victim's claims of harassment, accused him of "witchcraft" and delayed his training as punishment

NSS to host screening of ‘Kindoki Witch Boy’ with filmmakers

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0100

Mardoche Yembi, whose story of being accused of witchcraft is film's subject, will answer audience questions.

NSS-led coalition calls for parliamentary inquiry on circumcision

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:22:00 +0100

Call comes amid new complaints against doctors in which one boy "almost lost their life" and another's penis was "mutilated"

How vested religious interests block progress in medical ethics

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Patient autonomy should be central to medical decisions. But religion has long presented the main obstacle to the realisation of this basic principle, says Dr Antony Lempert

Council unanimously agrees to end religious reps’ voting powers

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:37:00 +0100

Falkirk independent councillor pleased "principle of democratic accountability, fairness and equity" with other reps established

Ofsted reports dramatic increase in unregistered school referrals

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 11:43:00 +0100

Ofsted received 200 referrals of suspected unregistered schools this academic year

Parents protest secular school takeover plans

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:19:00 +0100

Plans would see Hotwells Primary School in Bristol merged into Cathedral Primary School and lose its secular ethos

NSS raises free speech concerns with Islamophobia working group

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:38:00 +0100

NSS warns group set up by Government to define 'Islamophobia' that definition would be divisive

Assisted dying bill clears Commons in landmark vote

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:35:00 +0100

MPs vote to legalise choice of assisted dying; bill will now proceed to House of Lords

Islamophobia and the dangers of chilling discourse

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:08:00 +0100

In the wake of this week's Casey report, Stephen Evans says accusations of racism, often framed as 'Islamophobia', risk hindering vital discussion.

Experts at NSS event discuss how to end caste discrimination

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:20:00 +0100

Event co-hosted by Leicester Secular Society brings together campaigners to raise awareness of caste discrimination

Regulator warns Islamic charity over “divisive” sermon

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:37:00 +0100

Charity Commission gives Abdullah Quilliam Society official warning over "war for Allah" sermon

'No anaesthesia' ritual circumcision charity reported to regulator

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:06:00 +0100

Unanaesthetised circumcisions contradict medical guidance and are of "questionable legality", says NSS

MPs back labelling for non-stun meat

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:47:00 +0100

Government rules out removing religious exemptions to animal welfare laws in debate on petition with over 100,000 signatures

NSS opposes council’s introduction of prayers

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 11:06:00 +0100

Chair of Reform-controlled Derbyshire County Council said prayers would be "a standing agenda item going forward"

Bill to protect criticism of religion to come before Parliament

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:12:00 +0100

MPs seeking to amend Public Order Act after man convicted for burning a Quran

NSS calls for boys to be protected at ritual circumcision debate

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:33:00 +0100

Decisions about circumcision should be deferred until the individual is old enough to make up his own mind, says NSS

Coskun’s conviction is a surrender to Islamic blasphemy codes

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:06:00 +0100

Establishing a right not to be offended sounds the death knell for free expression, says Stephen Evans.

NSS: Coskun guilty verdict is 'surrender to blasphemy laws'

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:40:00 +0100

Hamit Coskun found guilty of religiously-aggravated public order offence for burning Quran in protest

NSS warns religious charities ‘spreading online misogyny’

Fri, 30 May 2025 14:57:00 +0100

Religious charities using social media to promote patriarchy and violence against women, NSS tells House of Commons committee

Coskun prosecution could spell return of blasphemy laws, NSS warns

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:44:00 +0100

NSS says successful prosecution "could represent the effective criminalisation of damaging a Quran in public"

Protect inclusive secular schooling, NSS urges council

Tue, 27 May 2025 12:22:00 +0100

Westminster Council proposals would reduce places at nonreligious schools in the borough

NSS questions public funding for places of worship

Fri, 23 May 2025 14:30:00 +0100

Financial burdens should not be placed on the taxpayer whilst religious institutions fail to meet responsibilities, NSS says

Prevent £120mn transfer to Catholic Church, NSS urges Welsh Gov

Thu, 22 May 2025 12:35:00 +0100

New school facilities funded entirely by taxpayer should remain in public hands, NSS says

NSS to hold debate on ritual circumcision of boys

Tue, 20 May 2025 12:43:00 +0100

NSS will make the case against the ritual circumcision of boys at a debate at St Bride's Church in London on June 3

NSS urges action on imam who preached death for ‘blasphemers’

Tue, 20 May 2025 12:21:00 +0100

NHS worker said moderate imam will be "caught, killed and then thrown away in a hole like a dog"

Study: NI young people support limiting role of religion in schools

Mon, 19 May 2025 13:28:00 +0100

Young people in Northern Ireland think role of religion in schools can be "divisive", think tank finds

Bid to make DfE reveal extent of religious selection in schools

Mon, 19 May 2025 09:58:00 +0100

Amendment to schools bill by Lib Dem peer requires Government to publish data on faith-based admissions

‘Hinduphobia’ proposals put free speech at risk, MSPs warned

Fri, 16 May 2025 10:02:00 +0100

Members of Scottish Parliament back motion supporting "Hinduphobia" report criticised by anti-caste discrimination campaigners.

Time to end the absurd anomaly of ritual child circumcision

Thu, 15 May 2025 09:09:00 +0100

Two men have been convicted for performing dangerous and medically unnecessary circumcisions on male babies and children this year. This must prompt a rethink of circumcision which prioritises children's rights and wellbeing over religious and cultural beliefs, says Dr Antony Lempert.

NSS: NI Executive must “stop dawdling” on integrated schools

Wed, 14 May 2025 12:39:00 +0100

Focus on providing integrated school places, not more research, NSS says.

Assisted dying bill passes first stage in Scotland

Wed, 14 May 2025 10:37:00 +0100

Bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults passes stage one by 70 votes to 56

Government: No religious exemptions to abuse reporting law

Tue, 13 May 2025 13:13:00 +0100

Child sexual abuse revealed during religious confession must be reported, Home Office tells NSS

Charge against man who burnt Quran ‘incorrectly worded’, CPS admits

Fri, 09 May 2025 09:31:00 +0100

CPS replaces charge of harassing "institution of Islam" against Hamit Coskun following NSS intervention

‘Gay conversion’ Christian group appeal for charity status rejected

Wed, 07 May 2025 14:01:00 +0100

Group linked to NI 'gay conversion' charity Core Issues Trust refused charitable status due to "political purpose"

Scottish law to make withdrawing children from worship harder

Wed, 07 May 2025 11:51:00 +0100

Children will be given final decision to stay in collective worship, but won't be allowed to withdraw themselves

Peers back measures to tackle unregistered schools in schools bill

Fri, 02 May 2025 13:19:00 +0100

But bishop of Manchester concerned that unregistered Jewish faith schools may be "forced to close"

Every child withdrawn from RSE at faith school, Ofsted finds

Thu, 01 May 2025 13:56:00 +0100

Beth Jacob Grammar School not meeting its legal obligations to teach about same sex relationships, inspectors say

Christian charity compares gay people to demons

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:24:00 +0100

NSS raises concerns with regulator after Christianity charity suggests gay marriage will 'destroy the world'

Faith schools are a barrier to equality, NSS tells DfE and Ofsted

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 11:48:00 +0100

Discrimination in faith school admissions particularly affects disadvantaged children and children with SEND, NSS warns

Ireland: Teachers want schools to be more secular, survey says

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:32:00 +0100

Schools should have secular patrons and should not be used for faith formation, most teachers say

Lord spiritual argues for religious exemption to child abuse law

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:55:00 +0100

Bishop of Manchester, who sits by right in the Lords, suggests abuse revealed during confession should be exempt from reporting law

School rethinks evangelism initiative following NSS concerns

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:30:00 +0100

Park Community School says partnership with Diocese of Portsmouth will now be "less evangelical"

Government must uphold one law for all, NSS tells committee

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:48:00 +0100

Religious 'courts', judges' services and de facto 'blasphemy laws' challenged in NSS submission to rule of law inquiry

Leader of faith school that sex-segregated pupils and staff banned

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:23:00 +0100

Islamic school closed down after failing Ofsted inspectors for seven years and admitting new pupils despite ban.

Secularism key to community cohesion, NSS tells commission

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:53:00 +0100

NSS: "Fundamental reforms" needed to create framework for "secular state where citizens are treated equally"

Don’t close nonreligious school, NSS urges council

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:23:00 +0100

Charlotte Sharman, the only nonreligious school in St George's Ward, is proposed to close

The burning question: are blasphemy laws back?

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:01:00 +0100

Charges of harassment, alarm or distress "against the religious institution of Islam" set a dangerous precedent for free speech, argues Stephen Evans.

Quran-burning charge evokes "blasphemy" offence, legal expert says

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:23:00 +0100

National Secular Society calls for the "plainly defective" charges to be dropped.

Schools can teach faith-based sex ed, Scottish Government confirms

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:27:00 +0100

Report on RSHP consultation reveals Scottish Government has 'bowed to pressure from religious groups', NSS says

Charity hosts preacher who said men can hit wives who refuse sex

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 10:32:00 +0100

Green Lane Masjid given "advice and guidance" by regulator last year over misogyny publishes multiple videos featuring Mahamed AbdurRazaq

Why aren’t we taking religious misogyny seriously?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:29:00 +0100

A popular Netflix show has politicians astir over young men being exposed to misogynistic ideology. But they have a blind spot when it comes to misogyny promoted by religious charities, says Megan Manson.

Why aren’t we taking religious incels seriously?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:25:00 +0100

NSS to hold discussion on caste discrimination in Leicester

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:14:00 +0100

Public event at Leicester Secular Hall to bring together campaigners and experts and explore solutions to caste discrimination.

UK must end its blasphemy laws, freed Nigerian activist tells NSS

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:41:00 +0100

Mubarak Bala says liberals "have failed to distinguish between criticism of Islam and hatred of Muslims"

NSS backs school’s decision to end Easter church service

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:29:00 +0000

Norwood Primary School said it would no longer hold a religious service for Easter in order to respect pupils' religious backgrounds

NSS to UN: end ritual genital cutting of children

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:05:00 +0000

Forced genital cutting is "entirely at odds" with core child right principles, NSS tells UN Human Rights Council

NSS criticises council link with charity which preaches to trafficked women

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:49:00 +0000

Christian charity workers enticing trafficked women with cakes so they "can't talk" while being given "gospel message"

Independent faith schools three times more likely to receive warning

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:21:00 +0000

Faith schools refusing to meet requirements perceived to conflict with religion, NSS research finds

Religious charity 'advised' over sermon which condoned marital rape

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:24:00 +0000

Sermon said wives should "accept and obey" if husbands demand sex "at any time".

NSS calls for blasphemy laws to be repealed in new NI legislation

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:14:00 +0000

Northern Ireland Justice Bill should include repeal of 'blasphemy' and 'blasphemous libel' offences, NSS urges Minister of Justice

Bill to tackle unregistered schools proceeds to House of Lords

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:38:00 +0000

Religious discrimination in faith schools criticised in debate on Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Pupils find Christian privilege in schools “unfair”, research suggests

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:53:00 +0000

Current approaches to religion in schools "fail to mirror" growing diversity, study finds.

MSPs call for students’ right to withdrawal from prayers

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 08:56:00 +0000

Labour and Green MSPs join call for Scottish pupils to have independent right to withdrawal from religious observance

NSS refers antisemitic, misogynistic Islamic charity to watchdog

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:20:00 +0000

Bedford Islaamic Centre Facebook post says "pride and arrogance" is the "way of the Jews"

Sikh women subjected to “exorcism-related abuse”, report finds

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:49:00 +0000

'Faith leaders' have subjected women to sexual violence, Sikh Women's Aid says

MP urges ban on caste discrimination

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:44:00 +0000

Labour MP Warinder Juss calls for caste to be included in the Equality Act

Proposed duty to report sex abuse branded ‘useless’ by campaigners

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:45:00 +0000

Government bill criticised for lack of criminal penalty for those who do not report child abuse

MSP speaks out against forced prayer in schools

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:16:00 +0000

SNP's Emma Roddick stresses importance of respecting children's beliefs in "an increasingly secular and religiously diverse country"

Government launches ‘Islamophobia’ definition working group

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:33:00 +0000

NSS urges working group to ensure free expression is protected

NSS welcomes St Albans council decision to end prayers

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:16:00 +0000

Removing prayers "reflects a growing movement towards more inclusive and secular proceedings", motion says

NSS urges end to faith based admissions in UN committee briefing

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 13:10:00 +0000

NSS tells UN committee state funded schools should be "open and welcoming to all"

Rise in political religion threatens women’s rights, report finds

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:29:00 +0000

State commitments to secular principles "critical" to support women in challenging political power of religion, think tank says

Report suggests increase in children at unregistered Jewish schools

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:07:00 +0000

Over 6,600 children in 'ultra orthodox' Jewish communities not attending registered schools, Jewish think tank suggests.

Promote secularism to improve community cohesion, NSS urges

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 13:34:00 +0000

End religious segregation in schools to promote cohesion, parliamentary committee told

Church of England bishop calls for disestablishment

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 13:07:00 +0000

"Part of our inherent arrogance comes with our status as the established Church", says bishop of Birkenhead

Report: Muslim community leaders blocking women in local politics

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:26:00 +0000

Male Muslim 'community leaders' have "special relationship" with Labour Party, report from Muslim Women's Network says

No more prayers in Parliament, MPs say

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:19:00 +0000

MPs from Labour, Lib Dems, Greens and SNP sign motion to end prayers before House of Commons sittings.

Success! Plan to scrap cap on faith school selection halted

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:12:00 +0000

Sixty-six percent of consultation respondents opposed plans to scrap 50% cap and allow special academies with a religious character.

Cross party support for inclusive assemblies bill

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Cross party support for inclusive assemblies bill

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Lib Dem, Labour, Green and crossbench peers unite behind bill to replace collective worship laws

Government rejects cap on religious discrimination at new schools

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:50:00 +0000

Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill committee vote down amendment to stop new faith schools selecting all pupils based on religion

Half the public view Church of England unfavourably, survey finds

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:44:00 +0000

Polling by YouGov reveals ten point increase in those with negative view of Church

NSS welcomes government commitment on blasphemy laws

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:22:00 +0000

Government says "any new definition of Islamophobia" will recognise "unchanging right to freedom of speech and expression"

Laws shouldn't be used to shield religious sensitivities

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:58:00 +0000

Stephen Evans warns that the conviction of a man for burning a Quran brings us perilously close to reinstating blasphemy laws.

NSS refers misogynistic Islamic psychotherapy charity to regulator

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 13:48:00 +0000

Co-founder of Muslim Family Foundation claims "a woman must serve her husband by cooking and cleaning".

Extent of global ‘blasphemy’ laws revealed in report

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:23:00 +0000

'Dozens of countries' worldwide found to criminalise blasphemy and restrict speech around religion

Why was a struck off doctor able to keep circumcising boys?

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 08:21:00 +0000

The appalling harm wrought by an ex-doctor highlights the urgent need for boys to be protected from circumcision, argues Dr Alejandro Sanchez. An edited version of this piece was originally published in the British Medical Journal.

Faith-based school admissions should be ended, NSS tells UN

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:17:00 +0000

NSS tells UN committee religious exemptions to Equality Act which permit faith-based admissions should be ended.

Bishop of Liverpool quits after sex assault revelations

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:39:00 +0000

John Perumbalath's resignation follows calls from figures within the Church for him to step aside

Man who burned Qurans in Sweden shot dead

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:28:00 +0000

Salwan Momika, prosecuted for "agitation against an ethnic or national group", shot dead near Stockholm

Failings found at mosque charity whose trustee encouraged terrorism

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 09:42:00 +0000

Trustee said jihad "by sword" is an "obligation" while making stabbing motion

Northern Ireland’s parties are putting their interests before integration

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 09:55:00 +0000

DUP and Sinn Féin's resistance to integrated schools betrays their fear of meaningful unity between Catholics and Protestants, says Fódhla Brady.

NSS: Scotland should repeal religious observance laws

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Mandatory religious observance in schools is incompatible with UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, NSS tells Scottish Government