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
The government is right to say that animals should be spared avoidable pain, suffering and distress when they are killed.
That's why reforms to animal welfare laws must include the banning of non-stun slaughter.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
That's why reforms to animal welfare laws must include the banning of non-stun slaughter.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Boiling live lobsters to be banned under animal rights reforms
Downing Street has published its welfare strategy, which sets out a series of new farming and food standards and banning trail hunting
www.thetimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:09 PM
The government is right to say that animals should be spared avoidable pain, suffering and distress when they are killed.
That's why reforms to animal welfare laws must include the banning of non-stun slaughter.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
That's why reforms to animal welfare laws must include the banning of non-stun slaughter.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Reposted by National Secular Society
This is morally wrong and an absolute failing.
We're disappointed to learn that MSPs have failed to back an amendment to introduce an independent right of withdrawal from religious observance in Scottish schools.
No child should be subject to legally mandated worship in state funded schools.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
No child should be subject to legally mandated worship in state funded schools.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Holyrood committee fails to back RO independent right of withdrawal
Acts of worships "have no place in state schools", says Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 11:25 AM
This is morally wrong and an absolute failing.
The best response to anti-Muslim hostility is consistent enforcement of existing laws and a strong commitment to universal rights, not new definitions that entrench grievance politics and undermine social cohesion.
Read about our concerns👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Read about our concerns👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
NSS concerned by leaked anti-Muslim hostility definition
Proposed definition is "unnecessary and misguided", NSS says Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
December 20, 2025 at 11:35 AM
The best response to anti-Muslim hostility is consistent enforcement of existing laws and a strong commitment to universal rights, not new definitions that entrench grievance politics and undermine social cohesion.
Read about our concerns👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Read about our concerns👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Reposted by National Secular Society
Read the report here: www.secularism.org.uk/charities/mi...
December 18, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Read the report here: www.secularism.org.uk/charities/mi...
Any successful strategy to combat VAWG must address the promotion of misogyny by religious charities - which includes reforming charity law to prevent such organisations from essentially bypassing the public benefit test.
Our report, raised on Times Radio:
Our report, raised on Times Radio:
December 18, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Any successful strategy to combat VAWG must address the promotion of misogyny by religious charities - which includes reforming charity law to prevent such organisations from essentially bypassing the public benefit test.
Our report, raised on Times Radio:
Our report, raised on Times Radio:
We're disappointed to learn that MSPs have failed to back an amendment to introduce an independent right of withdrawal from religious observance in Scottish schools.
No child should be subject to legally mandated worship in state funded schools.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
No child should be subject to legally mandated worship in state funded schools.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Holyrood committee fails to back RO independent right of withdrawal
Acts of worships "have no place in state schools", says Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
December 18, 2025 at 11:11 AM
We're disappointed to learn that MSPs have failed to back an amendment to introduce an independent right of withdrawal from religious observance in Scottish schools.
No child should be subject to legally mandated worship in state funded schools.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
No child should be subject to legally mandated worship in state funded schools.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Reposted by National Secular Society
In case you missed it, the recording of yesterday's webinar, featuring Bob Forder discussing the life and enduring relevance of National Secular Society founder Charles Bradlaugh, is now available.
@natsecsoc.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=krW6...
@natsecsoc.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=krW6...
Freethought History Webinar #6: The Career and Relevance of Charles Bradlaugh. With Bob Forder.
YouTube video by Freethinker UK
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:05 PM
In case you missed it, the recording of yesterday's webinar, featuring Bob Forder discussing the life and enduring relevance of National Secular Society founder Charles Bradlaugh, is now available.
@natsecsoc.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=krW6...
@natsecsoc.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=krW6...
The report into safeguarding allegations against Sarah Mullally is to be overseen by her closest-ranking colleague, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.
This summarily encapsulates the Church’s institutional safeguarding problem.
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
This summarily encapsulates the Church’s institutional safeguarding problem.
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
‘Stitch-up’ fears over complaint against next Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of York will rule on a complaint against the Right Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, his closest-ranking colleague, over her handling of an abuse allegation
www.thetimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:17 AM
The report into safeguarding allegations against Sarah Mullally is to be overseen by her closest-ranking colleague, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.
This summarily encapsulates the Church’s institutional safeguarding problem.
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
This summarily encapsulates the Church’s institutional safeguarding problem.
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
Reposted by National Secular Society
Very pleased this report I led on has been raised by @samcarling.bsky.social at PMQs. I hope Keir Starmer incorporates its recommendations into his VAWG strategy.
BREAKING: Our Misogyny report has been raised with the Prime Minister as part of calls for him to support a review of charity law.
If the Government is serious about tackling misogyny, it must address its promotion in the charitable sector.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
If the Government is serious about tackling misogyny, it must address its promotion in the charitable sector.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
PM quizzed on NSS report on religious charities promoting misogyny
Sam Carling MP asks Keir Starmer to ensure taxpayers are "not funding hate and extremism" through charities Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
December 17, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Very pleased this report I led on has been raised by @samcarling.bsky.social at PMQs. I hope Keir Starmer incorporates its recommendations into his VAWG strategy.
BREAKING: Our Misogyny report has been raised with the Prime Minister as part of calls for him to support a review of charity law.
If the Government is serious about tackling misogyny, it must address its promotion in the charitable sector.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
If the Government is serious about tackling misogyny, it must address its promotion in the charitable sector.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
PM quizzed on NSS report on religious charities promoting misogyny
Sam Carling MP asks Keir Starmer to ensure taxpayers are "not funding hate and extremism" through charities Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
December 17, 2025 at 1:07 PM
BREAKING: Our Misogyny report has been raised with the Prime Minister as part of calls for him to support a review of charity law.
If the Government is serious about tackling misogyny, it must address its promotion in the charitable sector.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
If the Government is serious about tackling misogyny, it must address its promotion in the charitable sector.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
“We cannot have one archbishop who had to resign because of safeguarding scandals replaced by another who may well have to do the same within a very short space of time.”
Calls continue for the halting of Sarah Mullally's appointment👇
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12...
Calls continue for the halting of Sarah Mullally's appointment👇
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12...
Appointment of Archbishop of Canterbury ‘must be halted’ amid safeguarding concerns
Dame Sarah Mullally is due to take up the role next year, following Justin Welby’s resignation over his handling of abuse allegations
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 9:50 AM
“We cannot have one archbishop who had to resign because of safeguarding scandals replaced by another who may well have to do the same within a very short space of time.”
Calls continue for the halting of Sarah Mullally's appointment👇
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12...
Calls continue for the halting of Sarah Mullally's appointment👇
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12...
We’re concerned by the reported wording of the Government’s new definition of anti-Muslim hostility, which leaves the door open to misuse that stifles criticism of Islam.
Whatever wording is used, this proposed definition remains unnecessary and misguided.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Whatever wording is used, this proposed definition remains unnecessary and misguided.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
NSS concerned by leaked anti-Muslim hostility definition
Proposed definition is "unnecessary and misguided", NSS says Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
December 16, 2025 at 5:11 PM
We’re concerned by the reported wording of the Government’s new definition of anti-Muslim hostility, which leaves the door open to misuse that stifles criticism of Islam.
Whatever wording is used, this proposed definition remains unnecessary and misguided.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Whatever wording is used, this proposed definition remains unnecessary and misguided.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
#Wedding law in England and Wales is badly out of date. Ask your MP to support reforming England & Wales' outdated, Anglican-based wedding laws 👇 www.secularism.org.uk/mp-letter-we... #Marriage #Weddings #EqualMarriage
MP letter: Reform wedding laws
www.secularism.org.uk
December 16, 2025 at 12:05 PM
#Wedding law in England and Wales is badly out of date. Ask your MP to support reforming England & Wales' outdated, Anglican-based wedding laws 👇 www.secularism.org.uk/mp-letter-we... #Marriage #Weddings #EqualMarriage
🗞️Analysis we contributed to alongside Comprehensive Future & TRAK has revealed that faith schools are significantly overrepresented among the nation's least inclusive schools.
We're now calling on the gvt to review the role of faith schools in social division👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
We're now calling on the gvt to review the role of faith schools in social division👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Revealed: Faith schools among “least inclusive” in England
Faith schools 'overrepresented' in list of top 200 least inclusive state-funded schools, Comprehensive Future and NSS analysis reveals. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
December 12, 2025 at 1:27 PM
🗞️Analysis we contributed to alongside Comprehensive Future & TRAK has revealed that faith schools are significantly overrepresented among the nation's least inclusive schools.
We're now calling on the gvt to review the role of faith schools in social division👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
We're now calling on the gvt to review the role of faith schools in social division👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
A report is now being completed into the complaint of Sarah Mullally's mishandling of abuse allegations.
That report will then be assessed by archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell - who repeatedly appointed senior clergy with records of abuse.
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
That report will then be assessed by archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell - who repeatedly appointed senior clergy with records of abuse.
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
Complaint against Bishop of London not properly dealt with, Lambeth Palace admits
Claim reportedly relates to the diocese of London’s and Bishop Mullally’s handling of an abuse allegation
www.churchtimes.co.uk
December 12, 2025 at 12:32 PM
A report is now being completed into the complaint of Sarah Mullally's mishandling of abuse allegations.
That report will then be assessed by archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell - who repeatedly appointed senior clergy with records of abuse.
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
That report will then be assessed by archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell - who repeatedly appointed senior clergy with records of abuse.
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
It's #ExMuslimMonth!
Ex-Muslims often occupy a precarious position, potentially facing ostracisation from their families and communities as well as censorship of discussion of Islam.
We part-funded the research of Dr Ben Jones into their experiences👇
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2024...
Ex-Muslims often occupy a precarious position, potentially facing ostracisation from their families and communities as well as censorship of discussion of Islam.
We part-funded the research of Dr Ben Jones into their experiences👇
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2024...
British ex-Muslims, already unfree, face perils of worsening censorship
To mark International Apostasy Day on 22 August, Dr Ben Jones reflects on his recent research into the experiences of ex-Muslims and their increasingly precarious position in Britain. His research was...
www.secularism.org.uk
December 11, 2025 at 3:08 PM
It's #ExMuslimMonth!
Ex-Muslims often occupy a precarious position, potentially facing ostracisation from their families and communities as well as censorship of discussion of Islam.
We part-funded the research of Dr Ben Jones into their experiences👇
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2024...
Ex-Muslims often occupy a precarious position, potentially facing ostracisation from their families and communities as well as censorship of discussion of Islam.
We part-funded the research of Dr Ben Jones into their experiences👇
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2024...
We recently lobbied States Members in Jersey to reject an amendment which would have introduced direct state funding for its parish churches.
That proposal has now rightly been withdrawn following our intervention - a decision we've roundly welcomed.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
That proposal has now rightly been withdrawn following our intervention - a decision we've roundly welcomed.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Plans to expand state funding for churches dropped in Jersey
Amendment to proposed budget to give CofE churches £50k a year dropped following NSS intervention Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
December 11, 2025 at 12:42 PM
We recently lobbied States Members in Jersey to reject an amendment which would have introduced direct state funding for its parish churches.
That proposal has now rightly been withdrawn following our intervention - a decision we've roundly welcomed.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
That proposal has now rightly been withdrawn following our intervention - a decision we've roundly welcomed.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
The recent effort to develop an 'Islamophobia' definition has proved highly contentious, so it’s essential the process continues to facilitate necessary discussion and debate.
We’ve urged the Government to publicly consult before adopting any new definition.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
We’ve urged the Government to publicly consult before adopting any new definition.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
NSS seeks Government assurances on anti-Muslim hatred definition
'Definition-led' approach to cohesion risks deepening social fragmentation, NSS warns Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
December 11, 2025 at 11:32 AM
The recent effort to develop an 'Islamophobia' definition has proved highly contentious, so it’s essential the process continues to facilitate necessary discussion and debate.
We’ve urged the Government to publicly consult before adopting any new definition.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
We’ve urged the Government to publicly consult before adopting any new definition.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Just over a year since her predecessor was forced to resign in disgrace over mishandling of the abuse scandal, Sarah Mullally is already mired in allegations of misconduct herself.
This speaks volumes to the church's institutional culture. #DisestablishmentNow
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
This speaks volumes to the church's institutional culture. #DisestablishmentNow
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
Next Archbishop of Canterbury accused of mishandling abuse claim
The complaint against Dame Sarah Mullally, who is due to take up her new role in January, was made in 2020 but not pursued at the time
www.thetimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Just over a year since her predecessor was forced to resign in disgrace over mishandling of the abuse scandal, Sarah Mullally is already mired in allegations of misconduct herself.
This speaks volumes to the church's institutional culture. #DisestablishmentNow
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
This speaks volumes to the church's institutional culture. #DisestablishmentNow
www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/...
We attended the Moroccan embassy yesterday to urge the Moroccan government to release imprisoned activist Betty Lachgar and repeal the illiberal blasphemy laws under which she was jailed.
#HumanRightsDay #FreeBetty
#HumanRightsDay #FreeBetty
December 11, 2025 at 9:40 AM
We attended the Moroccan embassy yesterday to urge the Moroccan government to release imprisoned activist Betty Lachgar and repeal the illiberal blasphemy laws under which she was jailed.
#HumanRightsDay #FreeBetty
#HumanRightsDay #FreeBetty
"Smyth’s horrific crimes at Christian camps were covered up by the Church of England and exposed by Channel 4 News... In the meantime, Smyth had not been reported to the police but simply sent to Zimbabwe, where his abuse continued for many years."
www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-r...
www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-r...
See No Evil review — how did this monster get away with it for so long?
This is a harrowing exposé of John Smyth, the evangelist who would flog naked young boys with hundreds of lashes and tell them they were bleeding for Jesus
www.thetimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:26 AM
"Smyth’s horrific crimes at Christian camps were covered up by the Church of England and exposed by Channel 4 News... In the meantime, Smyth had not been reported to the police but simply sent to Zimbabwe, where his abuse continued for many years."
www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-r...
www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-r...
It's #HumanRightsDay2025!
We campaign to ensure our fundamental #HumanRights - from freedom of expression, to freedom of religion or belief - do not lose out to religious demands.
Join our campaign 👇
www.secularism.org.uk/equality/ #InternationalHumanRightsDay #HumanRightsDay
We campaign to ensure our fundamental #HumanRights - from freedom of expression, to freedom of religion or belief - do not lose out to religious demands.
Join our campaign 👇
www.secularism.org.uk/equality/ #InternationalHumanRightsDay #HumanRightsDay
Human rights and justice
Fair laws, justice, and civil liberties for all
www.secularism.org.uk
December 10, 2025 at 11:21 AM
It's #HumanRightsDay2025!
We campaign to ensure our fundamental #HumanRights - from freedom of expression, to freedom of religion or belief - do not lose out to religious demands.
Join our campaign 👇
www.secularism.org.uk/equality/ #InternationalHumanRightsDay #HumanRightsDay
We campaign to ensure our fundamental #HumanRights - from freedom of expression, to freedom of religion or belief - do not lose out to religious demands.
Join our campaign 👇
www.secularism.org.uk/equality/ #InternationalHumanRightsDay #HumanRightsDay
"I hold him personally responsible for not doing more to stop the active abuse that was happening in 2013. He knew Smyth very well: he knew the Christian camps, despite his efforts to deny [that], and the people involved extremely well.”
www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2025/12/0...
www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2025/12/0...
‘I hold Justin Welby personally responsible for not doing more to stop my abuser’
Andy Morse shares his experience of the Church of England abuse scandal, and why he holds the ex-archbishop accountable
www.telegraph.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 9:32 AM
"I hold him personally responsible for not doing more to stop the active abuse that was happening in 2013. He knew Smyth very well: he knew the Christian camps, despite his efforts to deny [that], and the people involved extremely well.”
www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2025/12/0...
www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2025/12/0...
Where religion is privileged, #LGBT people are among the first to suffer. We challenge state support of homophobic religions. Join our campaign 👇 www.secularism.org.uk/lgbt/ #GayRights
LGBT rights
Religion is no excuse for homophobia.
www.secularism.org.uk
December 9, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Where religion is privileged, #LGBT people are among the first to suffer. We challenge state support of homophobic religions. Join our campaign 👇 www.secularism.org.uk/lgbt/ #GayRights
🗞️Sarah Mullaly has been accused of contravening the Clergy Discipline Measure code of practice during her time as bishop of London, by sending a confidential email about abuse allegations directly to the priest concerned.
Read the full story👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Read the full story👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Archbishop of Canterbury elect accused of safeguarding breach
CofE priest calls for independent investigation into Sarah Mullally's conduct Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
December 8, 2025 at 3:48 PM
🗞️Sarah Mullaly has been accused of contravening the Clergy Discipline Measure code of practice during her time as bishop of London, by sending a confidential email about abuse allegations directly to the priest concerned.
Read the full story👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Read the full story👇
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/12...