Stephen Evans
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stephenmevans.bsky.social
Stephen Evans
@stephenmevans.bsky.social
92 followers 46 following 64 posts
Chief executive, National Secular Society
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stephenmevans.bsky.social
The Supreme Court has made it clear: RE must be objective, critical & pluralistic – anything less is indoctrination. A major ruling that shames NI’s failure to protect young people. Big implications across the UK. Time to end outdated laws on compulsory worship.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/11...
NI collective worship and RE unlawful, Supreme Court finds
Judges: "Conveying knowledge in a manner that is not objective, critical, and pluralistic amounts to pursuing the aim of indoctrination" Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
November 19, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Reposted by Stephen Evans
natsecsoc.bsky.social
BREAKING: Upper chamber of Manx parliament votes 5-3 in favour of ending bishop's ex officio voting right! A victory for fairness, equality and democracy www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/11...
Success! Manx bill to end bishop’s vote in legislature proceeds
Legislative Council votes 5 to 3 in favour of stripping bishop of ex officio voting right Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
November 4, 2025 at 1:41 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Great to see the Isle of Man move a step closer to removing the bishop’s vote. Secular governance should be a feature of every modern democracy. Privileges for Anglican clerics compromise that principle. Votes and seats as of right for bishops should end.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/11...
Success! Manx bill to end bishop’s vote in legislature proceeds
Legislative Council votes 5 to 3 in favour of stripping bishop of ex officio voting right Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
November 4, 2025 at 1:27 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
We face a choice. We can either allow religion to be weaponised for political ends, or we can defend the secular principles that underpin democracy: equality before the law, freedom of conscience, and the separation of religion and state.

Read on 👇
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2025...
Religion is being weaponised for political ends. The UK must embrace secularism
As religious Influences grow prominent In political discourse, Stephen Evans calls for an assertive approach to secularism as a bulwark against extremism and division. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 2:59 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
The widespread outrage over Maccabi Tel Aviv fans being barred from the Villa game is a positive sign – our tolerance for antisemitism and appeasement of Islamist intimidation is finally wearing thin.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Wrong to stop Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending Aston Villa match, says PM
Followers of the Israeli club will not be allowed to attend the Europa League game over safety concerns.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 17, 2025 at 6:58 AM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
A victory for free speech: the Hamit Coskun ruling corrects a deeply flawed first instance judgment and reaffirms the vital importance of free expression.

www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2025...
A victory for free speech: the Hamit Coskun ruling
NSS chief executive Stephen Evans on why quashing a Quran-burning conviction is a vital win for free speech. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
October 13, 2025 at 1:44 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
A mosque attended by the Manchester synagogue attacker was previously reported to the Charity Commission by @natsecsoc.bsky.social
over concerns of fuelling antisemitism and division.

I’m quoted in today’s Times:
🔗 www.thetimes.com/article/b613...
October 10, 2025 at 9:25 AM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Judgement due today in the case of a man who burned a Quran in an act of political protest. The right to express oneself – even clumsily or offensively – is a cornerstone of a free, democratic society. That's why the NSS is backing Hamit Coskun's appeal.
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2025...
Why we’re defending Hamit Coskun – and why it matters
Ahead of this week's appeal hearing, Stephen Evans says the NSS is supporting Hamit Coskun – not to defend his actions, but to defend the vital principle that free speech must include the right to off...
www.secularism.org.uk
October 10, 2025 at 8:39 AM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Encouraging to hear the Government is considering dropping plans to adopt a new definition of Islamophobia. Existing laws that protect people from discrimination, harassment and violence already apply equally to Muslims.
www.thesun.co.uk/news/3683668...
PM under pressure to scrap plan to impose Islamophobia definition
PM Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to scrap his controversial plan to impose a definition of Islamophobia.  Top Whitehall staff are considering ways to “quietly drop” Labour’s manifes…
www.thesun.co.uk
September 26, 2025 at 3:36 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Secretary of State 'not surprised' faith-based admissions put "certain racial groups" at a disadvantage. A court case has demonstrated that allowing religious selection facilitates discrimination on the grounds of race. This is the price of religious privilege.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/09...
Judge: Faith school admissions can indirectly discriminate on race
Secretary of state 'not surprised' faith-based admissions put "certain racial groups" at disadvantage. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
September 26, 2025 at 2:47 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Is Britain on the brink of a spiritual comeback?
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2025...
Christian nationalism threatens democracy. Secularism protects it.
With Christian nationalism apparently gaining ground in the UK, Stephen Evans argues that secularism is needed to safeguard liberal democracy. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
September 18, 2025 at 4:34 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Last weekend, Christian nationalism took to the streets of London. This ideology is a menace to democracy – and secularism is our best defence.
My op-ed for
@natsecsoc.bsky.social ⬇️
www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2025...
Christian nationalism threatens democracy. Secularism protects it.
With Christian nationalism apparently gaining ground in the UK, Stephen Evans argues that secularism is needed to safeguard liberal democracy. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
September 17, 2025 at 2:25 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
How best to tackle anti-Muslim hate?

My latest op-ed for @natsecsoc.bsky.social argues that defining Islamophobia may actually exacerbate the very bigotry against Muslims it aims to prevent.

www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2025...
Defining Islamophobia will do more harm than good
Stephen Evans argues for an end to the obsession with definitions and calls for actions to tackle fundamentalism and the root causes of anti-Muslim hate instead. Read More »
www.secularism.org.uk
August 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
I agree that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in – and support the Government's work in championing Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all.
www.gov.uk/government/s...
International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief: UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief's statement
The UK's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief gave a statement to mark International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
www.gov.uk
August 22, 2025 at 9:20 AM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
This week, I urged the Moroccan Ambassador to push for the release feminist activist Ibtissame 'Betty' Lachgar, who faces prosecution for 'insulting Islam.'

Morocco's laws against criticising Islam violate human rights.
secularism.org.uk/news/2025/08...
NSS calls on Moroccan ambassador to free ‘blasphemy’ prisoner
Moroccan campaigner remains in prison after wearing "Allah is lesbian" tshirt Read More »
secularism.org.uk
August 22, 2025 at 8:17 AM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
'Criminal case concerning Quran burning threatens the back-door ’reinstatement’ of a blasphemy law'.

Law Society Gazette covers @natsecsoc.bsky.social advice from Human rights barrister Akua Reindorf KC warning of serious flaws in CPS prosecution.

www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/quran-b...
Qur’an burning case ‘threatens back-door blasphemy law’
National Secular Society writes to CPS urging it to drop prosecution for intent to cause 'harassment, alarm or distress' to Islam.
www.lawgazette.co.uk
April 11, 2025 at 7:37 AM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
I'm quoted for @natsecsoc.bsky.social in today's Times on our legal advice on recent charges against a man for offenses against "the institution of Islam." These charges effectively reintroduce blasphemy laws through the back door and should be dropped.
www.thetimes.com/article/9eb1...
April 9, 2025 at 5:39 AM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
I’m quoted here for @natsecsoc.bsky.social on Sir Hamid Patel’s appointment as chair of Ofsted. At a time of rising religious fundamentalism, it's crucial to uphold every child’s right to a broad and balanced education.

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03...
Religious school leader appointed Ofsted chairman
Sir Hamid Patel will take up interim role as head of schools regulator, becoming the first religious school leader appointed to the position
www.telegraph.co.uk
March 17, 2025 at 7:51 AM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Good to see Lucy Powell acknowledge that caste discrimination is "incredibly damaging and pernicious". It's no less worthy of protection than any of the other protected characteristic. Agree with @warinderjussmp.bsky.social. It should be expressly prohibited.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/03...
MP urges ban on caste discrimination
Labour MP Warinder Juss calls for caste to be included in the Equality Act
www.secularism.org.uk
March 7, 2025 at 1:33 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Today is #DarwinDay - a day to commemorate and celebrate Charles Darwin, the pioneering mind behind evolution theory who courageously challenged religious orthodoxy to unveil the reality of life on Earth.
February 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Thanks to @luketaylorld.bsky.social for raising the question of bishops in the House of Lords at today’s Constitutional Affairs Committee hearing. It's disappointing that the Government seems intent on ignoring this unjustifiable religious privilege.
February 11, 2025 at 11:10 AM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Welcome news. Most respondents to the consultation disagreed or strongly disagreed with the proposals. A big thank you to all of our members and supporters for speaking out for inclusive schools for all.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/02...
February 10, 2025 at 7:47 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Great news! The government has decided against scrapping the free school faith-based admissions cap. Moving forward with this proposal would have hindered social cohesion, equality, and inclusion. A clear majority (66%) opposed it.
www.secularism.org.uk/news/2025/02...
Success! Plan to scrap cap on faith school selection halted
Sixty-six percent of consultation respondents opposed plans to scrap 50% cap and allow special academies with a religious character.
www.secularism.org.uk
February 10, 2025 at 1:33 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
Freedom of religion or belief belongs to everyone.

Those tasked with promoting #FoRB at a governmental level should exemplify impartiality, inclusivity, and a genuine commitment to protecting the rights of all individuals. This approach is divisive and detrimental to #FoRB.
ny1.com/nyc/all-boro...
Trump creates task force to root out 'anti-Christian bias'
Trump also announced the creation of a White House faith office led by Paula White-Cain, a longtime pastor in the independent charismatic world
ny1.com
February 7, 2025 at 3:44 PM
stephenmevans.bsky.social
What a spectacle. An Anglican bishop using their automatic seat in the House of Lords to defend another unjustifiable privilege: laws mandating daily worship in all state-funded schools. It's time to end mandatory worship - and the bishops' bench should go with it.
February 7, 2025 at 12:56 PM