Opinion (original) (raw)
The resurgence of antisemitism is a warning to Britain
The ugly resurgence of antisemitism is exposing the dangers of sectarian politics, Islamist extremism and the failure...
Bible colleges: the government’s academic freedom blind spot
The Government risks inconsistency by championing academic freedom while funding institutions that restrict it, warns...
Pandering to Christian nationalism is a dangerous game
When mainstream politicians start echoing religious identity politics, they don't contain it, they legitimise it....
Britain has changed. The relationship between religion and state must change, too
New NSS-commissioned research reveals Britons are quietly but firmly secularist in instinct. Stephen Evans says in...
Cohesion strategy: Fine words on free speech – but still too timid on religion
The Government's new social cohesion strategy contains welcome language on free speech and liberal values –...
The modern-day blasphemy case that should never have been brought
Stephen Evans hails the High Court's dismissal of the CPS appeal as a victory for free expression – but he says...
The Supreme Court has spoken. Now collective worship laws must go
This week's landmark ruling must mean politicians cease turning a blind eye to the human rights concerns surrounding...
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...
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.
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...
Christian nationalism threatens democracy. Secularism protects it.
With Christian nationalism apparently gaining ground in the UK, Stephen Evans argues that secularism is needed to...
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...
Parliamentary modernisation must address religious privilege
The practice of opening parliamentary sessions with Christian prayers is an outdated tradition that undermines inclusivity....
Islamophobia and the dangers of chilling discourse
In the wake of this week's Casey report, Stephen Evans says accusations of racism, often framed as 'Islamophobia',...
Coskun’s conviction is a surrender to Islamic blasphemy codes
Establishing a right not to be offended sounds the death knell for free expression, says Stephen Evans.
The burning question: are blasphemy laws back?
Charges of harassment, alarm or distress "against the religious institution of Islam" set a dangerous precedent for...
Laws shouldn't be used to shield religious sensitivities
Stephen Evans warns that the conviction of a man for burning a Quran brings us perilously close to reinstating blasphemy...
Charlie Hebdo’s principled defiance is an example to us all
Ten years on from the Charlie Hebdo massacre, Stephen Evans says the legacy of those who lost their lives should be...
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...
Blasphemy is a catalyst for progress. Let’s celebrate it.
Blasphemy has been a powerful driver of individual rights and freedoms, argues Stephen Evans.
Defining ‘Islamophobia’ is not the answer to combatting anti-Muslim hate
The recent upsurge in anti-Muslim bigotry should be universally condemned. But supporting affected communities doesn't...
Secularism and the safeguarding of liberal values
Stephen Evans highlights the myriad threats to secular liberalism and sets out what's needed to preserve it ahead...
What secularists want from the next UK Government
Stephen Evans says the next Government should support inclusive education, uphold free expression and make progress...
Mandatory Christian worship has no place in modern education
Most senior school leaders don't support the law which requires daily acts of collective worship in school. The next...
Scrapping admissions cap signals alarming lurch towards religious privilege
The decision to scrap the 50% cap on faith-based admissions at free schools is a symptom of growing deference to religious...