ANNUAL REPORT

challenging religious privilege National Secular Society’s Secular Charter The National Secular Society campaigns for a secular state, where: a) There is no established state religion. b) There is one law for all and its application is not hindered or replaced by religious codes or processes. c) Individuals are neither disadvantaged nor discriminated against because of their religion or belief, or lack thereof. d) Freedom of expression is not restricted by religious considerations. e) Neither the state, nor any emanation of the state, expresses religious beliefs or preferences. f) Religion plays no role in state-funded education, whether through religious affiliation, organised worship, religious instruction, pupil selection or employment discrimination. g) The state does not engage in, fund or promote religious activities or practices. h) Public and publicly-funded service provision does not discriminate on grounds of religion or belief. i) There is no privileged position in society or advantage in law for any individual or group by virtue of their religion or belief, or lack thereof. j) The state does not intervene in the setting of religious doctrine or the running of religious organisations.

This new version of the Secular Charter has been drawn up by Council after consultation with members to submit to the 2011 AGM for approval.

BRITAIN’S ONLY ORGANISATION WORKING EXCLUSIVELY TOWARDS A SECULAR SOCIETY PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

After a series of successful, high profile campaigns, the But even the congregants who are left seem less NSS has established itself firmly in the public reactionary than the religious organisations that purport to consciousness. represent and speak for them. It is an indicator of our success that we are attacked more The majority of Muslims in this country are happy to than ever before, even if the best our opponents can do is participate in society and embrace the values that inform to precede “secularist” with a seemingly mandatory life in Western society. But the rise of militant, belligerent pejorative adjective such as “militant” or “fundamentalist”. Islam, often lavishly funded from the Middle East, is a growing danger to us all, and particularly to women and to Our critics are primarily those who resent the challenge to moderate Muslims. what they see as their “traditional” privileges. Those whose vested interests we challenge misrepresent We must promote secularism as the force that can contain secularism, sometimes wilfully, as being anti-religious. We some of the more destructive religious impulses that can hope that those who have hitherto not understood what undermine Human Rights worldwide. In the UK, Human secularism really represents will find reassurance in our Rights are under relentless attack from evangelical Secular Charter. Christians. They are well-funded and even receive support from the United States. We were proud to be the standard- After a year of discussion, consultation and meetings, we bearer for secularism in an important European Court have produced a version of the Charter that will enable the case: see page 5. If the decision goes the wrong way, it NSS to move into the 21st century with a sharper focus. could spell the end for Human Rights as we know them. The Secular Charter will help the NSS to present itself That the NSS is the only secular intervener in this case more strongly as a serious and credible player in the underlines the pressing need for the secular message to political arena. The version to be presented for approval at be communicated more clearly. the AGM can be seen on the inside cover. 2011 2011 ANNUAL REPORT Our job is made harder in the present climate with yet We need to ensure we are a strong and serious another Government that seems intent on entrenching organisation that will be up to one of the most intractable religion and its privileges even further into our public life. and vital struggles of the coming decades: secularism's This is a long game and one that we must all commit to. battle with religious fundamentalism. The NSS will continue to be in the forefront of the struggle We must increasingly focus our efforts on pushing back for a secular society – which would be fair to all, religious the religious privileges that are already in place and resist and non-religious alike – and our Secular Charter will be an the rising demands for more. excellent tool in the battles ahead. SECULAR NATIONAL SOCIETY 01 The arguments and debates about the veracity or The NSS is the only national organisation in the UK otherwise of religious claims are interesting, and will no focussed solely on secularism. It is therefore an essential doubt continue, but they cannot be the primary focus of destination for all those who want a society that is free, the NSS's work. just and not restricted by any theological dogma. We hope Despite plummeting church attendance, religion is not that not only will you retain your membership, but that you going away. We see daily its influence growing in practically will encourage others to join our cause. all of our key institutions, both national and international. Both the Anglican and Catholic churches have swung www.secularism.org.uk rightwards, which might explain the vast exodus from their ranks. As the reasonable, humane and liberal people leave, and the churches diminish in size, they have been taken over increasingly by fundamentalists. 02 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT year. ourcampaigningof educationfocus onthroughout the formedthe topics two These school. worshipreligiousin enforcethatoutdatedthereformlaws opportunityto law.theRegrettably,legislationwith EU missed Bill the compatibilityoverstandingtheconcernsexisting of long-employmentdespite discrimination faithschools, in of backpermittedlevels scale attemptto nomade Bill The governed.teachingarereligiontheyway andtheof appointments,the staff overadmissions, freedoms” extend“hard-wonchanceto a schools gaveCatholicmodel academythe said He meddlingreachof secularists”. of “out themput to academytransfershouldstatus to EducationEngland)(in recommendedschools Catholicthat for State of confirmedSecretary whenMichaelGove, weregrantedcontrolarefearsOur greater freedoms. currentlyunder faitheducationschools local authority discriminationofnon-religious, thelevels against when likelihoodincreasedtheof is us particularconcernto A schools. alarmingreligiosityofthe potentialin increase an bringswithit academy conversion status to Mass Lords. of House theinBill thetabledwho amendments topeers Associate andworkedwithHonorary legislation,closelyproposed theconcerninidentifiedofWe number areas a of detail.inourposition discuss to andofficials withMinistersmeetings of series havehelda constructivebeenforEducationandweDepartment has dialogueOurwiththe Bill. the promoting to changes ParliamenthaveactiveWebeenin throughout yearthe proposal”. andbreathtaking “ratherstartling a is it admitsCanterbury Archbishopof Eventhe mediastatements. in this opposed haveWestronglycountry.education this in secondary of andprovider sponsor largest the beaspiration to clearits madeEnglandChurchofthe has system, newUnderthe authoritycontrol. governinglongerunderandno local whichself- becometheyof result a as academystatus, to encouraged covert to beingare schools andexisting schools”, theirup“free own encouraged set to beingandcharitiesareteachers programmeparents,ofEngland, ingroups academiesGovernment’sUnderthe Parliament. Scottish the ofandmembers committees tohavemadebeen issue this Representationson Parliament. Scottish the to elections 2011May beforethe politicalcirculatedtheparties towas that policystatement fundeddevelopingby schoolingstate segregation ina havecampaigningbeenwereligiousend Scotland, Into groups.religious provingare particularly these attractive expected, to As schools. andfreeacademiesformore way the paves It WestminsterParliamentbeforethe 2011. January in laid England, was toonly Educationwhich Therelates Bill, EDUCATIONBILL EDUCATION…EDUCATION, EDUCATION, Nick Gibb ‘FAITH SCHOOLS’ ‘FAITH colleges in Englandin andWales.colleges FormSixthCatholic of policies andadmissions schools) discriminationpermitfaith(bothlaws in teachersagainst FrameworkEducationandthe1980 (Scotland)Act Act & compatibilityStandards School Directivethewiththe of lodgedadditionalhaveWesince complaintsconcerning the Commission. Europeanthecomplaint toalleged breachesaboutthe a file to us led England. This Churchofthe upset to neveranxious was predecessor, intransigent its likeand, GovernmentThe remainedour concerns. which reported press, andtheParliamentary Committee, HumanRights the to committeeconsideringtheBill, ofthemembers influentialMinister,tothe advicebrought Weto this far”. contemplated has so NSS the fargreaterthaneven aboveis discussed “problemthethat paragraphsnoting90 andfully toendorsed ourstance, ranIt advicelegal counsel. fromsought Commission Rights EqualitytheandHuman direct result, a government.As obedientthenrecentlytheacceptancetheBlairelected of albeitwith bishops, the of behest the at 1998in inserted haveDirectivebeenthebreachto inof law the shows panel)Employment (see historicalnoteDirective.The EU thebreach inof is faith”the of “not teachersagainst particularlypermittinglawthethatteachers,discrimination employmentthelobbiedWeonof extensivelylawover the DISCRIMINATIONEMPLOYMENTIN “I led a delegation to the Home Secretary which Jun 1998: Column 576)Column 1998: Jun ourselves completely satisfied.” consultation with the Churches and we express The form of the amendment was prepared in delighted that the Government have accepted it. Education and Employment putting that point. I am Bill. Therefore, I wrote to the Secretary of State for properly met by an amendment introduced into this that our concerns about Church schools would be England. The Home Secretary expressed the view and the free Churches as well as of the Church of included members of the Roman Catholic Church whatsoever:puttingresistance noup –toneGovernmentthe the set expectwewho thennewly-electedthe of sympathies Tony Blair, religiousaboutknownowtheWemore might be. theywell as withwerechurchesthem, the satisfied Riponexplainedbackgroundofthe andhow Bishop Lordincompatiblethethe elements, insert to amendmentsproposing1998Inin case. the be to this shows andourresearch churches, the from demandsofdirect resultthe notlegislationwere andFrameworkStandards School the of elements incompatible surprisingthese wouldifbeIt NOTE HISTORICAL SCHOOLS: DISCRIMINATIONEMPLOYMENTIN (Lords Hansard, 4 Hansard, (Lords up from at least six staff. six least atfromup Ministerback-hadThemeeting. thelawyer senior to a took incompatible Directive.Wewithis thediscriminatorylaw thishowout setting opinionslegal of dossier a MinisterwithKeiththepresented proposals. Government’s thelegalitytheof discuss amendmentsdetailandto in our productive apress Woodmeetingtoto Porteous ExecutiveTurner,Director Keith andNSS AveburyLord invitedBaroness Lords, of pilotingthrough House itthe for Ministerresponsiblethe Hill, Lord stage, this ofAhead Bill.theconsideramendments to opportunitytofurtherhad Lordsthe ofMembers all Stage, enteredBillReport the As law,havinglawyer. EU a been of breachthis forsupporting excuse evenless has Sentamu York.ArchbishopofSentamulikeDrchurch just bigotry, treatycommitmentstrumpunwilling these thataccept is to He deeds. trust schools’ thethink ofbeyond provisionsthe unabletobe to Herefordseemed whoof Bishop the of ire drewDirectivethe compliance. This andEU HumanRights decades. Lord Avebury told his fellow peers that Englandthatfellowpeers his toldAveburyLord decades. comprehensivecollectivedebateEnglandonworshipin for most the was Lords of House thedebatein Committee Grand This support. in spoke associates ourhonoraryof fiveAvebury;Lord associate honorary NSS by suggestion whichourtabledwereofat most worship, compulsory to debatedamendmentsJuly,thecallingInendpeers foran schools. by comprehensivelybeingoutdated regardedfloutedandis as Governmenturgingwidelyreviewthelaw, thewhich to is Educationhavethebeenwe ofBill During passage the groups.teachingandother pressure unions teachers,headby supported was ourposition said theby reported letter Ourwas Christians. non-religiousdiscriminatesagainst andnon-pupils humanandrightsinfringes Education children's Act, dating1944worship,thefrom school legislationrelating to MichaelarguingGovethethat State of secretary publicationtowrotetheEducationBeforewethe ofBill, pressure. religiousof becauseonly survives moderndemocracyseculara andin education ansystem unworthyof worshipis compulsory thatargueWe schools. publicly-fundedinlawawareworshipmandatesthatby democracyWesternonlywhicharethewe of Britain is Christiancharacter.whollyamainly orbeof worshipmust the communityIncollective schools, ofworship”. act an in part takeday publicly-fundedschool eachon “shall schools EnglandinlawchildrenprovidesthatThe andWalesall at WORSHIP COLLECTIVE Lord Hill far short of ourtreatycommitmentson of farshort Governmentso fallforallowingtolaw the her,castigatingthe supported AveburyLordteachers. religious permittingdiscrimination non-against law thecorrect amendmentsto seeking Turnergroupof large tabledwho a Baroness assisted we Lords, of House throughthe passage DuringBill’s the Guardian , who , “This is going to happen in the end (... ) whether)itlike they (... endhappenthein going to is “This sooner the better.”the sooner andthe schools, worshipin compulsory of actthe of ridget shall laterweor Sooner come. goingto is it not, or concludedAveburyLorddebate: during as Lords’ Butthe unwelcomebothevidence andignored. is whereone bemay areaevidence-based this policies, favouron enforcingoflaw. emphasis theForthe all in notwerecollectiveparents ofworship 70%ofandthat theirEnglandthatchildrenindailyactattend said a notdid parents64%ofshowingthatpoll ComRes commissioned includedrecentBBC- It a backingourassertions. up EducationwithevidencesubstantialHillMinisterLord providedwe justifythis, widelyto flouted.Whenasked unpopular requiringworshiplawis andtheofdaily act a Government,denialtheinthatby resisted was Eventhis themselves. pupilsthe ofHuman Rightsthe respect to fails stands it as lawtheandbelieves ourstance backsHuman Rights Government(Parliamentary)Jointthethat on Committee particularlyhaveremindedwhereforolderwepupils the withdrawalmakeandto communityeasier, schools, requirementlegalthe worshipandmakeoptionalfor pragmatically has craftedremoveamendmentsto simply collectivebutworship,toend campaigns foran NSS The England. doubtfearinginevitable the Churchof backlash thefrom willingnegotiate–thanto anything no less else arethey whichon one be to Government.seems fortheItarea particularlyEducationsensitive a collectivethat worshipis clearduringbeenfor Departmentwith the has meetings It clerics. worldthelegislatureonlywithin the is Lords the because simply this limbon a such onout wereandWales ex officio 03 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT 04 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT “FAITH” SCHOOLS on the changes to the admissions framework. admissions the to on changes the consultation DfE’s the to May, response submitted a we Following in Code publication the draft the Admissions of Keith met. appreciated he and approach, when he said he something have congratulated publicly him robust more fortaking this We funded school.” state century acceptable 21st a in potentially not a valid is alternativeviews as theory teaching creationist of “the Michael that wrote State Gove refused. of Rejecting academy application, one Secretary wouldscientific automatically theory have applications a teaching creationism as those that assured He also when schools. free applying run to with democratic British successful would be principles” not advocating groups that “inconsistent values us assured unit extremism Department’s the of official senior A pupils. best privileged the criteria select to admissions their league-topping get Church using by schools results interview with the Pritchard, John Rev Rt admitted an Oxford, in of the Bishop education, of head new England’s Church of In the April, affluent families. cherry-pick children to selection more from covert use to weakened, allowing by schools forexample, religious would be code not new given the that assurances was NSS Government The “simplified”. would promised be which coalition the Code, Admissions new of the arranged coincideThe publication with meeting the to was over schools. religious concerns to discuss policy team (DfE) admissions Education’s Department of the from officials with senior met In NSS May, the are. they subjects included as announcedState leave the decided had to he that of July, Secretary in that the report to We pleased are core subjects. the of one include as RE to not decision supporting the submitted NSS included the March, In groups. religious from provoked lobbying be campaign massive to forit a Baccalaureate English the from RE The of exclusion English Baccalaureate thinking. subject would ideally include philosophy and critical reformed Nationalthat Curriculum A motivate people. information about religion andnon-religious philosophies provideshould determined objective to academics be by syllabus reforming RE any advised that We subject. the curriculumRE the in radically review view to with a submitted The NSS the National Curriculum England. in In Government the January, announced major review a of RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MORE EDUCATION evidence Times Education Supplement

evidence to the Educationto the Committee

arguing inclusion of forthe that “Catholic schools can avoid can “Catholic schools of control of the local authority and allow it to remain authority local open. of the to control of andallow it for which out Educationwould it take foracademy status, Department the applied now to has Weston school Primary option non-faith their sending children a of to school. anddenying area of realistic any the provision parents in eliminating against backed diversity with reasons legal up Council the to detailed submission a sent In July, NSS the open. faith schools leaving local two places, school of surplus a because of twelve radius, mile a community only in the school, school Primary Weston planning shut Wight to is Council of Isle Wight. of Isle the of only west non-religious the in school the campaign save local backed to a year, NSS This the PROVISION SCHOOL PROTECTING COMMUNITY schools to the communities serve. they the to schools unlawful. improve accountability should the This faith of arrangements consider unfair they that school or any in objection an about admission raise permits anyone to however, pleased draft new the that code is The NSS Government. approved the by schools been free first among the have schools andSikh Muslim Jewish, Hindu, schools. particularly single-faith of restrictive policies, admissions highlighted by community threat posed to the cohesion socio-economic also We segregation. to lead schools faith some of policies that discriminatory admissions the evidence on focussed England, in our submission system After criticisingfaith inherent school the the of unfairness ‘unsympathetic meddling’ by [Michael Gove] has said.” [Michael said.” Gove] has Education the Secretary status, academy of Government’s offer the up take they if secularists — Catholic Herald 16 2011. February “conscience”. The well-heeled The “conscience”. ChristianInstitute is between religion andhomosexuality. public a Lillian Ladele, conflict concern other a two andthe of Christiancrosses Two, Two, law. protectedof UK being sufficiently in religion not are freedom Convention that Human Rights to of rights Court Employment Tribunal Appeals European the have applied to an by against their have employers dismissed been discrimination of Four claims whose employees religious WORKPLACE COURT AT EUROPEAN SECULAR FOR A TORCH CARRIES NSS Read our Bideford FAQ at thank those who have already contributed. Donations can be made by cheque or via our website. We and supporters to contribute to our £20,000 appeal. This will be an expensive process and we urge members appeal. likely to is proceedings. Whichever loses party court contempt practice of pain of the on to cease will have they successful, prayers. our Judicial If Review is The conduct majority England in councils still andWales of legal guns. supporting have Bideford, andthey brought big the out involving their other exercising Christians cases have involved who been solicitors in of firm exposure a by Bideford protected been financial from has Council are said. chamber remain the in while they least at or them, in part take forrefusing to vilified even been and press the in has prayers the Bideford to objects who Councillor, Bone, Clive complaint a a by follows Council function. case The legitimate a not Convention andis Human Rights on practiceadvised this that They representations our from lawyers. meetings, despite Council of part continuedhas conduct prayers to as Bideford December 2011. 2 on heard Court High the in judicialThis review Bideford against Town will Council be DECEMBER 2 HEARING ON HIGH COURT PRAYERS CHALLENGE: COUNCIL LEGAL “LAW” SHARIA AND CHALLENGES LEGAL OUR The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg Eweida and Chaplin , relate to the display andwearing display the to relate , inter alia http://bit.ly/BidefordFAQ breaches European the We thank all. them did Schaefer. member andbarrister Ronan Max Dr McCrea kindly act Lester Lord agreedimportance, to its of Because afield. Europe further andpossibly seriously undermine in but equality UK the law, in only not could it agreed applicants successful, were the if that who human QC, Hill Herne lawyer, rights of Lester Lord We approached experienced probably most Britain’s Liberty. and Equality have the as Commission andHuman Rights religious campaigners intervene, have given been leave to law. in Well-funded correct were dismissals American these of all that secular (although line is applied): it others intervener purely only taking the a are we aware, are we as amicus curiae to given been permission has The NSS their policies. equal opportunities strong had employers of Both psychosexual couples. counselling forsame-sex McFarlaneGary principle in conduct refused had to and conductemployee, civil to partnerships refused had European Brussels. in Policy Studies for Centre Britainexpressing concern the in about sharia at flag flew the also we our Europe section, in shown As andsharia. apostasy on Hall Conway All at one-day a for Law in conference One by part took We also booklet explainingexcellent forAll Law issues. the One joint which mailshot invited included a debate in the an to parliamentarians All Wood. were Keith Porteous the NSS, winner) Namazie andfor Marie andAnne Waters, Maryam Year the of (and Secularist Associate All Honorary were for Law Arbitration Speaking forOne enforce sharia. to Act Fitzpatrickkindly Jim the by of sponsored use MP, the on Commons, of House packed the debate in a One forAll Law co-sponsorwith to pleased also were We across. our case planned put Ministerial to one meeting is least denial. At farin been so has predecessor, the Government, its like reacted They positively, although andpeers. corps press have Audiences included the Cox. alongside Baroness platform the from spoken Wood has where Keith Porteous Lords of well attended House the high in profile meetings several have in resulted Bill Our the sponsoring activities in by proper the authorities. ensure family that andcriminal law with dealt are matters help andto equality resolution; dispute of other methods in on progress arbitration; support to strengthen law the to clarify application to aims the discrimination of to law Bill underenforce made This principles. sharia decisions legally with to deal commercialAct disputes) (designed to Arbitration the of provisions the judicial use They bodies. Tribunals appearance which the being give all official of concerned Arbitration Muslim rapid about the of expansion are NSS andthe she Both Cox. Baroness Bill, tabled by (Equality) Arbitrationsponsored the andMediation Services during major focus year. a been co- the We has This “LAW” SHARIA (friend of the court) in these cases. As far As cases. these (friend in court) the of intervene pro bono¸ as an as as 05 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT 06 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT “The UK should guard against aggressive forms of forms guard aggressive should against UK “The Ratzinger”. Cardinal by decades previous headed two forthe Holy See, the of office CDF the by bishops negligent of supervision harbouring andthe andtrafficking paedophile priests, by Church scandal from protect the to desire the selfish continuing “procedural Law, Canon deficiencies scandal: of the of evaluation cause the of Robertson’s He cited the Convention. breached has See Holy considers the that 2008–2012.United Council, Internal Nations He Justice Member, Distinguished Jurist a also is who QC, Robertson confirmed been now had Geoffrey by the (CRC) Child of Rights Convention the on UN the wholesale of breaches See’s Holy the previous allegations of Council his that to able He was International Humanist andEthical – Union IHEU). the of United (courtesy Council Human Rights Nations third year forthe runningcondemned the at See Holy the Wood Keith Porteous See. Holy the diplomatic as circles The Church/Vatican Roman Catholic known are in State again UN We at intervene role.” own Benedict’s with it, unedifyinginto clerical JPII’s – record on child abuse and, deflect examinations to sainthood is to sprint world: “This critical andappear broadcast around be comment the to only the make opportunity to withPaul provided an us II, John beatificationshielded The previous Pope, the them. of punishment knowingly who forperpetrators, andthose damage limitation, rather or forvictims than justice We remain convinced too Vatican the that remains strategy being repeated. avoid it being taken to are steps fifth thought a andonly right the the scandal, child abuse apology for Pope’s with the satisfied were quarter Only a child abuse. related favourable to The least responses 15% didn’t. weighted Given the secularism”. wording, 62% agreed and was One with them?” disagree or strongly agree you do How visit. communicated over his following the messages Pope “The asked: were respondents otherOn hand, the society.today’s touch with of even out be higher thought to proportion it favourablecompared a had who with view, those andan respondents unfavourable an had Church the view of many as buried. been times Three why has poll the explains The other questions drubbing on Church got the demonstration.successful campaign – reinforced extraordinarily andone the by our of main thrust the controversy cost, about the the year enduring was later, found most the memory that Church-commissioned Yet a a particularly poll, BBC. the by but our demonstration largelyavoided, reference to was year enjoyed maximum last media hype, visit The Pope’s CHURCH CATHOLIC THE THE AND POPE announce session plenary the to six Articles of Articles of the of of IHEU. again courtesy Nations, United the at We this have raised have implications borders. beyond well Ireland’s serious farcicalCatholic which judicial canon (and law its process) conflicts andsovereignty law arising Roman from of The Vatican with ensuingthe fracas highlighted serious era. new a of start the speech marks their (Taoiseach Prime Minister’s defiant Enda Kenny’s) signalled by heart changemisleading. of the that hope We being point of the to Council evasive Europe are of andthe Nations United the to reports Even latest Ireland’s conclusions andrecommendations. report complete Our separation between of lack church andstate. the by possible made was It formany decades. this area cyclical disgraceful Ireland’s record in review Ireland, to of conducting which Europe, was of a Council the We alerted over Ireland in child abuse Major Europe tabled with of Council report whom cooperating. now are we helpful andwith most were who NGOs children’s in staff senior met also He our concerns. discuss to Commission High UN invited the While Keith Geneva, to was in heat. the feel to they starting are their reaction representative the of from He believes that of • positions adequately failure in put its to control those abuse; of cover-up cases • of systematic its thousands of children; abused the to care duty of • disregard forits its obligations under CRC; the • its breach of its to account for: See Holy the hold to Child the of Rights Committee the on Keith andthe Council Human called upon Rights the they deserve. police investigation, public trial punishment andany that from midst criminals its in entitled suspected shelter to church the that claim is its yieldunder in Pope, this Vatican the that will not, ... 2010 July down laid norms in Law Canon new the plain ... from is conclusion “It that breached, been noting had allege Robertson’s we Articles In accompanying the detailed written we the statement, expulsion.” justify its should ... years, thirteen past obligations over the reporting its contempt for andits CRC, the and of breaches extensive grave See’s Holy belief “The that He repeated Robertson’s about child abuse in Ireland Letter from NSS member following our report to the Council of Europe trust withtrust children. and Yours faithfully, Thank you, this really is why I am a member. I have cried over this report. our help to protect their children. importantvery matter. The people of Ireland need Thank you for devoting time and to this effort Dear NSS ran to 50 pages andincluded pages hard-hitting 50 ran to access to publicly-funded Both to access services. leaders increasingly are controlling are publicly funded. community Religious employees – even though services the against andalso using services the discriminategroups those to against those abilityreligious andthe of groups by being run about services local concerns raised more once The NSS handed England in groups religious andWales. over to being services andlocal cohesion social Localism Bill, the Local Government discuss Minister Andrew to Stunell and Communities of Department Wood met Keith Porteous and President Elizabeth Vice March, O’Casey of end At the BILL LOCALISM THE AND BIG SOCIETY (Prevention Crown to the Discrimination) of Bill. when introduced he andSuccession Marriages Royal the Evan Dr Harris Associate Honorary assisted we In 2009, have already change. and backed a Assembly Welsh Parliament Scottish the representatives of Senior 2011. October Commonwealth of end the Australia at in summit the andgovernment at state about this heads of Commonwealth 16 the consult expected to Cameron is David 1700. Settlement including of UK laws Act the requireseveral changes legal of reform The throne itself. law, barred the from be although would still Catholics change the to The Government begun process now the has people other faiths. of marrying ban not does law The Catholic. from a marrying throne the the heir to prevents that the discriminatory law about David andNick Clegg Cameron to wrote In we April, CHALLENGED CATHOLICS ROYALS MARRYING BAN ON supporters. and members Irish meeting forour Northern Belfast in arranged member Council Norman a BonneyNSS also religion’ andPresbyterian church government Scotland”. in Protestant andmaintain ‘true the preserve “to of 1706/7 Union monarch new the of required under oath a Act of the Parliaments andUK andgovernmentsScottish concerning the both of members to made been Approaches have also matches. legislation concerning football at sectarianism religious involved proposed expression freedom in threats of to andon Parliament issue this Scottish members on the of and Representations committees to have made been duplicated education facilities. profligacy andthe of separate schools Roman Catholic We have drawn sectarian dangers from the attention to Parliament. Scottish the to elections before 2011 May the political circulated the parties policy to was that statement segregation state-funded in developing by schooling a In have campaigning been we Scotland religious end to NORTHERN IRELAND AND SCOTLAND Andrew Stunell ‘wrong’ religion could be at a ‘wrong’ religion at could be with representation. religious forany place no Lords, the the from complete removalunelected of bishops of We will short challengefall continue that plans any to introduced year. next before legislation is MPs, and13 peers 13 composed of Committee, Joint a being now considered by The draft is Bill modernisation. not regression, chamber democracy to anda affront an would be slimmed-down the in rise to For bishops of proportion the that includes legislature only the is Lords of House “The to concede: Lords of Lord House prompted the Avebury Leader of the dying. assisted contraception, and rights, abortion LGBT like on issues unrepresentative even more populationthe the House of unworkable. make would be wouldSuch proposals also It practising Britain.many in andtheir religions various sects increasinglead forrepresentation demands to the from certainly wouldother almost This denominations faiths. or We specifically warned extending against representation to representation. new religious chamber specific have second no should the andthat Lords of House the from Bench Bishops of Our main recommendation removalthe forthe of was our own published submitted were Well we proposals before the cent chamber, elected which would bishops. have no per 100 include option fora an also proposals Mr Clegg’s basis. representatives rather than normally rota attending a on full remaining would time the be of bishops some likely that also is It bishops. of proportion increase the in an actuallyhave represents this members 300 only uppervoting new the chamber However, would rights. as would who retain full 12, to 26 from cut wouldbishops be number England the Church of of Under proposals, the remaining appointed cent per independently. 20 andthe elected, members of cent per withHouse 80 reformed fora draft proposals out andWhite Paper Bill set The Lords. of smaller, reformed House fora proposals In coalition May, the government published comprehensive REFORM LORDS OF HOUSE permitting it. exemptions employment from law religiousand remove the to refused this of unfairness about the our protests administrationsSuccessive have ignored employed public services. these by disadvantage andbeing using in the non-religious the of andpeople report report ex officio to the Cabinet Office. Office. Cabinet to the representation of clerics.” representation clerics.” of Elizabeth O’Casey 07 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT 08 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT people from minority ethnicities and cultures,” he said. heminorityfrompeople ethnicitiesandcultures,” isolate particulartendtothey andinsegregation, social increasinglyarepublicly increase these funded:“They andthat minority bysegregationcaused faith schools, of highdegreesdrewthe attention to Keith also communities.Muslimandin tolerantIrelandthanoldergenerationsNorthern inboth worryingly,youngless werethethat, observed He schools. perpetuatedareIreland,theyandthat sectarian by Northern inare still divisionspointingthe deephow out division,religiousby caused exclusion social on focussed He PresidentBarroso. by invitedspeak beto to guest firstthe Wood was Executive Director KeithPorteous NSS contribution. inviteda makeorganisationto was eachfromperson lead andthe Exclusion, andSocial CombatingPoverty EuropeantheYearlunch the was ofthemefor The Ministers). Member(ofCouncilStates’ Parliament EU EU theandthe EuropeanCommission, the of Presidentsthe were hosts The organisations. non-religious) lunch(i.e. for“non-confessional” annualworkingprestigiousEuropean the Commission Octoberinvitedto delightedbeagain last to was NSS The MEETING PRESIDENTS’ ATEU NSS INTERNATIONALAND EUROPE Keith Porteous Wood with the three EU presidents represented. 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UnionHumanist& attendedInternationalthe Keith also Oslo, Whenin (Rome).and1904 (Brussels) 1880in congresses fromareIAForiginsThe •anddenunciationcommittedexposurecrimes by the of public•oninternationalinquiry anof commission allin •andstates institutionsreligiousseparationof initialobjectiveswhoseare: organisation, newthe ofinternational the of onespokespersons willbe He countries. 18fromattended delegatesby was which launchOslo, thein at Woodspoke KeithPorteous Freethought.Internationalof Association founderrekindleda becomeamember of has NSS The (IAF) FreethoughtInternationalof Association conflictthebetween religionto andhuman rights. futureworkprogramme muchcanvassinggreaterattention Agency’saboutthe submittedsuggestions we Union, InternationalthebehalfJointly ofon HumanistandEthical FundamentalAgencyRights us for our good work.forourgood us WilliamthankedHague NSS, aboutthe briefconversationAftera Secretary. Foreigntheby LancasterHouse London’s atanddiplomats forambassadors annualinvitedanwerereception to given PresidentandExecutiveTheDirector receptionForeign Office c. it is unreasonable and unfair to impose Sharia on “self- unreasonableonSharia andunfair impose is toit c. priests financinginstitutionsreligiousof continentsallon countries, escape religious patriarchy.religious escape to West the andindeedto manyhavecome system manyjusticevaluesecularthe as identified Muslims” William Hague 09 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT 10 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT declined. It will go towards next year’s prize. year’s nexttowards will go declined.It Veldkindly ’t in whichprize, Ms £5,000 the sponsoring generously forso thankMichaelweDrIrwin more, Once AnthonyGrayling. 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Terry by organised event was The here Graylinghere andAC withSophie extrainterviews andalso website DelusionPodthewholeceremony the at of podcast Youheara can focusingmediaattention theirideas.” on in quitesuccessful aregroups religious while conservative hardlyarecitizensorganised,secularthat problemis The clearvoice.a viewneeds pointofsecular debatethethat fierceoftype this exactlyin is “It rights. andgayresearch cell stem abortion, as such debatingethicalissues Europeanthecentury,increasinglyUnion itself a finds afterthatVeldhalf said ’t in Ms heracceptance Inspeech, http://bit.ly/eeRQA1 http://bit.ly/f5l2UC Dr Evan Harris and Joan Smith Manager Stephen Evans Claudine Baxter and Campaigns Keith Porteous Wood, volunteer Dr Michael Irwin and see the photo gallery photothe andsee here: podcast DelusionPodthe on speakers the to listen education.Youon can Woodspoke KeithPorteous conferencetheandExecutive andclosed Director openedSandersonPresidentTerry Blanchard.NSS VoiceEuropeandPaul Survivors’ of Cox Sue All, ForLawOneMedicalMarie AnneWaters Forum,of Secular the of Presswood EdandDr Lempert Warnock,AntonyDr (Mary) Baroness were speakers of uplineimpressive Completing the Camden. of (Muriel) TurnerandBaroness EvanDr Harris Cohen, Nick Associates delightedwelcomeHonorary to wereWe promote secularism. toway best the as healthcare,welleducation,andgovernmentlaw as aboutwithspeakers animateddiscussions joinedpresidentinviceGerardDelegates byPhillips. organisedsell-outOurconferenceSeptember was in CONFERENCE SECULAR http://bit.ly/gYsChm Keith Porteous Wood Baroness Turner Anne Marie Waters Marco Tranchino and Sue Cox MARCH FOR A SECULAR EUROPE SECULAR FORA MARCH The event was co-ordinatedevent was TheTranchino.Marco by FrancefromdelightedhavespeakersItalian andanMP.to also wereWe BHA. andthe HumanistAssociation Lesbian andGaythe Students, HumanistandSecular Atheist, EuropeanHumanistFederation, NationalFederation of representativesthefromPeterTatchell as well as NamazieForLawandAll)(OneVoice Maryam Europe), (Survivorsincluded Cox Speakers KeithandTerry, Sue priests. by abuse sexual as well as rightsandLGBT rights women’s talked aboutlaw,expression, freedom of rallywherewithDowningspeakersa opposite Street endedit timeyear. This every size inmarch grows The AHS President Jenny Bartle Lempert Dr Antony Gerard Phillips and Nick Cohen NSS volunteers at the conference 11 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT DEFENCE SPENDING ON MILITARY particularly in canteens and refectories, often covertly. We have the same objection in principle to kosher and halal CHAPLAINS CHALLENGED slaughter methods. In October we wrote to the Defence Minister to challenge spending by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) funding on military chaplains. This followed the response to our FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Freedom of Information request revealing that 280 We had a constructive meeting with the Advertising Christian chaplains are employed across all three services Standards Authority, questioning their stance on freedom at a cost to the taxpayer of £22 million and that a quarter of expression in advertising. We objected to their of army chaplains cannot currently be fully deployed to the adjudicating against some advertisements featuring frontline because of medical issues. priests and nuns in suggestive poses, and reminded the A significant part of a military chaplain‘s role is to provide Authority that one of its adjudications had recently been pastoral support – but to all service personnel, not just overruled by a court on freedom of expression grounds. the religious. The Christian monopoly in this area needs to We complained that they had reacted disproportionately to be challenged. a very small number of complaints by believers. We have followed this up with a formal complaint about the Code of We argued that if the MoD determines there is a place for Advertising Practice and its guidance on religion. Our pastoral support in the military in addition to counselling complaint led them to consult with their lawyers. and psychotherapy services already offered, those positions should be open to anyone with the skills to We have also been co-operating with the Christian Institute provide necessary support, regardless of their religion or to reduce the threat to freedom of expression posed by belief. the Public Order Act. Section 5 of the Act outlaws "insulting" conduct. We are concerned about the chilling We suggested to the Minister that any religious effect this has on free speech. We are campaigning for the representation in the armed forces should be funded by word "insulting" to be removed from Section 5, as part of religious bodies rather than out of the defence budget, the forthcoming Freedom Bill. already under immense strain. ARCHBISHOP CHALLENGED RELIGIOUS SLAUGHTER OF ANIMALS In November last year, the Archbishop of York, Dr John The NSS campaigns for an end to religious exemptions Sentamu, gave the annual International Rule of Law from animal welfare legislation that enables animals to be Lecture in the Inns of Court in London on the topic ‘Justice slaughtered without prior stunning. Only on religious in a Secularising and Pluralising Society’. During the grounds are such exemptions given. questions that followed, Keith Porteous Wood tackled him about former Anglican Primate George Carey’s intervention As long as these exemptions are given, meat from this in the McFarlane Employment Appeal Tribunal (a Relate form of slaughter should be labelled to indicate this. counsellor refusing to provide certain services to same Consumers should have the right to information which sex couples). Dr Carey had called for a special panel of enables them to make an informed choice. religious judges who have “sensitivity ... of religious issues” 2011 2011 ANNUAL REPORT Efforts at the European Parliament to require the to judge cases “engaging religious rights”. Dr Carey’s appropriate labelling of meat produced by ritual slaughter intervention had been roundly criticised by the appeal methods were frustrated this year by a well-organised judge, Lord Justice Laws. lobbying campaign organised by Shechita UK, a group set Keith’s intervention went down well with the distinguished up to defend and promote Jewish slaughter methods. audience, but Dr Sentamu seemed none too happy to EU proposals to introduce compulsory labelling in shops answer it directly. He responded that judges should have for meat produced by ritual slaughter were finally dropped “religious intelligence”, and thought some common ground NATIONAL SECULAR NATIONAL SOCIETY in July following a political deal between MEPs, who was achievable with mutual respect on both sides. On balance, however, he acknowledged there must be an 12 supported the proposals, and the Council of Ministers, who did not. absolutely level playing field, so in effect conspicuously failed to support Dr Carey. The NSS had raised concerns in the UK and Europe that a McFarlane significant proportion of this meat is bought by consumers A sequel to this encounter is that the appeal who don’t realise they are buying meat from animals not was to become one of the four appeals involved in our stunned before slaughter. intervention at the European Court of Human Rights. The Government is due to consult on the implementation www.secularism.org.uk of a new EU regulation on the protection of animals at the time of killing. This will be an opportunity for us to challenge once more the exemptions from animal welfare legislation given to religious groups. We have also raised awareness of, and our concerns about, the growing trend of serving only halal meat, continues to grow.continuesto followingOurFacebook on andTwitter (@natsecsoc) website. NSS theon subscribecanyoureceiving aren’t you it, If commented on. mucharethat stories to beatingmainstreampress the popularitygrowin continuesto – also often Sanderson, weeklyOurnewsletteremail 2012.inrolledout whichwillbe site improvementsthecarriedon beentoout also Work has million views. page and1.2 visits 602,000 received has oursite months 12 last Overthefeature. 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Stephen Dunkling,StephenGerard and a letter about the Act of Actletter abouttheanda spends considerabletime spends he has been heavilybeen has he In additionbeingChairInto Elizabeth Political . 15 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT 16 www.secularism.org.uk NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY 2011 ANNUAL REPORT Secularists. andLondonHumanistsGlamorganWest HumanistGroup; West HumanistGroup; MarchesWelsh Union; Students' NottinghamUniversityof andHumanistSociety; Secularist Atheist, UCL HumanistGroup;Sutton Secularists; and Humanists Suffolk Humanists; Somerset South HampshireHumanists; South HumanistSociety; Sheffield Society; HumanistandSecularist Reading Atheist, andHumanismSociety; Secularism Atheism Mary Queen Humanists;Oxford Humanists; & Secularists Atheists, NU-Think;NottinghamGroup; Oxford Society; Secular LondonHumanist North Humanists; East North Group; andHumanistSecular Norfolk LewishamHumanistGroup; Society;SecularLeicester LancashireHumanists; Secular Society;HumanistandSecular Atheist, College Kings WightAssociation; HumanistandSecularofYorkshire; Isle West of HumanistSocietyLiberalSecular Democrats; Humanistand HumanistSociety; Hampstead Humanists; FarnhamGreaterManchester Humanists; Humanists; Essex KentHumanists; East Society; Secularist DurhamUniversityHumanistand DevonHumanists; WarwickshireHumanists; & Coventry Humanists; Cotswold CornwallHumanists; Chiltern Humanists; Humanists; Chester Society; CambridgeandAgnostic UniversityAtheist Society;SecularAgnostic UniversityAtheistBristol Society; BrightonBirminghamHumanist andHoveHumanists; HumanistGroup;Belfast Bedfordshire Humanists; 2011 SEP AT28 AS AFFILIATED NSS GROUPS THE TO EducationMedicalSecularForum;Forum. 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Our volunteers Theremanyarepeople whodonate their expertise time, THANKS membership. standingA ordermoreorwill£5includeof your form.youasend willcurrentpleased to beofficethe one, standinga orderyouIf wouldincreaseor yourstart like to funding as ourcurrent work. plantoaheadallow withThese us our wellcampaigns as growingA number membersofnow have standing orders. buttonwebsite.theon Youwills. donationcanmakea chequebyDonatethe by or donatedyearmoneyrememberedorlastthein their in us wouldthankliketo also everyonewho NSS Thehas sponsoringprize£5,000the for SecularistYear.the of Weimmenselyare grateful DrMichaeltofor Irwinagain ouratevents.whospoke thoseall to Thanks also success. makingin part Joynsonconferencetheforhis a such ConferenceShaunSpecialthankstoand goAGM.the Wegratefulare volunteersto Secularthewhohelpedat us Wirdnamcontributionforhis overyear.pastthe Particular Dominicthanksto go issues. to alerting us involvedwithcampaigning welllocalaslevel aon as localeventsatand getwho run stalls those to Thanks also podcastingourevents. O’MalleyandLizJamesLutgendorf PodtheDelusion atfor Newsline pro bono Bulletins podcastandto on ouronEuropean and BRITAIN’S ONLY ORGANISATION WORKING EXCLUSIVELY TOWARDS A SECULAR SOCIETY Join us If you believe, as we do, that a secular Britain You can join us online at is our best way to achieve true equality for all www.secularism.org.uk/join.html or by contacting citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, the office at [email protected] or by then please join us and become part of what calling 020 7404 3126 is possibly the most important debate of the 21st century. Together we can create a fairer Annual membership is £29, £17 for unwaged and £9 and more equal society. for students Joint membership, for two people at the same address, is £45 and overseas membership is £51.

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NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY, 25 RED LION SQUARE, LONDON WC1R 4RL TEL: (020) 7404 3126 EMAIL: [email protected] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: KEITH PORTEOUS WOOD FCCA CAMPAIGNS MANAGER: STEPHEN EVANS SENIOR OFFICE STAFF: TESSA KENDALL, STEWART WARE