Annual Report 2020 challenging religious privilege OUR MISSION THE SECULAR CHARTER

The National Secular Society The National Secular Society campaigns for a secular democracy, where: works for the separation of religion • There is no established state religion. and state and equal respect for • Everyone is equal before the law, regardless of religion, everyone’s human rights so no one is belief or non-belief. either advantaged or disadvantaged • The judicial process is not hindered or replaced by on account of their beliefs. religious codes or processes. • Freedom of expression is not restricted by religious considerations. • Religion plays no role in state-funded education, whether through religious affiliation of schools, curriculum setting, organised worship, religious instruction, pupil selection or employment practices. • The state does not express religious beliefs or preferences and does not intervene in the setting of religious doctrine. • The state does not engage in, fund or promote religious activities or practices. • There is freedom of belief, non-belief and to renounce or change religion. • Public and publicly-funded service provision does not discriminate on grounds of religion, belief or non- belief. • Individuals and groups are neither accorded privilege nor disadvantaged because of their religion, belief or non-belief.

This report covers the year from October 2019 to September 2020. www.secularism.org.uk 01 @NatSecSoc /NationalSecularSociety Withthe non-religious now forming the also concerned We’re that the isrun from public funds and they do not the paytowards to evenhave capital the – developersrecovering the cost pay, in houseprices. majority,there is no longer excuse any not enshrine to formal a entitlementlaw in of community, to all non-faith based education.Such schools pragmatic make andeconomic sense; those faiths of all andnone can be educated together with everyonebeing equally valued. government appearsminded repeal to the provisionthe in EqualityAct which enables protected a become to caste characteristic,despite being urged theby outlaw UNto caste discrimination. Such an . (page 6) This report would be incomplete without tribute a Barbara to Thedecision-making process new for schools and school Smoker, who April. died in Barbara Smoker, served as our president for quarter a ofcentury a and never missed her to dying AGM an She giftedwas brave a fighter, day. writerandinspiration to including me. She be missed.will many, ensurenew schools suitable are of the all for families they serve.No wonder the of targetsC E schools new in developments;the church gets handed new a school and local peoplelittle have alternative but send to their it. to children It almostunprecedented regression of equality legislation this in countrywould pleasehowever the the In PMof India. most recentof several pieces of original published research we’ve urged ministers we’ve take another to lookthisyear, at caste andother issues report a in mark to the 10th anniversary of theact reorganisations,both locally and nationally regardless – of the partyis weighted against the power, in non-religiousmajority regardlessof how strongly they their make case. There needs be to much greater local accountability and mechanisms to (page , (page4) and free speech speech free and . (page8)

(pages 7 and 10) and 7 (pages

Sadly, you will see you will Sadly, examples our report in of such privileging Assecularist norms come under Overbeen have we thevery last year, TheNSS has continued its make to case powerfully, as I . Similarly, the Department Similarly, . opaque Education’s for churchattendance continues plummet.to Is it coincidence a thatjust HQ theare andyards DfE’s the apart? of C E’s 6) announcement,which it refusedjustify to or accept any representationsabout, new faith of 19 schools even as summarydismissal, even on appeal, of our persuasive applicationofdecisionreview a judicial a for open to new a publiclyfunded Church Wales school in against parents’ wishesone in of the least religious parts of the country in the in exampleUKtoo,for the in operationof the and of law government,both local and national. was I taken aback theby fundamentalismPoland, in even privileging Catholic canon law oversecular and rights human law treaty obligations. need We continue to the fight discourage to any spread of state governments privilegingreligion. andnone becoming second class citizens. evidence gave I UNcommittee a to about thePolish state encouraging and prioritising religious theEuropean Court Rights. of Human India but hasall abandoned its secular constitutionand is rapidly becoming a state, Hindu with those of other religions have continued have press to on with our humanrights work internationally, particularlythe in United Nations and at Ireland Scotland in increasingattack around the world we substantialand successful campaigns on ReligiousEducation Wales in same-sexcouples’ rights Northern in thechallenges from Covid, the continued media focus on Brexitoffice and an move. activethroughout the UK, examplefor with futuremeetings be to held virtually when necessary. hopebe apparentwill from this comprehensive report, despite Coronavirushope and we has made this challenging a year, ourmembers and those close them to safe was I and are well. gladsee to so members many when held we our first virtual generalmeeting alter to September, our articles in permit to From the presidentFrom National Secular Society 02 Annual Report 2020 Campaigning in the time of coronavirus of time the in Campaigning Bulletin. in summer our pandemic, to the response global the hindered had privilege religious ways the of some and campaigning, charity.the into inquiry a statutory opened it in and August to investigate, commission the prompted This Commission. Charity the with kits’ a church’s ‘plague of protection raised sale in role the we In April groups. religious some from behaviour exploitative campaign. Schools Faith More No our of work the addressing groups local with online talks several held has Lichten, Alastair in November. event education, of head Our online-only drewyear we’d asweto itan an were end to confirm able host the as in September, time but usual its physically, at Lecture adapting. we are although supporters, to local out to reach attempts our as much as we’dnearly like. office the hard to use it have made virus by the prompted restrictions the But necessary. that’s as long for as distancing social for allowing space more while also better, roles their perform Bradlaugh) eventually. it we did to manage complete but tricky, particularly made and delayed wasinevitably This move. office imminent an of prospect the at we werefundamentally, excited exception. no been has NSS the and everyone, for year a surreal this made has pandemic coronavirus The distancing social to Adjusting We explained more about the virus’s impact on our our on virus’s the impact about more We explained about concerns prompted inevitably also has crisis The annual our Bradlaugh we were to For hold example unable and events for our restrictive very proven also has virus The office new Our and suddenly so life as changed In just March, will help our growing staff team and council to to council team and staff will growing our help (pictured, with bust of NSS founder Charles Charles founder of NSS bust (pictured, with Education Act with the head of our Secular Education Forum, Forum, Education Secular our of head the with Act Education events. physical of a couple we were to hold able struck lockdown Before The events we did year hold this his close associate Annie Besant. Annie associate close his and Bradlaugh Charles founder our Holyoake, George Paine, YouTube Thomas including thinkers explored These channel. available our on NSS, the and secularism of origins the on for blasphemy. in prison time served who century 19th early the of campaigner secularist a was Carlile Richard of Carlile. life work and the into insight gave a detailed Forder Bob historian and member council revisited. be should to religion granted it privileges the – and system education the of control religious embedded also had but time, in its achievement an was extraordinary legislation of Sharpe Keith In February we held a talk on the legacy of the 1944 1944 the of legacy the on a talk we held In February As lockdown hit, Bob also created a series of online lectures online lectures of a series created also Bob hit, lockdown As 2019 our before talk AGM inIn November, another our (pictured) . Keith argued that this landmark piece piece landmark this that argued . Keith www.secularism.org.uk 03 @NatSecSoc /NationalSecularSociety Twenty-six Church of bishops sit in the as of right THE PRESENCE OF BISHOPS THE IN LORDS GIVES THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND SPECIAL ACCESS TO THOSE POWER. IN THIS BOLSTERS THE GOVERNMENT’S STRONG SUPPORT FOR FAITH SCHOOLS… THOSE WHO OPPOSE POLICIES LIKE THIS SHOULD HAVE AS FAIR A CHANCE TO MAKE THEIR CASE AS THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM.” Dick Taverne PoliticsHome

Scrappingthe bishops’ benchwould strike blow a for Partsof the Lords predictably received the very suggestion Dick Taverne made his case in an opinion piece for Dick Taverne (right) with our CEO Stephen Evans PARLIAMENT IS AN AFFRONT TO DEMOCRACY AND A MEDIEVAL PRACTICE UNFIT FOR A MODERN LEGISLATURE.” Stephen Evans responds to the proposal bill’s GIVING CLERICS THE AUTOMATIC RIGHT TO SIT IN at an unearned disadvantage. unearned an at fairness,bill equality and democracy. And Dick Taverne’s providesevidence that change is possible. automaticseats ofbishops C E 26 for the in legislature is antitheticaldemocracy. to It undermines the principle of equal citizenshipand puts those who oppose positions the church’s peer Dick Taverne introduced peerhelped which Dick we Taverne bill, a draft, to scrap to the bishops’ bench the in House of Lords. of challengea the to status quo with incredulity. But reserving Our bill to scrap the bishops’ bench the bishops’ scrap to bill Our Ourcampaign end to the ties state’s the to Church of England tooksignificant a The step Liberalearly Democratthis year. For a secular state secular a For National Secular Society 04 Annual Report 2020 For secular education even this modest requirement. modest this even opposing are fiercely interests Religious it. request parents where as option an RVE to willrequired offerpluralistic be they albeit perspective, a religious from RVE to teach schools faith covered. to be need which concepts core of series to a secularism crucially, added it And proposed. previously than standard inclusive – a more curriculum core its law” in by human rights protected convictions “philosophical cover to plans its altered government The changes. significant syllabus. to a reformed access has child every and worldviews, non-religious and religious both of diversity the incorporates subject reformed the to ensure her urged Evans CEO our Williams, Stephen Kirsty minister education with in a meeting But, pluralistic. more subject make the (RVE). ethics and values religion, subject, a new with RE replaced see would plans RE. The to reform syllabus. balanced and pluralistic to a entitlement anchild equal every give education religious of reforms planned to ensure government Welsh the lobbying year. this advance We’vebeen a significant made overhauled education religious to see ambition longstanding Our Wales in education pluralistic on Progress Our main criticism has been that the plans will still allow allow will still plans the that been has main Our criticism some in securing part a major played lobbying Our to effort a wider reflects which change, this We welcomed plans long-awaited of details outlined ministers In January ministers Met with with Met Responded to to Responded consultations HOW WE LOBBIED: WE HOW Wrote to minister the first first the 

members of of members Encouraged Encouraged the Senedd the supporters supporters to write to religious schools, with often serious failings, were being were failings, being serious often with schools, religious independent that government the with concerns We raised schools religious unregistered and independent children’sProtecting in rights faith schools to operate. schools faith allow illegal that loopholes to children close and instruction religious full-time providing regulate settings to better plans announced government the when a boost received schools to Covid-19. due delayed decisions with highlighted, we schools the with taken to be is action what considering papers. to censor leaders don’t allow school exam regulations because for GCSEs pupils entering not and children by sex segregating unlawfully years. in recent inspections multiple failed had that schools six of fail inspections. allowed to repeatedly Our letter to the DfE the to letter Our AND PROTECTED.” PROPERLY IS RESPECTED EDUCATION AQUALITY TO RIGHT HUMAN FUNDAMENTAL CHILDREN’S THAT YOU ENSURE TO ON CALL THEREFORE YOUNG AND TO PEOPLE OBLIGATIONS ITS ON SHORT FALLING IS GOVERNMENT THE BELIEVE WE Our campaign for a clamp down on unregistered religious religious unregistered on down for a clamp campaign Our still is department the that us informed minister The science, as creationism teaching failings included Their examples to highlight responsible minister We to the wrote Religious “core the was at instruction purpose” unregistered schools investigated between between schools investigated unregistered January 2016 and August 2019. 2016 August and January 107 Source: Ofsted

www.secularism.org.uk 05 @NatSecSoc /NationalSecularSociety

20,340 against their parents’ their preferences against 2020 in pupils in England were sent to England schools faith in pupils

Since 2014, 2014, Since 26,163 26,163 iNews pupils have been assigned have which schools faith pupils their families hadn’t listed as preferences hadn’t all at families their Almost a fifth (26,163) of theseAlmost were assigned pupils fifth a (26,163) to We found that 132,216 children were assigned were children faith found to that We 132,216 BE FREE FROM RELIGION THEY IF CHOOSE.” Our head of education Alastair Lichten comments on the figures in IF THEYIF WON’T COMMIT TO THAT THEY SHOULD LEAST AT ENSURE EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT TOSUITABLE A SECULAR SCHOOL WITHIN A REASONABLE DISTANCE, SO FAMILIES CAN MINISTERS SHOULD LOOK TOROLL BACK FAITH SCHOOLS AND OPEN INCLUSIVE, SECULAR SCHOOLS WHICH ENABLE CHILDREN TO MAKE THEIR OWN MINDS UP ABOUT RELIGION. We’re campaigning ensure to every childhas We’re the right to accesslocal a publicly funded secular school. schoolsdespite their families listing non-faith a school as their first preferenceand2020. between2014 schoolswhich their listed families hadn’t as preferences at all. in England in being assigned are faith schools despite their year. non-faith schools each choosing families Families pushed into faith pushed into Families wishesschools against their Ourresearch revealed again that thousands of children National Secular Society 06 Annual Report 2020 decision not to publish details publish to not decision government’s the of areview requesting letter Our SOCIETY.” IN ADEMOCRATIC ESSENTIAL BUT AVOIDED, BE TO ILL AN NOT IS SCRUTINY PUBLIC in covered was criticism our made”.is decision final the until lobbying and speculation from “free be should applications assessing of process the us told DfE the but schools, for the proposals the of details to We see inasked February. government by the scrutinised. weren’t properly plans being the that warned and in England, schools 19 faith new open to proposals around transparency of a lack We highlighted of scrutinyLack over schools faith don’t share. they ethos a religious with schools faith into forced willeffectively families more even be details)more ( places in school Wales Church for demand future predict to methodology a flawed used religion; no and and faiths other of families on decision its fact. as character and teaches Christianity School. in Primary Wales Church local his by expanding places school for additional demand to meet council’s decision local the review of a judicial to secure attempt Brunt’s Valethe Glamorgan. of in places school faith of expansion the to challenge We to court went expansion school faith Resisting in court The No More Faith Schools campaign in 2020 We requested an independent review of that decision, and and decision, that review of an independent We requested announced schools a waveof free of were part schools The so for a judicial refused, review was request our Regrettably of impact the to consider failed school the We that argued religious a strong has school The James parent local We supported . iNews see the spring Bulletin for for Bulletin spring the see .

Peterborough. in site, same the at ethos a community with a school open to a plan with competition in was direct which school, Catholic a discriminatory to open proposals We challenged Challenging plans school locally faith as part of a review.of part as schools in faith policies admissions discriminatory of impact schools. children to non-faith their sending of families’ chances some restrict would which changes in RenfrewshireInverclyde. and schools Catholic to for admission priority more Catholic baptised who’ve been schools. faith funded to state admissions in families children their and against discrimination religious locally, toand lobby, to for an end nationally We continued admissions in discrimination Religious campaigns. to local visibility and support more give Surrey. in Green Englefield in school infant a community of site the on open school England of Church aided a voluntary see would which plan a included These elsewhere. schools faith expand or open light. green the given disgracefully was a decade than more for in England school Catholic state-funded first the to open school. faith the of approval challenged council’s the formally who councillors three assisted and council local the to evidence submitted plan, to the opposition rally to meeting And we called on Liverpool City Council to consider the the to consider Council City Liverpool on we called And with to proceed not Council County We Surrey urged children give would that changes planned We opposed to website Schools Faith More No our we revamped And to plans to oppose residents local with worked We also plan the Nevertheless, a public We held plans in Peterborough councillors and who residents opposed the with left) (third NSS the of Manson Megan www.secularism.org.uk 07 @NatSecSoc /NationalSecularSociety NSS staff met with the Law discuss to Commission reforms to wedding law We warned We that exceptions religious allowing organisations July ministers In said they extend wouldn’t the provisions, Currentgoverning how and laws where couples can marry We responded We consultation a to on the implementation of We’ll be responding a to We’ll consultationthe commission from in next the year. same-sexmarriage after it became legally recognised NI in year. this early torefuse to solemnise same-sex marriages shouldn’t be extendedservice to providers such as hoteliers, florists and photographers,as some religious lobby groups calling were for. takingour point that doing so would seriously undermine equalitylaw. law proposals wedding on Secular Throughoutthe constructively year we engaged withthe Law CommissionEnglandon reforming weddingin laws and Wales greater for simplicity, equality and fairness As all. for the close, a to yeardrew the commission published proposals to reformthe wedding laws. areoutdated and unnecessarily restrictive,still as they’re fundamentallystructured around Anglicanchurch weddings. The commission’sproposals would give couplesgreater freedom overwhere theycan choose marry, to and enact severalother proposals which we’ve arguedfor. Defending same-sex couples’ rights in Northern Ireland Ourlobbying helped ensure to businesses be won’t able to refuseservices same-sexfor marriages Northern in Ireland. warned that glaring gaps meant the act was

Theformer equalities minister Featherstone Lynne wrote Itwarned that this was discriminationleading to and social Faith-shaped holes: how religiously privilege undermines privilege Faith-shaped religiously how holes: To mark the occasion To investigated we the impact of legal beganlobbying politicians including by more widely, encouragingour members write to their to MPs. basisof their personal beliefs. thethe to foreword report. And as end the an to we year drew failing to protect to failing the non-religious and religious minorities from discrimination. segregation,and reducingopportunities people for on the loopholesthat faith allow based discrimination continue, to andreleased report a theirfor calling end. equalitylaw landmarkpiece of legislation which instituted legal protections againstdiscrimination. The faith-shaped loopholes in the Equality Act Thisyear marked the 10th anniversary of the Equality Act a – For equality and human rights human and equality For National Secular Society 08 Annual Report 2020

Image via Wikimedia Commons, © User: Colin [CC BY-SA 4.0] For freedom of expression of freedom For the ‘Free to Disagree’ campaign Disagree’ to ‘Free the in involvement our on Evans Stephen CEO Our AT ALL.” FREEDOM NO IS ACCEPTABLE FIND SAY TO ONLY OTHERS WHAT FREEDOM religion on bill’s provisions crime hate the over concerns highlighted which Society, Secular Edinburgh with letter joint Our BLASPHEMY LAW.” A TO AKIN BY SOMETHING PROTECTED ARE SENSIBILITIES RELIGIOUS THAT EXPECTATION UNREASONABLE AN CREATE WILL AND SPEECH OF ARRAY AVAST CAPTURING RISKS IT hatred’. up ‘stir “likely” or to intended and abusive” or “threatening was which behaviour have would criminalised drafted, bill, initially as law. the blasphemy But historic Scotland’s repeal would that expression. of freedom undermining from government, Scottish by the bill, crime proposed a hate to prevent campaign a major of forefront we year were the This at Defending free in Scotland speech We welcomed one encouraging part of the bill – a section bill – a section the of part encouraging one We welcomed

expression”. of freedom of erosion “an unacceptable represented provisions in these July, that we warned committee time of writing he still hasn’t been freed. been hasn’t still he writing of time the at But campaign. public significant “on amid a basis” an urgent case his up took Office Foreign the and release, for his toUK lobby to the ambassador execution. with blasphemy punish can – which courts up sharia to set allows states also but expression of freedom guarantees safety. his over concerns deep sparking in April, blasphemy of accused being after detained Bala Mubarak leader Nigerian of Humanist release for the lobbied world. the laws around blasphemy by caused misery needless the to highlight We continued blasphemy lawsAgainst parliament. Scottish the way through bill its makes the as speech a conviction. to secure to criminalprove intent prosecution require and the ‘likely’ threshold will the remove amendment bill. His the to amend intention his Yousaf announced corrected the record. in reported was error His really is. it than higher is for prosecution threshold the free speech on religion specifically. to posed it Yousaf, threat Humza the warning about secretary bill, justice for the responsible minister the and MSPs scrapped. to be up hatred’ bill ‘stirring on in the provisions for the called which campaign, ‘Free to the Disagree’ to form Censorship on Index and We joined with campaigners including the Christian Institute Institute Christian the including campaigners with We joined justice parliament’s Scottish to the In a submission We wrote to ministers and the Nigerian Nigerian the and We to ministers wrote theoretically Nigeria’s constitution who groups among were we particular In free to protect action for further to push We will continue to plans his opposition public overwhelming the Amid that in Yousaf parliament claimed had that we spotted And to lobby Society Secular Edinburgh We alongside worked The Times (pictured) . He was was . He after we noticed it, and he he and it, we noticed after

Image courtesy of Humanists International www.secularism.org.uk 09 @NatSecSoc /NationalSecularSociety We also We sent letters similar several to relevant regulatory Thegovernment published its framework abortion for rights Butthe change still represents welcomea step forward. wrote her should to saychildren to We all be protected from Italso noted that HLCs influence theformulation of hospital beliefor traditions of their parents. CHILD SAFEGUARDING MUST TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER THE DESIRE OF ADULTS WITHIN A COMMUNITY TO EXPRESS THEIR OWN OR THEIR CHILD’S PRESUMED BELIEF THROUGH FORCED CUTTING OF THEIR CHILD’S GENITALS.” Our CEO Stephen Evans, in our letter to the children’s commissioner bodies.awaiting responses. the At time press to of going we’re Standing up for women’s bodily in NIautonomy urged the We UKgovernment not religion restrict to allow to reproductive women’s rights after abortion became legal in Northernresponse in Ireland consultationa to December in 2019. March. Disappointingly in NI in this set 12-week a time onlimit urged that terminations.it should match We’d Britain’s 24-weeklimit. Beforehandabortion womanwas an a allowed only if her life wasat risk or there was risk a of permanent and serious her damageto mental or physical health thanks – very largely religious to groups’ continued influence. be to children all for Pushing protected from genital cutting commissioner, Anne Longfield, children’s urged England’s We toencourage child protection agencies and the government rethink to their laissez-faire approach religious to surgery on boys’genitals. non-therapeuticgenital cutting, regardless of the religion, encourageand JWs staff working with JW patientsget to in contactwith them. policiesblood regarding transfusions, contribute JW patientto care plansand hold staff trainingfor on JW issues. Daily Mirror

Ourletter highlighted several examples of trusts which refer We wrote the to We Department of Health call ofto review a for warned We that trusts many encouraging were engagement

Our concerns were covered in the

to engagement to with HLCs positive in terms, and which withHLCs and several appeared the make to assumption that JW patients all would refuse blood. workensure to JW patients refuse blood products. trusts’policies that encourage engagement with HLCs. Ourresearch brought light to trusts’ NHS many deferential relationshipsWitnesses’ with Jehovah’s hospital liaison committeesgroups – of religious (HLCs) representatives who Exposing NHS trusts’ deferential with relationships Jehovah’s committees Witnesses’ Forsecular healthcare Image courtesy of Humanists International Humanists of courtesy Image National Secular Society 10 Annual Report 2020 Also in the UK conversion therapy in Northern Ireland, broadcast in September on documentary aBBC during Trust Issues Core of Davidson Mike feelings”. and behaviours to homosexual leave “seeking for those therapy” “change oriented promotes that Trust – a charity Issues Core of status regarding the we raised concerns considering practice. the to end ways into looked it as therapy’ ‘conversion promoting charities of role the to consider government We the urged therapyConversion year last published subject the on law, following report in major our religion charity to by deference caused harm the to highlight We continued intolerance promote which charities Challenging 2017. in programme starvation three-day a involving of‘conversiona form therapy’ Ministries Miracles and ofFire Mountain CONCERN OF CHARITIES – THERAPY CONVERSION Meanwhile Northern Ireland’s charity regulator is is regulator charity Ireland’s Northern Meanwhile – revealed to be practising bepractising to – revealed (see 2019our annual report) mind reorientation” in 2018. in reorientation” mind found was a pastor offering “complete International Chapel Winners . compensation. claiming from abuse child of victims obstruct doesn’t charities Jehovah’s of Witnesses restructuring the that to ensure them we urged after are investigating regulators Charity restructure Jehovah’s Witnesses intolerant messages. intolerant deeply promoted they that concerns over Commission code. broadcasting the to breach found been repeatedly has which network, TV September. in viability future its will who an consider manager interim appointed then and extremism. promoting of (IRFI), accused International a charity Foundation Research Islamic of case the on to act Commission Charity the prompted pressure persistent our Elsewhere charities Christadelphian and Islamic liabilities. potential pay to unable left be could charities JW that concern prompting land, and property of amounts substantial off selling We also referred 10 Christadelphian charities to the Charity Charity to the charities 10 referred We Christadelphian also Peace the by funding faith Islamic the IRFI aims to advance charity, the into inquiry a statutory opened commission The was church the that reports after issue the We raised – where where – feelings”. leaveto homosexual behaviours and for people “seeking therapy” orientated Trust Issues Core – advocates “change “change advocates – www.secularism.org.uk 11 @NatSecSoc /NationalSecularSociety . . TheGuardian The Guardian (see last year’s annual report annual last year’s (see more) for Endreligious discrimination against pupils school in admissions. Abolishcollective the worship requirement. Promotefree speech as positive a value. non-stun End slaughter. Reviewlaws on assisted dying. non-consensual of forms all End cutting. genital Outlawcaste discrimination. End‘the advancement of religion’ as charitable a purpose. Guaranteesecular public services. Separatechurch state. and Notopen to more faith schools. Ourpresident Keith Porteous Wood said this highlighted the Thiscame after coordinated we early an motion day on the

declaringthat sex outside marriage “short fell of God’s purposesbeings”. human for needdisestablish to the letter a church in to AN ORGANISATION CLAIMING THAT SO MANY HAVE NO RIGHT TO A SEXUAL LIFE SHOULD HAVENO OFFICIAL TIES TO THE STATE, NO AUTOMATIC RIGHT TO SEATS OUR IN LEGISLATURE AND NO ROLE RUNNING IN STATE-FUNDED SCHOOLS.” Keith Porteous letter Wood’s to • • • • • • • • • • toWorking end parliamentary prayers Shortlyafter the election wrote the to we new speaker of the Houseof Commons, , support a urge to of a reviewof parliamentary prayers. subject another sex: E and C of The disestablishment for reason January In the Church of England issued statement a Election campaigning Duringthe general election lobbied we campaign late 2019 in the all major political parties, urging them adopt to 11 secularistpledges: • Richard Scorer at IICSA, in his lawyer a professional capacity as We also We wrote the to government warn to of an Despiteour best efforts, parliamentarians wastedan We continue We mandating law a for argue to the reporting of We helped We draw to Thisyear serious not failings onlycame light to the in Agencystopped publishing data on the number of animals beingslaughtered without pre-stunning. agriculturebill. “unacceptablelack of transparency” after the Food Standards a religious a practice that undermines welfare. animal opportunityat to least ensure meat from non-stun slaughter is accuratelylabelled support to failing by amendments an to Non-stun slaughter continue We lobby to thefor abolition of non-stun slaughter – abuse,with religious organisations resistant such to a measure. Jehovah’s Witnesses Jehovah’s hierarchyto prevent an from giving evidence. ex-JW Scoreralso highlighted a though – shocking unsuccessful thankfully effort – from the IndependentInquiry into ChildSexual Abuse. Our vice-presidentRichard elsewhere. attentionevidence to the from emerging Anglicanand Catholic churches but also within the Jehovah’s Witnesses,Jewish groups, Muslimgroups and in religious in institutions and hierarchies’ continuing to failure reportsuspected perpetrators civil to authorities takeor to responsibilitycompensating adequately for survivors. Highlighting religious groups’ failures on safeguarding continued We highlight to the significant scaleabuse of child National Secular Society 12 Annual Report 2020 International work Papageorgiou and Others v. Greece v. Others and Papageorgiou in ruling Rights Human of Court European the From CONVICTIONS.” PHILOSOPHICAL AND RELIGIOUS PARENTS’ RESPECTING NOT AS CONSIDERED BE MIGHT THAT INDOCTRINATION OF AIM AN PURSUE TO FORBIDDEN STATE IS THE MANNER. PLURALISTIC AND CRITICAL OBJECTIVE, IN AN CONVEYED IS CURRICULUM THE IN INCLUDED INFORMATION THAT CARE TAKE STATE MUST THE children’s certificates. on religion their declare birth must parents that a requirement we as challenged Greece, compulsory. is it if practice children religious into avoidand indoctrinating manner” pluralistic and critical are “conveyed in an objective, report. 2019 in the annual case in the intervention our We mentioned education. religious from them to exempt affiliation religious children’s their to declare parents required which Greece a case. in intervened we successfully after it’s compulsory if practice children religious into avoid indoctrinating must education religious that ruled Human of Rights Court European The Rights Human of Court at European intervention Successful workInternational We later intervened in another ECtHR case concerning concerning case ECtHR in another We intervened later RE curricula ensure must states that reiterated ruling The in a practice challenged students and parents of A group

of clerical child sexual abuse, particularly in several highly highly in several particularly abuse, sexual child clerical of victims and perpetrators to both relating failures highlighted year. this We rapporteurs special and Child the of Rights the on Committee UN to the submissions We numerous made Nations At the United genital cutting encompass extend equally to boys. equally extend encompass cutting genital forced from protections to ensure Child the of Rights the on UK. in the discrimination caste and in Italy Church Catholic in the abuse sexual child clerical to tackle action tougher urging Council, HumanUN Rights the addressed in particular. work for their Myslek Aleksandra member council session. virtual first committee’s to the orally evidence to give to an invitation led work Our obligations. human rights to its toPoland’s conform own autonomy indeed and of justice, administration effective the undermined had Vatican the with way Poland’sto the concordat countries. Catholic And we have called on the UNHRC and the UN Committee Committee UN UNHRC the and the on we have called And Macintosh Josephine vice-president Our and Wood Porteous Keith We’re topresident our grateful we drew CRC attention to the in a submission For example (pictured) also also www.secularism.org.uk 13 @NatSecSoc /NationalSecularSociety

22 podcast produced. podcast New episodes of our

Our work continued to gain substantial coverage

63 the national press. Times in appeared we

the press. 198 Times in appeared we

2020 NUMBERS: IN

The NSS The the media in Communications National Secular Society 14 Annual Report 2020 Who we are we Who Staff Council Chief executive officer executive Chief Stephen Evans Yasmin Rehman Judy Audaer President Keith Wood Porteous

Vice-president Josephine Macintosh Robert Forder Robert Head of education of Head Lichten Alastair Afonso Reis eSousa Reis Afonso

Vice-president Richard Scorer Head of policy and research and policy of Head Megan Manson Peter Revell Aleksandra Myslek Aleksandra

Head ofHead operations Helen Nicholls Treasurer Ed Moore Terry Sanderson Rahman Sadikur

Head ofHead communications Chris Sloggett Dorothy Smith

www.secularism.org.uk 15 @NatSecSoc /NationalSecularSociety . for more information. more for secularism.org.uk/groups We would also like to thank the to would also all We members like who took part questions Ifyou any have on membership, donations or leaving a legacy, please leavinglegacy, a contact [email protected] Leicester Indian the demonstration Secular Society against a part in took Citizenship AmendmentJanuary Act in Members thank to our members would like We their for support a in very We verydifficult much appreciate year. generositythe of memberswho made have donations the to NSS and who have rememberedus their in wills. the in virtual extraordinary general meeting and who submittedproxy votes. Their participation us allowed hold to general annual thismeeting year’s hope We online. that 2021 provide will us with more opportunities meet to members in person. Affiliated groups thank to our affiliated would like We groups for support.their Affiliatedgroups are independent of the NSS.Any group that supportsthe NSS can apply group for membership. Please see for more information. more for

secularism.org.uk/work-with-us supportwith our education focused consultation responses andresearch reports. interested Ifyou are volunteering,in please see Tom Hart and Robert Tom Aimes additional for legal assistance. KeithSharpe, of the chair Secular Education Forum and its memberswho provided have significant feedback and on Thelawyers of the Secular Legal Forum, chaired Sadikurby theirfor Rahman, extensive work. Particular thanks to go HarrySmall his for invaluable input into submissions the to EuropeanCourt Rights. of Human AntonyLempert, of the chair Secular Medical Forum, and the professionalsthat assisted have during the him year. BradleyDavis of WhiteLight graphicfor design. EmmaPark, presenter of the NSS podcast. SteveBond editing for the NSS podcast. Barryand Stewart Thorpe, copy-editing.for Jo Teage Ware assistancefor AndrewTucker with the office move. Mann, Euan McCutcheon,Euan Mann, Andrej Stephen Ninkovic, Pollard, RanjithRamanathan, Susannah Rosenberg, Neil Smith, Craig Swaddle,Thompson, Ralph Barry Thorpe, Wait, Adele Julia Peter Witchell and Bettina Walker, Zietman research. for administration. JessicaBeaumont, Jerry Beere, David Bruna Ortiz, John Chadwick,Shaun Fiona Joynson, Fall, Jessica Lewis, Jane DavidWildman video for editing. Susannah Fiona Fall, Rosenberg,and Peter Witchell creating for subtitles videos.for ClaudineBaxter assistancefor with membership Thanks to: BobBaxter, Claudine Baxter, Paul Orton Fiona Fall, and SusannahRosenberg assistancefor AGM. at the 2019 Thanks National Secular Society 16 Annual Report 2020 Barbara Smoker 1923–2020 consistently forthright campaigner on issues such as as such issues on campaigner forthright consistently illness. a long after 96 age of the at year this died Smoker, Barbara presidents, serving our longest of One as president, 1995–96 president, as report annual final her in Smoker Barbara EPITAPH.” MY AS DO WILL THAT SOCIETY’! SECULAR NATIONAL THE OF MARTINET MILITANT ‘THE AS ME DESCRIBED ONCE ECHO NORTHERN THE ranks. in its count to fortunate been has NSS the individuals and brave determined and nuclear penalty death disarmament. the dying, assisted including issues and legal social andexpression reproductive rights. of freedom on restrictions and religious schools faith Barbara was our president from 1972 from and a our president 1996 to was Barbara You can read a full obituary on our website. on You a full obituary read can gifted, most the of one as stands Barbara significant other of a variety on campaigned also She

WHY SUPPORT THE NSS?

I HAVE BEEN A SUPPORTER FOR A LONG TIME. I WENT TO A WE’RE STRUGGLING WITH THE HORRIBLY UNFAIR RELIGIOUS RELIGIOUS SCHOOL AND HAVE FELT STRONGLY EVER SINCE SCHOOLS’ ADMISSIONS IN LIVERPOOL. IT IS THAT RELIGION HAS NO PART TO PLAY IN EDUCATION, DISCRIMINATORY AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE VERY LIMITED MEDICINE, OR ANY ASPECT OF THE STATE.” CHOICE OF SCHOOLS BECAUSE OF IT.” Philippa, London Rachael, Liverpool

I CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE OF SECULARISM AND ORGANISED RELIGION HAS TOO MUCH OF A HOLD ON OUR BELIEVE IT TO BE VITALLY IMPORTANT IN CREATING AND SOCIETY AND THIS NEEDS TO BE CHALLENGED. IN MAINTAINING A FAIR AND PEACEFUL SOCIETY.” PARTICULAR, FAITH-BASED SCHOOLS ARE DIVISIVE AND NEED Michael, TO BE REPLACED BY SCHOOLS FIT FOR THE MODERN WORLD.” Clive, Greater Manchester

RELIGIOUS BELIEF IS A PERSONAL MATTER.” Ray, Northumberland YOU ADDRESS ISSUES OF BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS, OF EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY THAT MATTER VERY MUCH TO ME AND YOU SPEAK ABOUT THEM CLEARLY AND DETERMINEDLY.” WE HATED DEALING WITH OUR KIDS’ SCHOOL APPLICATIONS Mary, Sheffield AND THE FACT THAT RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ATHEIST FAMILIES.” Marie, Oxfordshire I AM A HUMANIST AND STRONGLY BELIEVE IN COMPLETE SEPARATION OF RELIGION AND STATE AND EQUAL TREATMENT FOR ALL, REGARDLESS OF THEIR CASTE, COLOUR AND CREED.” I AM A CHURCH-ATTENDING CHRISTIAN BUT FIND NO Khadija, Berkshire CONTRADICTION IN SUPPORTING NSS. ITS VIEWS ON FAITH SCHOOLS, UNELECTED CLERGY AS PART OF OUR LEGISLATURE, ITS CAMPAIGNING AGAINST CHURCHES COVERING UP SEXUAL I AM A MUSLIM BUT ALSO VERY CLEAR ABOUT THE NEED FOR ABUSE BY CLERGY ETC. ARE ALL SUBJECTS WITH WHICH I COMPLETE SEPARATION BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE.” HOLD THE SAME STRONG VIEWS.” Mohammed, Manchester Peter, Berkshire Design by WhiteLight / www.wlight.com

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