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A Positive Voice for Atheism Second Quarter: 2016 d www.AtheistAlliance.org/Activities/AAI-Foundation A Positive Voice For Global A theism Second Quarter : 2016 In this issue... Letter from the President by Christine M. Shellska 2 Letter from the Editor by Rustam Singh 6 9th World Atheist Conference Report by Rustam Singh 10 The Taboo of Atheism in Egypt by Hakim Khatib 17 Killing With Softness? Islam, 'Noble Liberals' and The 'Guilt Trap' by Wallace Runnymede 19 Give me Freedom From Religion by Stephen Mooney 24 Discordianism by Brenton Clutterbuck 26 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Letter from the President CHRISTINE M. SHELLSKA Welcome to this edition of Secular World magazine. On my mind these days is the issue of the “regressive left,” a term coined by Maajid Nawaz, a former Islamic extremist-turned-reformer who criticizes those on the political left and prioritize cultural relativism over liberal human rights values. Their strategy involves defending from “offense” groups they perceive as vulnerable, and their weapon of choice is language that paints those with whom they disagree as “racist” or “Islamophobic,” for example, in an attempt to shame and silence dissenters. While it is not surprising to find venom and vitriol in the realm of public discourse, particularly on-line; what is troublesome is that some take the issue beyond the level of discourse and attempt to stifle others' free speech by demanding censorship via institutional cooperation, and “deplatforming” those with whom they disagree. For example, in 2014, Brandeis University reversed its decision to confer upon Ayaan Hirsi Ali an honorary works tirelessly to counter terrorism. Hirsi Ali, who lives degree, along with her acceptance speech, branding her under full-time security because of a fatwa that sentences “Islamophobic.” Last fall, Maryam Namazie was almost her to death for the crime of apostasy, confronts honour banned from speaking at Warwick University out of fear violence, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation; that she might incite hatred amongst Muslim students, and the latter of which she herself is a victim. And Maryam in December, she was bullied and harassed by members of Namazie is an outspoken activist and journalist who bravely Goldsmiths University's Islamic Society during her talk. and adamantly criticizes both Sharia law and cultural relativism. Nawaz, himself deemed a “porch monkey” by a regressive for collaborating with Sam Harris to co-author Islam and the These are but three important Reformers who have earned Future of Tolerance: A Dialogue, argues that the cultural their platforms and the right to have their voices heard. relativism embraced by the regressive left leads them to see Readers of this publication will also be familiar with Raif other cultures and group identities as “less civilized,” not Badawi, who remains imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, and the capable of being held to the same standards those who five bloggers who were hacked to death in 2015 in purport to endorse liberal human rights ought to uphold. Bangladesh for daring to advance secularism. But there are This “racism of low expectations,” he argues, leads countless others who risk their lives by speaking out on regressives to excuse, if not justify, the most heinous of social media, and there are those who remain unnamed and ideas, and consequently actions, wrought upon those most dare not voice their opinions for fear of persecution and vulnerable. All too frequently, among the most vulnerable even death. The regressive left, those who would defend the are secular bloggers and human rights activists who place murders of the Charlie Hebdo political satirists by claiming their lives at risk to advance social justice. Nawaz, a former they shouldn't have offended religious sensibilities, those member of the extremist Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir, who would justify the New Year's mass rapes in Cologne, Germany, by normalizing rape as a universal practice rather Second Quarter : 2016 | | 2 | LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT than one pervasive within a radically Nevertheless, I appreciate you and am religio-patriarchal culture, undermine happy to see your organization working the freedom of speech of those who on secularism and rationality. I hope represent the very groups they wish to one day, we'll be able to talk on such protect. The regressive left must be topics in my country too – I'm hopeful stopped – not by hypocritically denying since my country is fighting the them their right to speak, but rather by extremism well and we're finally uncoupling and countering their moving towards the right direction. So harmful narrative. It is imperative that kindly, save my ass and don't show my we as global citizens invested in name if you happen to publish this advancing secularism keep in mind message…” Article 19 of the Universal Declaration I contemplated how such a simple of Human Rights, which states that gesture – sharing provocative posts on “Everyone has the right to freedom of social media that attracted the opinion and expression; this right attention of an atheist in a closed includes freedom to hold opinions society signaled solidarity to the without interference and to seek, sender, who was elated by the popular receive and impart information and response and supportive comments i d e a s t h ro u g h a ny m e d i a a n d t h e p o st i n g att ra c te d . I h ave regardless of frontiers.” occasionally heard that one's volunteer While several prominent progressives activities are best directed toward local have been critical of the regressive left rather than global issues, because for some time now, others are joining those who claim this feel their efforts in. The Rubin Report, a YouTube will have no impact. This is not true. Of channel hosted by Dave Rubin, features course it is important to remain vigilant a series of long-format interviews with about local issues, but there are guests from diverse backgrounds who countless opportunities to defend the share in common a commitment to basic human right to freedom of challenge the regressive left's opinion and expression. What may narrative, and to uphold the principle seem like a small gesture or a minor of free speech. Rubin's guest list task can make a real difference in includes Nawaz, Harris, and Hirsi Ali, someone's life. For example, you can along with other interesting and help lend a voice to atheists who live in provocative figures. dangerous or closed societies by offering your editing, translation, or I was profoundly reminded of the web skills by joining our partner importance of the principle of free organization, Movements.org. Or you speech, and how many important can register for the International voices remain silenced, when I received Coalition Against Blasphemy Laws' the following message via social media, Campaign Action List by visiting end- which I reposted with permission on blasphemy-laws.org. And of course, promise that the sender would remain you can support AAI's activities, anonymous: including our efforts to inform asylum- seekers in danger of their options and "I wish I could add you, or at least follow where possible, support their you, but the country I live in could transition. Sadly, for many, there simply persecute me with death if anyone are no options, and the best advice one finds out and reports that I'm following can offer is to remain silent and stay an atheist. Sad we still have such laws safe, if they have not already been and mindsets in 21st century, right? Second Quarter : 2016 | | 3 | LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT identified as atheists. I have been asked by some who are secular organizations. The report, available on our website, profoundly aware of their situation to make their voices contributes to the existing body of work on gender heard, and I hope you will join me in that effort. imbalance in atheist and secular communities, and provides important insights into unique aspects of gender imbalance Since the last edition of Secular World magazine was around the globe. published, Board Member Gail Miller resigned, but still remains active as a volunteer. We thank Gail for her service We hope to be present at several conferences and events to AAI – she is an inspiration, and I'm privileged for the over the spring and summer. Board member Elida Radig will friendship that she and I developed during her tenure. Gail represent AAI at the Atheist Foundation of Australia's has promised to render more of her volunteer efforts to help Annual General Meeting on March 18. Imagine No Religion 6 her local organization, the British Columbia Humanist will be held from May 20-22 in Vancouver, BC. I will be Association, assist transitioning Syrian refugees, and to participating in a panel discussion entitled, “Muslim support secular education in Guatemala. We welcome Onur apostasy and atheist engagement with the Muslim Romano, who hails from Turkey but has recently moved to community,” with Armin Navabi, founder of Atheist Canada to pursue postgraduate work. Republic. And of course, we'll be at the Reason Rally in Washington, DC, on June 4. Please connect with us and say The Atheist Census, hosted by AAI, indicates that hello! approximately 73% of participants identify as male, 26% as female, and 0.5% as other, findings that are consistent with Finally, we received a very generous anonymous donation similar data collected by other atheist and secular that will substantially help AAI in enacting our mission to organizations, opinion polls, and researchers. To address the challenge and confront religious faith, to strengthen global issue of gender imbalance, Board Officers Carlos Diaz and atheism by promoting the growth and interaction of John Hamill (Secretary) prepared AAI's Gender Balance atheist/freethought organisations around the world and to Report and an accompanying position statement including undertake international educational and advocacy projects.