Protecting Free Speech against Blasphemy Codes Stephen Evans Ceo of the NSS

Stephen will talk about the NSS Campaigns on free speech. Democracy cannot exist without the right to free speech. The National Secular Society has defended free speech from religious threats since our founding and played an instrumental role in abolishing "blasphemy" laws in Britain, but serious concerns remain. For example Blasphemy laws still exist in Northern Ireland.

Also throughout the UK, religious fundamentalists are currently seeking to impose their blasphemy taboos on others through violence and intimidation. There are also increasing attempts to categorise offending religious sensibilities as 'hate speech', making criticism, mockery or perceived 'insult' of religion a criminal act akin to racial hatred or inciting violence – in other words, a 'blasphemy law by the back door'. These attempts must be thwarted and the NSS is outspoken in its defence of the freedom to criticise religion and all beliefs.

https://www.secularism.org.uk/free-expression/