Ex-Muslims launch body
WORKERS, JULY 2007 ISSUE
LAST MONTH saw the launch and establishment of the British branch of the Council of Ex-Muslims. This follows on the launch, during the last 5 months, of similar branches in Germany, Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. These are ex-Muslims openly proclaiming a secular and human rights programme in opposition to right-wing reactionary political Islamists and their apologists.
The London launch, fronted by four women and supported by speakers from the National Secular Society and British Humanist Society, established the council as a voice of mainstream thought, reason, secularism and open-mindedness. This is in direct contradiction to the self-appointed, self-opinionated, predominantly male so-called leaders of the Muslim community.
The Council of Ex-Muslims calls for freedom to criticise religion; freedom of religion and atheism; separation of religion from the state; prohibition of religious customs, rules, ceremonies or activities which infringe others' rights and freedoms; abolition of any religious acts which restrict the independence, free will and equality of women; prohibition of segregation of sexes; protection of children from religious abuse and manipulation; prohibition of any kind of state financial, material or moral support to any religious activity or institution; prohibition of all religious intimidation and threats.
The speakers also opposed the US threats to Iran and Syria and denounced the ongoing occupation of Iraq and Palestine.