Separating religion and state for a fairer society
See all campaigns. Scrap the bishops’ bench. End the archaic, unfair and undemocratic bishops’ bench in the House of Lords. End religious discrimination in school admissions. No child should face discrimination for their family’s religion or belief. We're bringing people together to build a freer, and more tolerant society.
Secularism explained | National Secular Society
Secularism explained. Equal treatment and freedom of belief for all. Secularism is a political idea concerned with the best way to govern religiously pluralist societies. The model of secularism we advocate for defends the civil liberties of all, whatever your personal beliefs. The principles of secularism which protect and underpin liberal ...
MPs vote down amendment to remove bishops in the House of …
1 day ago · Members of Parliament have rejected an effort to remove Church of England bishops from the House of Lords. Tabled by Conservative MP Gavin Williamson, the amendment to the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill would have ended the automatic granting of seats to 26 senior bishops of the Church of England.. The National Secular Society, which supported the amendment, briefed MPs ahead of the ...
House of Lords reforms must address bishops, say peers
1 day ago · Peers have said the 'bishops' bench' in the House of Lords cannot continue in its current form, with several arguing for its abolition. In a debate on House of Lords reform yesterday, there was cross party support for the notion 26 seats automatically given to Church of England bishops are unsustainable and unfair.. The National Secular Society, which campaigns for the abolition of reserved ...
About us | National Secular Society - secularism.org.uk
About us. The National Secular Society is a membership-based organisation campaigning for a freer, fairer, more tolerant society. Founded in 1866, we've been at the forefront of advocating for the separation of religion and state, safeguarding freedom of belief, and promoting a truly inclusive and fair society for all. We promote secularism as ...
Secularism in 2023: A year in review | National Secular Society
Dec 27, 2023 · The year began with Church of England bishops issuing an apology to LGBT+ people for the "rejection, exclusion and hostility" they have faced in churches and the impact this has had on their lives. Nevertheless, after a six-year process of "listening and learning" the bishops decided not to change their position on gay relationships.
Freedom of religion or belief | National Secular Society
We defend freedom of religion, and freedom from religion. Freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is a fundamental human right. It is explicitly protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Human Rights Act 1998. Protecting everyone's freedom to hold and express religious or non-religious ...
Secularists call for renewal of liberal values at NSS conference
Oct 24, 2024 · Educators, parliamentarians, and academics highlighted the need to challenge religious threats to universal freedoms at a National Secular Society conference in London on Saturday. Shedding light on the complex issues affecting liberal societies, speakers from a wide range of backgrounds emphasised the importance of secularism to liberal values.
Our story | National Secular Society
Our story. We've been at the forefront of campaigning for a freer, fairer, secular society for over 150 years. Our story began in 1866 when a large number of secularist groups from around the UK came together to strengthen their campaigns. Their leader was Charles Bradlaugh. Bradlaugh went on to be elected MP for Northampton in 1880.
Our work | National Secular Society
To create a secular society in which people of all religions or none can live together peacefully as equal citizens, by separating religion from state institutions and ensuring no religious beliefs or practices have undue influence on how you live your life. We believe this is the foundation of a free, fair and equal society. For over 150 years ...