Launch of the Council of ex-Muslims of Britain
A British branch of a new Europe-wide phenomenon is to be launched on Thursday 21 June in London. The Council of
ex-Muslims of Britain is building on the stunning success of other branches already operating in Germany, Finland,
Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The British Humanist Association and National Secular Society are sponsoring the launch and
support the new organisation.
The Council will provide a voice for those labelled Muslim but who have renounced religion and do not want to be
identified by religion.
Rights activist Maryam Namazie will be the voice of the organisation in this country. She said: "We are establishing the
alternative to the likes of the Muslim Council of Britain because we don't think people should be pigeonholed as Muslims
or deemed to be represented by regressive organisations like the MCB. Those of us who have come forward with our names
and photographs represent countless others who are unable or unwilling to do so because of the threats faced by those
considered 'apostates' – punishable by death in countries under Islamic law. By doing so, we are breaking the taboo that
comes with renouncing Islam but also taking a stand for reason, universal rights and values, and secularism. We are
quite certain we represent a majority in Europe and a vast secular and humanist protest movement in countries like
Iran."
Mina Ahadi who initiated the original Central Council of Ex-Muslims in Germany will be attending the launch. She spoke
about the aims of the organisation in an interview to Der Spiegel.
Mina Ahadi, Mahin Alipour (spokesperson of the Scandinavian organisation), Maryam Namazie and others will be available
for interviews at the launch.
ENDS