Its good to see that we are seriously recognised..
It's about time the Council had it's own entry in Wikipedia - anyone can do it - I'm happy to post it if someone writes it.
Will this do? I have included links to our COEM forum at the bottom, I hope thats ok.
Council of ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB)Council of ex-Muslims of Britain was launched on Thursday 21 June 2007.
The Council of ex-Muslims of Britain is part of Central Council of Ex-Muslims in Germany headed by Mina Ahadi and sponsored partly by the British Humanist Association.
Hanne Stinson, BHA executive director, speaking at the launch, said
"We know that we are very likely to be criticised for supporting the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain that we may well be accused of Islamophobia but as far as I am concerned this is not any kind of phobia, it's about human rights: the rights we all have; rights that we should all be defending.
We all have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and this includes freedom to change our religion or belief. If any religious group claims they have the right to stop people leaving their religion, or threatens people who renounce their religion, shouldn't we all be defending this basic human right?
As a humanist, the last thing I want to do is cause gratuitous offence. But I believe that if we do not speak out in support of other people's human rights, we all risk losing our rights. And if some people are offended by what I am saying, so be it.
The atheists, agnostics and ex-Muslims who are coming together in this new Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain are courageous people. I salute them. And I am proud to count myself, and the British Humanist Association, amongst their supporters"
Below is their manifesto:
Manifesto of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain We, non-believers, atheists, and ex-Muslims, are establishing or joining the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain to insist that no one be pigeonholed as Muslims with culturally relative rights nor deemed to be represented by regressive Islamic organisations and 'Muslim community leaders'.
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.
Whilst religion or the lack thereof is a private affair, the increasing intervention of and devastation caused by religion and particularly Islam in contemporary society has necessitated our public renunciation and declaration. We represent a majority in Europe and a vast secular and humanist protest movement in countries like Iran.
Taking the lead from the Central Council of Ex-Muslims in Germany, we demand:
Universal rights and equal citizenship for all. We are opposed to cultural relativism and the tolerance of inhuman beliefs, discrimination and abuse in the name of respecting religion or culture.
Freedom to criticise religion. Prohibition of restrictions on unconditional freedom of criticism and expression using so-called religious 'sanctities'.
Freedom of religion and atheism.
Separation of religion from the state and legal and educational system.
Prohibition of religious customs, rules, ceremonies or activities that are incompatible with or infringe people's rights and freedoms.
Abolition of all restrictive and repressive cultural and religious customs which hinder and contradict woman's independence, free will and equality. Prohibition of segregation of sexes.
Prohibition of interference by any authority, family members or relatives, or official authorities in the private lives of women and men and their personal, emotional and sexual relationships and sexuality.
Protection of children from manipulation and abuse by religion and religious institutions.
Prohibition of any kind of financial, material or moral support by the state or state institutions to religion and religious activities and institutions.
Prohibition of all forms of religious intimidation and threats
See
http://ex-muslim.org.uk/or to visit their discussion forum go to:
http://www.councilofexmuslims.com/index.php
Topic: Saudi ~ Wahhabi ~ Sufi = My Story.