Looking to explore the currents of thought behind secularism? Here are nine books to begin with.
Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/11/ep-61
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tag Archives: Blasphemy
Ep 55: Pastafarianism and the meaning of ‘religion’
A spoof religion devised to mock creationism has attracted a global following. But what does ‘religion’ mean anyway?
With Derk Venema (03:20), Tanya Watkins (28:35), and Tony Meacham (43:17).
Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/08/ep-55
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ep 51: Laïcité and free speech in France
Satire is “the oxygen of a democracy,” according to Caroline Fourest, writer, filmmaker, anti-extremist and former Charlie Hebdo journalist. She speaks to Emma Park in the latest episode of the NSS podcast.
Full shownotes and subscriber information: www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/06/ep-51
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ep 49: The early history of secularism
The term ‘secularism’ was coined in 1851. But Britain’s tradition of freethinkers, atheists and radicals goes back much further than that.
Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/05/ep-49
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ep 47: Blasphemy in the classroom: The Batley Grammar case
This episode is about Batley Grammar School’s decision to suspend and investigate a teacher for using a cartoon of the prophet Muhammad in an RE lesson on blasphemy.
Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/04/ep47
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ep 45: The Scottish Hate Crime Bill
This episode is about the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill, which was finally passed by the Scottish Parliament on 11th March, after much controversy. With Liam Kerr MSP and Jamie Gillies of Free to Disagree.
Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/03/ep-45
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ep 38: Disestablishing the Church of England
In this episode, Emma Park was joined by the National Secular Society’s Stephen Evans, to discuss the 2020 Bradlaugh Lecture and the case for disestablishing the Church of England.
Full show notes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2020/11/ep38
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ep 29: Scotland’s new blasphemy law?
Where do you draw the line between safeguarding people’s protected characteristics, and guarding their right to freedom of speech? The new Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill, introduced in April purports to protect groups defined by reference to protected characteristics, including ‘religion’ or ‘perceived religious affiliation’. But some have argued that the proposed legislation will chill free speech about religion.
In this episode, Emma Park is joined by Neil Barber, communications officer at the Edinburgh Secular Society, along with the NSS’s Stephen Evans, to give a detailed analysis of the language of the bill relating to offences of ‘stirring up hatred’. They argue the Bill is likely to make it all too easy to shut down valid debate about religion.
While the bill will abolish the common law offence of blasphemy against Christianity in Scotland, there are good reasons for thinking that the new statutory offences will simply be a multi-faith version of the former.
Follow Emma on Twitter: @DrEmmaPark
Browse all NSS podcasts: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSlpdKk8m_g&feature=youtu.be
Transcripts: https://www.secularism.org.uk/transcripts
Notes
Help us protect free speech in Scotland: https://www.secularism.org.uk/free-expression/scottish-hate-crime-bill.html
Scotland’s new hate speech law will be too censorious: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2020/05/scotlands-new-hate-speech-law-will-be-too-censorious
Does Scotland’s justice minister realise the reach of his own hate crime bill? https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2020/06/does-scotlands-justice-minister-realise-the-reach-of-his-own-hate-crime-bill
Minister to correct record on hate crime bill after NSS intervention: https://www.secularism.org.uk/news/2020/06/minister-to-correct-record-on-hate-crime-bill-after-nss-intervention
Make a stand for freedom, fairness and human rights by adding your voice to the call for a secular democracy. Join the National Secular Society today https://www.secularism.org.uk/join
Support the podcast, share with a friend and leave positive review everywhere you can.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Bonus Ep 2: Leo Igwe #FreeMubarakBala
This podcast gives an emergency update on the plight of Mubarak Bala, President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria (HAN). Bala was arrested in Kaduna, northern Nigeria, by the police on the 28th April, effectively for blasphemy against Islam. Although he has not yet been formally charged, he remains in custody, probably in Kano state, which is under Sharia law. He appears to be without access to a lawyer or contact with friends or family. Leo Igwe, founder of the HAN, speaks to Emma Park about what has happened to Bala, why his situation is so dangerous, and what the international community can do to support him. As this emergency podcast has been done at short notice, we apologise for any dip in quality.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEttRS-h2Vo&feature=youtu.be
Transcripts: https://www.secularism.org.uk/transcripts
Notes
Fears for safety of Nigerian Humanist leader after blasphemy arrest – 29th April 2020
How you can support Mubarak Bala
https://humanists.international/2020/04/action-alert-what-you-can-do-to-save-mubarak/
Mubarak Bala: Speak Out Against Religious Tyranny In Kano By Leo Igwe – Sahara Reporters, 5th May 2020
http://saharareporters.com/2020/05/05/mubarak-bala-speak-out-against-religious-tyranny-kano-leo-igwe
Make a stand for freedom, fairness, and human rights by adding your voice to the call for a secular democracy. Join the National Secular Society today https://www.secularism.org.uk/join
Support the podcast, share with a friend, and leave a positive review everywhere you can.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download