Deadline for submission: Thursday 31 January 2019.
The Commission for Countering Extremism is holding a survey to help it to understand and define extremism and its impact, and to examine the Government’s current approach to countering it. Humanists UK and Faith to Faithless are encouraging people with an interest in or experience of extremism to respond, and has prepared guiding notes to help you respond.
Humanists UK and Faith to Faithless, which have submitted a joint response to the Commission focusing on problems with the current definition of extremism, and the impact religious extremism has upon apostates.
The call for evidence asks for information on 5 themes:
- Public understanding of extremism
- The scale of extremism
- Extremists’ objectives and tactics
- Harms caused by extremism
- The current response to extremism
Faith to Faithless founder Imtiaz Sham commented, ‘This call for evidence aims to bring together a vast pool of experience and knowledge on all forms of extremism, whether religiously or politically inspired. Therefore, we strongly encourage both organisations working in this field and individuals with personal knowledge of all or any forms of extremism and its harms to submit a response. We are particularly concerned that the currently proposed definition of extremism is problematic as it conflicts with the principles of free speech by mandating respect for religious beliefs.’
Notes
For more information contact Humanists UK press manager Casey-Ann Seaniger at casey@humanists.uk or 020 7324 3078.
Read Humanists UK and Faith to Faithless’ guiding notes to help you prepare your own response: https://humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019-01-25-RTR-Guiding-Notes-for-Extremism-consultation.pdf
Read Humanists UK and Faith to Faithless’ joint response: https://humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018-11-2018-RTR-Commission-for-Countering-Extremism_-Call-for-evidence.pdf
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.
Faith to Faithless is a community services programme of Humanists UK which works to raise awareness of the issues faced by those who leave high-control religious groups or cults.