Dear Friend
TEDX PUBLISHES MARYAM NAMAZIE’S CENSORED TALK
Maryam Namazie’s TEDx Warwick talk on ‘Creativity in Protesting Religious Fundamentalism’ has finally been published more than a year later as a result of public pressure – but without any slides. Namazie had initially been informed that her talk would not be published.
An advisory on the video states: ‘Some viewers may find elements of this talk to be distressing or objectionable.’ CEMB finds the de facto blasphemy censorship and the erasure and dehumanisation of ex-Muslim stories distressing and dehumanising.
You can see the TedX video here.
Censored slides can be seen here.
ACT NOW – REINSTATE BATLEY SCHOOL TEACHER
The Islamist rent-a-mob’s latest convergence has been on Batley Grammar School feigning insult when the real insult is mob rule at school gates. The point of a cartoon is satire. When you must apologise for satire in a lesson on blasphemy to those who threaten loudest, and suspend a teacher doing his job, things are upside down.
Only fascists gather at school gates to intimidate schools and educators. The more you capitulate to the demands of the religious-Right, the more they want. Give them an arm, they will take your whole head.
Join students at the school to call for the reinstatement of the suspended RS teacher; sign the Petition here.
DON’T GIVE A DAMN FOR #RAMADAMN
CEMB has initiated a social media campaign, Don’t give a Damn for #Ramadamn, to defend those facing persecution for defying fasting rules.
Here is some background information on why fast-defying is a challenge to the Islamists.
NOT-TO-BE-MISSED
Islamic Homophobia is Empowered by Leftist Silence by Jimmy Bangash, Queer Majority, 18 March 2021
Maryam Namazie’s Review of Prey: Immigration, Islam and the Erosion of Women’s Rights by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Evening Standard, 27 February 2021
Embracing Blasphemy by Ali Malik, 16 February 2021
Defending French Secularism: Maryam Namazie, Byline TV, 16 February 2021
Women Leaving Islam: Stories of Courage and Change, Thinking Atheist, 9 February 2021
WOMEN LEAVING ISLAM
If you haven’t seen CEMB’s inspiring and moving documentary, #WomenLeavingIslam, see it here. A review by the National Secular Society says: “The women interviewed on Women Leaving Islam were willing to risk their safety to speak up about their experiences. Politicians, journalists and human rights campaigners should be brave enough to lend their support.”
CEMB MONTHLY MEET UPS
Ali Malik continues to host our monthly meet-ups. You can see previous sessions here, including with Khadija Khan on religious misogyny, Ana Gonzalez on Asylum and Apostasy and Halima Salat on Raising Children without Religion.
SUPPORT GROUPS
CEMB now has two monthly support groups led by Counselling Psychologist Dr Savin Bapir-Tary. To register for them, contact hello@council-of-ex-muslims-of-britain-e5a565.ingress-baronn.ewp.live.
DONATIONS
Thanks to those of you who have supported CEMB during this difficult pandemic year. We know how hard it has been and CEMB is struggling like many other rights groups. Please do support us if you can. Every £1 helps. A special thanks to our monthly donors. We so appreciate the regular support. You can donate here.
Thanks again and please keep safe.
Warm wishes
Maryam Namazie
Spokesperson
CEMB