Oslo will be the host city for an international event that shines a spotlight on freedom, secularism and challenges to the religious-Right whilst paying tribute to Shabana Rehman.

Soon, over fifty rights activists from countries such as Iran, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia will gather in Oslo during 31 August-1 September 2024 for Celebrating Dissent, the world’s largest gathering of ex-Muslims. Oslo’s hosting this year reflects the city’s commitment to universal human rights.

This year’s event is dedicated to honouring the late comedian and activist Shabana Rehman, a pioneer for freedom of expression in Norway. Rehman was known for her bold use of humour to challenge religious and cultural taboos.

Morten Guldberg who leads the secular think tank Dømmekraft which is co-organising the Conference with the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) says:

‘Shabana has inspired many and her influence will be central throughout the conference with sessions that reflect her work, legacy and importance. We look forward to gathering and celebrating brave voices from all corners of the world who risk everything to defend the right to oppose authoritarian regimes and religious oppression.’

Maryam Namazie, CEMB Spokesperson and the initiator of the Celebrating Dissent conferences since 2008, says:

‘In a world where the far-Right – be it Islamist, white nationalist, Hindutva, Jewish-Right… – normalise their politics of hate, unbridled violence and dehumanisation, creative dissent becomes an important vehicle for resistance, survival and humanisation.  Women’s dissent and blasphemy are especially crucial for breaking taboos, challenging racism, dogma and fundamentalisms, whilst appealing to our common humanity. Creative dissent responds to hate, violence and fear with humour and non-violence and reimagines a world where nothing is sacred but the human being.’

Celebrating Dissent Oslo will serve as a vibrant platform for dialogue, featuring discussions on critical issues such as racism, free expression and identity politics, and the role of laïcité (secularism) in protecting individual freedoms. The event will also explore the personal journeys of those who have renounced Islam, highlighting their experiences of terror, trauma, and transformation. Additionally, it will spotlight the pivotal role of science and rationality in challenging religious dogma, as well as the courageous women who continue to defy religious taboos and touch the sacred. There will be an array of artistic expressions including poetry, film, protest art, comedy, and music.

Celebrating Dissent has previously been held in London, Amsterdam, Cologne and Paris. This year’s event in Oslo is sponsored by several leading organisations committed to secularism and human rights, including the Center for Inquiry, Civita, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Fritt Ord, Human-Etisk Forbund, Human-Etisk Forbund Akershus, Human-Etisk Forbund Oslo, and the National Secular Society.

Some of the speakers:

• Shakeel Rehman, head of the Center for Secular Integration and Shabana Rehman’s brother

• FarAvaz – Singer and Founder of Right to Sing
• Haram Doodles – Creator of Sinful Comics
• Ibtissame Betty Lachgar – Founder of the Alternative Movement for Individual Liberties in Morocco
• Inna Shevchenko, Ukrainian activist and leader of the protest group FEMEN
• Lawrence Krauss – Theoretical Physicist, Bestselling Author, and President of The Origins Project Foundation
• Nazmiye Oral – Actress, Playwright, and Co-Founder of the Zina Foundation

For additional information the schedule of events, visit the conference’s website.

Listen to an interview with Maryam Namazie on the conference with Eirik Løkke on Liberal Halftime.

Contact Organisers:

Morten Guldberg

Tel: 975 21 635

E-mail: morten@doemmekraft.no

Maryam Namazie

Email: maryamnamazie@gmail.com