Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) was formed in 2007 to break the taboo that comes with leaving Islam, highlight the plight of ex-Muslims and challenge Sharia laws.

CEMB fights for the right to leave and criticise Islam without fear and intimidation. This is particularly important given that blasphemy, apostasy and atheism are punishable by death in a dozen countries under Islamic laws.

CEMB stands against all forms of bigotry, xenophobia, racism and extremism and unequivocally defends reason, freedom of conscience and expression, equality, universal rights and secularism.

Manifesto of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, 2007

We, non-believers, atheists, and ex-Muslims of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain 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 protest movement in countries like Iran.

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.