I believe that everyone should have the freedom to determine their own worldview without fear—whether that fear stems from religious doctrines they were raised with or societal pressures from those who hold religious beliefs. Truth should be allowed to speak for itself, and individuals should not feel threatened when leaving a worldview that no longer resonates with them.

I have been personally affected by the ideas propagated by fundamentalist Abrahamic religions. An experience, which I will not detail here, profoundly changed my perspective on certain concepts found within these religious texts. This has strengthened my conviction that reasoned and respectful debate about these ideas must be protected and facilitated by all institutions. The current state of Western institutions has created an environment where many feel unable to express their views on these matters, fearing professional or social repercussions. This suppression of discourse, I believe, is a significant factor contributing to the rise of far-right figures, as people feel they have no other avenues to explore these discussions openly.

A secular liberal democracy is crucial for social cohesion, and my vision for the world is universalist, grounded in the belief that shared human values transcend divisions. Unfortunately, certain strands of identity politics have caused significant harm and continue to undermine efforts to build inclusive societies. The fight against intolerance cannot be won through the application of unconditional intolerance. Instead, we must foster a world where reason, debate and the free exploration of ideas are safeguarded, allowing individuals to arrive at conclusions they can express peacefully, without fear of violence or intimidation. It is essential to protect anyone who seeks to peacefully reject a worldview; intimidation or bullying of such individuals cannot be tolerated.
I align with thinkers such as Sam Harris, who argue that supporting those seeking to reform or leave Islam is essential for its evolution into a framework compatible with secular liberal democracy. In his recent discussion with historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, they highlighted the crisis of confidence within secular liberal democracies. I want to contribute to rebuilding that confidence, and I believe that supporting ex-Muslims and reformist Muslims is a vital aspect of this endeavour.

This is why I wish to join the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain. The organisation’s commitment to defending freedom of thought and expression resonates deeply with me, and I am eager to support its mission in fostering a world where these values are upheld for all. By advocating for reasoned debate and the right to reject oppressive ideologies, I believe can work towards a society that empowers individuals to explore and express their beliefs without fear.