Manifest van de ex-moslims

Manifesto of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain

We, non-believers, atheists, and ex-Muslims, are establishing or joining the
Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain to 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 and
humanist protest movement in countries like Iran.

Taking the lead from the Central Council of Ex-Muslims in Germany, we
demand:

1. 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.
2. Freedom to criticise religion. Prohibition of restrictions on
unconditional freedom of criticism and expression using so-called religious
'sanctities'.
3. Freedom of religion and atheism.
4. Separation of religion from the state and legal and educational system.
5. Prohibition of religious customs, rules, ceremonies or activities that
are incompatible with or infringe people's rights and freedoms.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Protection of children from manipulation and abuse by religion and
religious institutions.
9. Prohibition of any kind of financial, material or moral support by the
state or state institutions to religion and religious activities and
institutions.
10. Prohibition of all forms of religious intimidation and threats.

Maryam Namazie
BM Box 1919
London WC1N 3XX, UK
www.maryamnamazie.com
www.maryamnamazie.blogspot.com