#BODYRIOT for #WomanLifeFreedom
On #HIJABDAY #1Feb
#NOHIJABDAY #IRAN

CEMB, FEMEN & One Law For All are calling for a global day of action to bare breasts and bras as a challenge to Hijab Day and for Woman, Life, Freedom.

Please note that women who would prefer can keep their bras on and/or hide their faces.

Message Jenny Wenhammar or Maryam Namazie to join action.

#بدن_می_آشوبد برای #زن_زندگی_آزادی
در #روز_حجاب
#نه_به_روز_حجاب #ایران

سازمانهای فمن، اکس_مسلم و قانون برابر برای همه فراخوان یک روز جهانی برای سینه‌ها و سوتین‌های برهنه به عنوان چالشی علیه روز حجاب و برای زن، زندگی، آزادی داده اند.

لطفاً توجه داشته باشید که زنانی که ترجیح می دهند می توانند سوتین خود را نگه دارند و/یا صورت خود را پنهان کنند.

برای پیوستن به این اعتراض به جنی ونهمار یا مریم نمازی پیام دهید.

Jenny A Wenhammar
Maryam Namazie
Victoria Gugenheim
Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB)
FEMEN
One Law for All

WORKSHOP: BRINGING THE REVOLUTION HOME: #Iran & #Rojava, 2:30-4:00pm
Interactive workshop led by Rahila Gupta & Maryam Namazie
Woman’s Place Conference

Maryam & Rahila will talk about the revolutions in Iran & Rojava where women are driving the change. The workshop will be full of practical & unexpected ideas on how you can provide solidarity & bridge the political, psychological & geographical distance between you and them.

This is part of a one day feminist conference at The Institute of Education, UCL. Workshops, keynotes, panels, feminist market place, networking & an evening of entertainment.

DAY OF ACTION TO #FREESOHEIL

4 February 2023, Global

In London: 5:30-6:30pm, Russell Square

40 atheist, ex-Muslim and secularist organisations that have taken on Soheil Arabi’s political sponsorship are calling for a day of action on International Day of Human Fraternity.

Join us in highlighting his case and bringing pressure to secure his release. The action is organised by the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain and One Law for All.

The Chosen Haram is a unique take on circus, performed on two Chinese Poles, it’s emotionally candid, heart-warming with moments of humour, and set to a banging soundtrack.

It is the story of two gay men, their chance of meeting through a dating app, the highs and lows of their relationship, and the barriers – social, cultural, and personal – they must overcome.

Join the post-show panel discussion featuring creator and performer Sadiq Ali and our Co-spokesperson Jimmy Bangash.

For more information on all UK locations, Dates, and Booking information:

https://www.turtlekeyarts.org.uk/thechosenharam

6 March 2023, York University, 1-3pm

The Woman Life Freedom Collective York are hosting this event at York Law School to mark International Women’s Day. Maryam Namazie, a prominent Iranian-born writer and campaigner will be speaking and sharing her thoughts on the current Iranian revolution. The discussion will focus on two important issues: How and why the movement is feminist and the particular role of women; And how, in York and in the UK broadly, we can show our solidarity and support the movement.

The event will take place in room LMB/002A at York Law School, University of York, YO10 5GD (Campus East).

Please contact atoosa.khatiri@york.ac.uk for any queries.

27 March, 7:00-8:00pm, Central London

Join us for our monthly meet-up on Apostasy and Asylum with Ana Gonzalez. Meet-ups are run by Ali Malik.

Ana Gonzalez is a solicitor and partner at Wilson Solicitors. She practises in immigration and asylum work, and has interests in human rights and European Law. Ana is an internationally recognised expert in gender and sexuality-based asylum claims as well as having extensive expertise in representing individuals from vulnerable, marginalised client groups such as victims of human trafficking, apostates and transgender individuals. Ana is frequently instructed by Local Authorities all over the Greater London area to act for children and adults in their care.

Ana is praised in Chambers and Partners for her “constant attention to cases, leading client care and real knowledge of the law.” She “continues to stand out for significant work on human trafficking cases, often raising new country guidance points” (2012). “She is a stand-out practitioner in the field of refugee law, with particular expertise in trafficking cases” (2014). She “is very experienced, passionate and has very good judgement” (2016). Ana has been described “the epitome of a fighter who cares very deeply about her clients,” in the 2019 edition.

She practises in all aspects of immigration and asylum work, and has a specialist interest in European law. Ana has extensive experience of litigating in the higher courts, having had numerous cases over the years in the Administrative Court/Upper Tribunal and Court of Appeal. She has also conducted cases in the Supreme Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg.

Talks will be followed by Q&A.

30 March, 4-6pm Online

This public meeting will address the question of Why Free Speech? Debates about freedom of speech are not new; however, across the world, we are witnessing disturbing moves to curtail free speech in liberal democracies and totalitarian states alike and among left wing as well as right wing movements. As recent events show, free speech is the first casualty of all forms of authoritarianism, including religious fundamentalism. This is why the debate on freedom of speech has become increasingly urgent and we invite you to join the conversation. Get your free tickets here.

Featured Speakers:

Stephen Cowden (teaches Social Work at the University of Gloucestershire; Editorial Collective member of Feminist Dissent)

Maryam Namazie (British-Iranian secularist, human rights activist, commentator and broadcaster; author of Sharia Law in Britain)

Pragna Patel (founding member of Southall Black Sisters and its former Director, co-founder of Women Against Fundamentalism and Editorial Collective member of Feminist Dissent)

Salil Tripathi (writer and policy adviser based in New York, Chair of Pen International’s Writers in Prison Committee)

Chaired by: Georgie Wemyss (Co-Director of the Centre for Research on Migration, Refugees, and Belonging, University of East London, Editorial Collective Member of Feminist Dissent)

About Us:

Feminist Dissent is an online journal based at the University of Warwick. It brings together innovative and critical insights to enhance our understanding of the relationship between gender, fundamentalism and related socio-political issues. It aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by creating space to interrogate the multi-faceted links between historical and resurgent religious fundamentalism and gender. It further aims to open up new ways of thinking about secularism, religious freedom, civil liberties and human rights, nationalism and identity politics, anti-racism and multiculturalism, neoliberalism, and feminist resistance.

About Feminist Dissent

Cover Art: Houria Niati

Monthly Meetup in London

Bio:

As a Counselling Psychologist, I use a variety of psychotherapeutic methods that are supported by clinical research. My work focuses on helping people who are experiencing a variety of psychological issues such as anxiety, worry, depression, betrayal trauma or have been subjected to harmful practices such as ‘Honour’ Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation. I work with clients wanting to begin a journey of healing, rebuild self-esteem, build a self that is independent of their past or space for reflection. I work collaboratively with my clients gaining an insight into their coping responses towards a variety of concerns.

Monthly Meetups are held on the third Monday of every month, 7.30-8.30pm UK time in central London. Meetups are run by Ali Malik.

We are pleased to announce that a staple of LGBT And freedom activism Peter Tatchell will be speaking at our monthly meet-up on Monday the 19th of June at 7 PM in central London. You can read more about Peter Tatchell below

Biography

Monthly Meetup in London

Monthly Meetups are held on the third Monday of every month, 7.30-8.30pm UK time in central London. Meetups are run by Ali Malik.

1 July 2023, Pride in London

CEMB will once again be marching in pride this year and our theme for this year will be Liberation Is A Riot!!

Speaker’s Bio: https://www.joholeassociates.com/actors/freny-nina-pavri/

Women Life Freedom

Yoga and dance

Introduction to principles of yogic movement and its application to dance as a way to release stress, trauma, anxiety, connecting with a calmer and more peaceful self.

Dancing in public is an act of protest, no matter where in the world we are. When we dance on the streets, we are dancing for women in countries like Iran where freedom is banned and torture is paramount.

This work therefore symbolises and dedicates itself to the freedom of the body, mind, spirit and movement.

Dance is sacred.

Monthly Meetup in London

Monthly Meetups are held on the third Monday of every month, 7.30-8.30pm UK time in central London. Meetups are run by Ali Malik.

Monthly Meetup in London

Monthly Meetups are held on the third Monday of every month, 7-8pm UK time in central London. Meetups are run by Ali Malik. This one is held earlier in run up to aspostasy day on 14th. 

You are invited to join the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) on International Apostasy Day to defend freedom of expression and the right to apostasy and blasphemy by subverting religious texts.

Whilst we might not agree with burning Qurans and books (usually associated with a long history of state and religious censorship against dissent), we nonetheless recognise the right of individuals to express their abhorrence to bad ideas and the persecution and murder of freethinkers and apostates.

On Apostasy Day, join us in celebrating blasphemy and apostasy as rights by subverting and doodling on the Quran, Bible, Torah, the Vedas or any other religious texts to proclaim:

Ideas are not sacred, human beings are.

It is important to reiterate that burning, murdering, torturing, persecuting human beings are violence and hate, not burning the Quran or religious texts.

Tag CEMB with your videos or photos subverting religious texts and publish them online using the hashtags: #ApostasyDay #ApostasyDayDoodles.

See an example of doodling on the Quran by Maryam Namazie for some ideas on what you can do.

CEMB’s next meet up will be a doodling session in preparation for Apostasy Day.

You are invited to join the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) on International Apostasy Day to defend freedom of expression and the right to apostasy and blasphemy by subverting religious texts.

Whilst we might not agree with burning Qurans and books (usually associated with a long history of state and religious censorship against dissent), we nonetheless recognise the right of individuals to express their abhorrence to bad ideas and the persecution and murder of freethinkers and apostates.

On Apostasy Day, join us in celebrating blasphemy and apostasy as rights by subverting and doodling on the Quran, Bible, Torah, the Vedas or any other religious texts to proclaim:

Ideas are not sacred, human beings are.

It is important to reiterate that burning, murdering, torturing, persecuting human beings are violence and hate, not burning the Quran or religious texts.

Tag CEMB with your videos or photos subverting religious texts and publish them online using the hashtags: #ApostasyDay #ApostasyDayDoodles.

See an example of doodling on the Quran by Maryam Namazie for some ideas on what you can do.

CEMB’s next meet up will be a doodling session in preparation for Apostasy Day.

Monthly Meetups are held on the third Tuesday of every month, 7.30-9.00pm UK time in central London. Meetups are run by Ali Malik.

Khadija Khan is a Pakistani journalist and commentator currently based in the UK. She writes about human rights, mainly women’s rights, as well as minorities, extremism, and Islamism. She is an advocate for women’s rights, strongly believes that religion infringes on women’s rights and
Islam is no exception. She denounces the idea of Islamic feminism since finding refuge for women’s rights under organised religion is not more
than a myth. Being a humanist, she believes in tolerance and equality for all human beings. She criticizes the usage of blasphemy laws as a
tool to crack down on dissent and supports freedom of and from religion. She stresses the need for having freedom of speech to counter extremist
ideologies in her write-ups. She believes that freedom to challenge bad ideas is the most effective way to counter extremist narratives.

please RSVP with ali.malik@council-of-ex-muslims-of-britain-e5a565.ingress-baronn.ewp.live.

Monthly Meetup in London

This meet-up will be held on Friday the 17th of November instead of our usual, the 3rd Monday of the month, to fit in with the itinerary of our speaker who is visiting from India.

Monthly Meetups are held on the third Monday of every month, 7-8pm UK time in central London. Meetups are run by Ali Malik.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CELEBRATING LAICITE PARIS, 8-9 December 2023

For civil states free from the tutelage of religion, we demand Laïcite as a human right and a step towards peace in the world.

Celebrating Laïcite Paris 2023 is being organised by Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain and Laiques sans Frontieres in partnership with Comite Laïcite Republique and Egale.

The international conference marks December 9, the anniversary of the 1905 law on separation of church and state and will take place at the Paris Town Hall, courtesy of the Mayor of Paris.

The conference is a continuation of the hugely successful Celebrating Dissent conferences held in London (2017), Amsterdam (2019) and Cologne (2022), which were the largest gatherings of ex-Muslims defending freedom of conscience, thought and expression.

The aim of this conference is to make the principle of Laicite, which is the complete separation of Church and State and total disengagement of the state vis-a-vis religions, a human rights priority.

Panel discussions include: • Laicite, the basis of democracy. • The revolution underway: The Iranian Women’s Uprising Today • Without Laicite, no Feminism, no LGBTQI rights • Totalitarianism and Religion • We Exist. We are the Alternative • Atheism in Islam, the Impossible Formulation? • Laïcs of all countries unite!

Nearly 40 contributors include: Journalist Abnousse Shalmani, Freedom from Religion Foundation President Annie Laurie Gaylor, Writer Chahla Chafiq, Activist Fariborz Pooya, President of Atheist & Agnostic Alliance Pakistan Fauzia Ilyas, President of Comite Laïcite Republique Gilbert Abergel, Middle Eastern Women and Society Organisation Director Halaleh Taheri, Poet Halima Salat, Political Scientist Hamadi Redissi, MALI Founder Ibtissame Betty Lachgar, FEMEN Leader Inna Shevchenko, Historian Jean-Paul Scot, Journalist Joumana Haddad, Journalist Khadija Khan, Women’s Initiative for Citizenship and Universal Rights founding member Lalia Ducos, Writer and Journalist Laure Daussy, FiLiA CEO Lisa-Marie Taylor, Secularism is a Woman’s Issue Founder Marieme Helie Lucas, Secretary General of Egale Martine Cerf, Council of Ex-Muslims Spokesperson Maryam Namazie, National Secular Society Head of Campaigns Megan Manson, Vision Laïque Africaine Founder Mohamed Cheikh Mkhaitir, Political Scientist Mohamed Chérif Ferjani, Activist Mohamed Hisham, Podcaster Mouhamad El Jabbari, Lawyer and LGBT Mounir Baatour, Founder of Laiques sans Frontieres Nadia El Fani, Clinical Psychologist Ndeye Khaira Thiam, Vice President of the Kazimierz Lyszczynski Foundation Nina Sankari, Women’s Rights Campaigner Pragna Patel, Atheist Refugee Relief Founder Rana Ahmad, Philosopher Razika Adnani, Lawyer and Writer Richard Malka, Charlie Hebdo Cartoonist Riss, Writer Sonya Zadig, Journalist Taha Siddiqi, Body Artist Victoria Guggenheim, Faithless Hijabi Founder Zara Kay and Activist Zehra Pala.

To gain entry to the invitation-only event, you can donate £150 for a one-day ticket to the not-to-be-missed international conference, which will be conducted in English and French: https://ex-muslim.org.uk/donate/. Please email your name to exmuslimcouncil@gmail.com so we can add you to the list of guests.

Sponsors of the conference include: Charlie Hebdo, Freedom from Religion Foundation, National Secular Society and Center for Inquiry.

For more information, contact Nadia El Fani, LSF, laiquessansfrontieres@gmail.com or Maryam Namazie, CEMB, exmuslimcouncil@gmail.com.

Monthly Meetups are held on the third Tuesday of every month, 7.30-9.00pm UK time in central London. Meetups are run by Ali Malik.

Khadija Khan is a Pakistani journalist and a commentator currently based in the UK. She writes about human rights, mainly women’s rights, as well as minorities, extremism, and Islamism. She is an advocate for women’s rights, strongly believes that religion infringes women’s rights and
Islam is no exception. She denounces the idea of Islamic feminism, since finding refuge for women’s rights under organised religion is not more
than a myth. Being a humanist, she believes in tolerance and equality for all human beings. She criticizes the usage of blasphemy laws as a
tool to crack down on dissent and supports freedom of and from religion. She stresses the need for having freedom of speech to counter extremist
ideologies in her write-ups. She believes that freedom to challenge bad ideas is the most effective way to counter extremist narratives.

Since space is limited due to Covid regulations, please RSVP with ali.malik@council-of-ex-muslims-of-britain-e5a565.ingress-baronn.ewp.live.