National Secular Society - Your daily media briefing

Secularism in the media

Abusive church leaders are 'above the law', victims claim, as MPs prepare legal challenge

Church leaders and sports coaches must be subject to the same laws as teachers to protect those who have been abused, victims have said. MPs are preparing a review which could lead to religious figures being considered 'positions of trust'.

The Telegraph (£)

Worship not appropriate in state school assemblies, say parents

Religious worship is the least appropriate activity for school assemblies in a ranking of 13 possible topics or activities, according to a poll commissioned by Humanists UK.

Education Business

Reverend calls to remove compulsory worship from UK schools

A reverend is urging the government to change the law that obligates schools to provide an act of daily Christian worship to its pupils.

Premier Christian Radio

Boris Johnson says Muslims make ‘huge contribution to British life’ as millions celebrate Eid

The prime minister has praised Muslims for "making Britain a success" in a message marking one of Islam's holiest festivals.

The Independent

Norway mosque shooting probed as terror act

A shooting at a mosque in Norway is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, police say.

BBC

One hundred and five new cases of FGM in the north east, reveal shock figures

More than two new victims of female genital mutilation are being identified each week in the north east.

Chronicle Live

Neo-Nazis at the National Trust: How far-right religious groups are trying to 'take back' ancient sites

A far-right group which promises its followers reward in the afterlife if they die in the "struggle for the freedom" has vowed to "take back" ancient locations across England.

The Telegraph

Reported anti-gay hate crimes double in Birmingham amid school protests

Reports of homophobic hate crimes have more than doubled around Birmingham, as the city continues to face protests over LGBT+ education.

Pink News

Church of England school rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted

A primary school in Dorset has been branded 'Inadequate' following an Ofsted inspection.

Dorset Echo

Over 2,000 Orange walks in Scotland over the last three years

There have been at least 2,079 Orange marches in Scotland in the last three years, with a decline year on year since 2017, research has revealed.

Scottish Catholic Observer

Eid in Kashmir muted as India bans large congregations

Large congregations have been banned for the major Islamic festival of Eid in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The Guardian

Liberal groups charge Orthodox ‘indoctrination’ in Israel’s secular schools

Israeli liberals have said the country's education ministry has changed guidelines to favour Orthodox religious outreach over pluralistic Jewish studies and is hiding the activities from parents.

The Times of Israel

secularism.org.uk

Challenging Religious Privilege

Your daily media briefing - Monday 12 August