There is a strange assumption in much of the press that ‘community leaders’, especially those ‘representing’ many minority groups must in some way be religious. As if these terms are directly interchangeable, and as if all views within a community are uniform. None more so than the Muslim council of Great Britain, which seems to have a special place in the “in our studio to discuss this…” slot of so many debates.
Good news then is that the Council of Ex-Muslims of Great Britain, launched last month (Guardian coverage here), is seeking to give a public voice to the growing numbers of ex-Muslims, and to help those who may otherwise feel trapped (Muslim apostates face death in many countries, and even here may find themselves cut off from their family and friends). Surely in this country everybody has a right to live their life freely, with respect, and as they chose, regardless of their beliefs or preferences?
The councils spokesperson, Maryam Namazie, is a prominent activist on many issues, and has her own weblog, which is well worth checking out.
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