Freethought, open enquiry and free speech – or ‘free discourse’, as it has elegantly been called – are often concerned with the critical and dispassionate examination of controversial subjects. Arguably, there is no freethought worth the name unless these subjects can be discussed. Not to discuss them, out of fear of causing offence, is tacitly to accept the imposition of ‘blasphemy’ laws or taboos on whole areas, not just of abstract ideas, but of our lives and humanity. Granted that they should be discussed, the question is how.
In 2022, the Freethinker was concerned with developing ways of approaching difficult topics, as far as possible in a civilised, clear, intelligent and objective manner, but without fear of offending those who want to impose silence on anyone who disagrees with them. We shall continue with this approach in 2023.
Below is a selection of articles on six of last year’s themes that were most controversial, sensitive or liable to be censored: Islam, blasphemy, the trans debate, race, the pandemic, and China.
Islam
Silence of the teachers – by Nath Jnan
The ‘Women’s Revolution’ – by two activists in Iran
The radicalisation of young Muslims in the UK: an ongoing problem? – by Khadija Khan
The price of criticising Islam in northern Nigeria
Blasphemy, freedom of religion and freedom of speech
The secular religion of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster – by Mienke de Wilde and Paul Cliteur
Secularism and the struggle for free speech – by Stephen Evans
Jesus and Mo on civil rights – cartoon by Mohammed Jones
Blasphemy Month at the Freethinker
The trans debate
The falsehood at the heart of the trans movement – by Eliza Mondegreen
‘A godless neo-religion’ – interview with Helen Joyce
Race
Race: the most difficult subject of all? – interview with Inaya Folarin Iman
The pandemic and civil liberties
‘The defence of liberty is a state of mind’ – interview with Jonathan Sumption, Part I
‘The light of democratic scrutiny was switched off for two years’ – interview with Adam Wagner
When science and civil liberties clash – by Helen Dale
‘To protect us all’: the UK government’s contempt for Parliament during the Covid pandemic – by David McGrogan
China
Jackboots in Manchester – by Simon Cheng
Hong Kong exodus, 2021-22 – by James Lin Shan Hon
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