As an organization, we at EXMNA champion the causes of secularism—of freedom of expression, of women’s rights, of science and reason. Above all, we stand for a world where the right to blaspheme is unencumbered by religious dogma and authoritarianism. Within Islam—and, as a consequence, wherever Islam is practiced—there are powerful and significant strains of thought undermining these goals, threatening free and open societies everywhere.
At the same time, for those who have left Islam behind, a slew of distinct challenges present themselves, often as a result of these illiberal attitudes. Ex-Muslims routinely face rejection and isolation from friends, family, and community. The stigma attached to following one’s conscience, and the price one pays for it, hang over the head of every apostate from Islam.
In short, there is not enough awareness about the dangers of Islamic fundamentalism, and especially about the dangers of leaving Islam.
We want to change this. Through our advocacy and support efforts, we are working to raise awareness about Islam, about the realities that ex-Muslims around the world face, about apostasy and blasphemy laws—toward a world where all can be free to follow their conscience.
We believe that we need to fight on several fronts. This is why all our programs have a different approach to addressing the issues that we face. Our multi-pronged efforts of research, awareness-raising, movement-building, and advocacy come together to advance our goal of a more just world for ex-Muslims and all who leave religion.
