ExMuslims International

Day Against the Death Penalty
2025-10-10
Stand for Justice on the World Day Against the Death Penalty!
On October 10th, join people worldwide in advocating for the abolition of the death penalty. The World Day Against the Death Penalty is a global movement to promote human rights, dignity, and justice for all.
Why Participate?

Support Human Rights: Uphold the fundamental right to life and oppose inhumane punishment.
Promote Fair Justice Systems: Encourage legal practices that are just and equitable.
Raise Awareness: Educate others about the impacts and issues surrounding the death penalty.

How to Get Involved:

Attend Events: Participate in local rallies, seminars, or online discussions.
Spread the Word: Share information and stories on social media using #AbolishDeathPenalty
Support Organizations: Volunteer with or donate to groups working towards abolition.

Be a voice for change and help create a more compassionate world.
Take action on the World Day Against the Death Penalty!

Blasphemy Day 2025: Decriminalise Blasphemy! Free Betty!
2025-09-30 - 2025-10-31
Join EXMI’s #FreeBetty Campaign for Blasphemy Day on Sept. 30!
On Blasphemy Day, Betty will have endured 51 days behind bars in Morocco – simply for wearing a T-shirt deemed “blasphemous.”
We need you and your voice more than ever!
Join Ex-Muslims International for a public action on 30 September in support of renowned activist Ibtissame Betty Lachgar. Betty has been imprisoned in Morocco for two and a half years for wearing a t-shirt with the slogan a ‘Allah is Lesbian.’ Call for the decriminalisation of blasphemy and for Betty’s immediate release.
Get in on the “Prison Mugshots” campaign for Blasphemy Day:
Take mugshot photos holding a placard:
Use these templates. Use black background for realism, white background for printer-friendly or make your own.
Use a short caption for social media:

Blasphemy is not a crime and no one should be jailed for a t-shirt! #FreeBetty #BlasphemyDay2025
If Betty can be imprisoned for a t-shirt, any of us could. #FreeBetty #BlasphemyDay2025
Betty is a cancer survivor. She urgently needs medical care. #FreeBetty #BlasphemyDay2025

Find and tag Moroccan authorities on social media:

@ChefGov_ma
@Diplomatie_ma
@Justice_Gov_ma

Post it on your socials with two hashtags: #FreeBetty #BlasphemyDay2025
Why Mugshots, Not Selfies?
We’re not asking for just another solidarity selfie. Mugshots symbolise imprisonment — they show the reality that Betty is behind bars for a T-shirt. By taking a mugshot, you place yourself symbolically in her position, stripped of freedom and dignity for “blasphemy.”
📸 How to Take Your Mugshot Photos (see examples below from Veiled Rose)

Stand against a plain wall or background
Hold the placard chest-high
Keep a straight, serious look (no smiles)
Wear plain/baggy clothes, minimal makeup
Take 3 shots: front, left profile, right profile

This helps people imagine what Betty is enduring — and makes the injustice impossible to ignore.

Join the International Blasphemy Day YouTube livestream on Sept. 30:
Uniting the Cults will be hosting a special livestream for Blasphemy Day featuring members from Ex-Muslims International.
Sign Betty’s petition, get a t-shirt, and visit Ex-MI’s #FreeBetty page to find out more ways to learn about and support Betty.
Let’s show the world that blasphemy is not a crime! #FreeBetty

International Apostasy Day
2025-08-22
August 22 is Apostasy Day — a day to defend, honor and celebrate our right to courageously leave religion.
THIS YEAR, EX-MUSLIMS INTERNATIONAL IS INVITING YOU AND OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY TO: END APOSTOPHOBIA. CELEBRATE APOSTASY!
We want a world where Apostophobia is condemned with the same clarity and conviction as racism, homophobia, and misogyny, and apostasy and blasphemy laws are a thing of the past.
On Apostasy Day, August 22, 2025, Ex-Muslims International calls on apostates and allies around the world to:

Join our Apostasy Day livestream on YouTube with Uniting the Cults (link TBD)
Visit, share and utilize Apostophobia.com
Share this Apostasy Day statement from Ex-Muslims International
Discuss Apostophobia in your communities and on your platforms
Call for an end to Apostophobia, apostasy laws, blasphemy laws, and religious punishments
Celebrate the freedom and joy of leaving religion
Stand with those who are persecuted for questioning, doubting, or walking away
Share and amplify apostate stories and apostasy experiences
Name the emotional and psychological abuse faced by apostates, including shunning, forced secrecy, isolation, and coercion disguised as “family honour” or “religious love”
Urge your lawmakers to implement, defend and uphold secularism, freedom of/from religion, freedom of speech, and freedom expression
Use hashtags: #EndApostophobia #CelebrateApostasy #ApostasyDay2025 #ApostasyDay.

Refugee Day
2025-06-20
Stand with Refugees on World Refugee Day!

On June 20th, join millions around the globe in honoring the strength, courage, and resilience of refugees. World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to celebrate and support refugees worldwide.

Why Participate?

Show Solidarity: Stand up for the rights and well-being of refugees.
Raise Awareness: Help shed light on the challenges faced by refugees.
Promote Inclusion: Encourage communities to welcome and integrate refugees.

How to Get Involved:

Attend Events: Participate in local activities, workshops, or online webinars.
Share Stories: Use social media to share inspiring refugee stories with #WorldRefugeeDay.
Support Organizations: Volunteer with or donate to groups that assist refugees.

Together, we can make a difference. Join us on World Refugee Day to support and uplift refugees around the world!

Pride month
2025-06-01 - 2025-06-30
Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion During Pride Month!
This June, join millions around the world in honoring and supporting the LGBTQ+ community during **Pride Month**. It’s a time to celebrate love, diversity, and the freedom to be yourself.
Why Participate?

Support Equality: Stand up for the rights and acceptance of all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Embrace Diversity: Celebrate the rich tapestry of identities and experiences that make our communities vibrant.
Build Community: Connect with others who are passionate about inclusivity and positive change.

How to Get Involved:

Attend Events: Join local parades, festivals, and virtual events celebrating Pride.
Educate Yourself: Learn about LGBTQ+ history and the ongoing fight for equal rights.
Show Your Support: Wear rainbow colors, display Pride flags, or share supportive messages on social media using **#PrideMonth**.

Let’s come together to promote love, acceptance, and equality. Be a part of Pride Month and help make a difference!

Atheist Day
2025-03-23
Celebrate Reason and Secularism on Atheist Day!
Join us on March 23rd to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of atheists around the world. Atheist Day is an opportunity to promote free thought, encourage open dialogue, and support the freedom of belief and expression.
Why Participate?

Promote Critical Thinking: Encourage questioning and the exploration of ideas.
Support Secular Values: Advocate for the separation of religion and state.
Build Community: Connect with others who share a secular perspective.

How to Get Involved:

Attend Events: Participate in local meetups, discussions, or online gatherings.
Share Your Thoughts: Use social media to express your views with #AtheistDay.
Educate and Learn: Engage in conversations about secularism and free thought.

Let’s come together to celebrate reason, freedom of belief, and the diversity of perspectives. Join us on Atheist Day and make your voice heard!

International Women's Day
2025-03-08
Celebrate Women’s Achievements on International Women’s Day!
Join us on March 8th to honor the incredible contributions of women worldwide. International Women’s Day is a global event that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while advocating for gender equality.
Why Participate?

Support Gender Equality: Stand up for women’s rights and help close the gender gap.
Celebrate Accomplishments: Recognize and applaud the achievements of women in all spheres of life.
Inspire Change: Be part of the movement striving for a more inclusive and equitable world.

How to Get Involved:

Attend Events: Participate in local marches, conferences, webinars, or cultural festivities.
Share Stories: Highlight inspiring women and their stories on social media using #InternationalWomensDay.
Support Organizations: Volunteer with or donate to groups that empower women and girls.
Educate and Advocate: Learn about issues affecting women globally and advocate for positive change.

Let’s come together to celebrate women’s achievements and promote gender equality. Join us on March 8th to make a difference and help create a brighter future for all!

No Hijab Day
2025-02-01
Hijab Silences
Take off your Hijab and Put it on a Man
Ex-Muslims International No Hijab Day Statement | February 1, 2025

No Hijab Day was created on 1 February as a direct response to World Hijab Day, which promotes the hijab as a symbol of women’s choice and empowerment. Rather, No Hijab Day seeks to illuminate the coercive and oppressive realities of the hijab as a pillar of sex apartheid and a war on women.
For many, the hijab is not a choice but a religious requirement imposed by honour culture, toxic modesty norms, and legal or familial pressures. It is a visible marker of a broader Islamic system that restricts women’s rights and autonomy.
The religious origins of the hijab underscores its role in control rather than empowerment. Historically, the hijab was used to differentiate amongst believing, free and enslaved women. The idea behind the hijab is that uncovered women and girls will cause fitnah or chaos in society by tempting men. Therefore, Islamic teachings have instilled a culture of shame and submission, warning of women being the majority in hell or facing divine punishment for showing their body or hair.
Across the globe, women face both legal mandates and societal pressures to wear the hijab and cover from head to toe. In countries like Iran and Afghanistan, the hijab is a legal requirement as part of a system of sex apartheid that is imposed by violence and terror. In Iran, mandatory hijab laws have been in place since 1979, sparking decades of protests, including the recent Woman, Life, Freedom movement ignited by the murder of Jina Mahsa Amini in September 2022. In Afghanistan, women and girls are denied access to education, work and freedom of movement by the Taliban. In Saudi Arabia, where so-called reforms have ostensibly loosened hijab restrictions, women continue to be imprisoned for defying dress codes, as exemplified by the case of Manal al-Otaibi.
In Western countries, too, women from Muslim families often face intense social and familial pressures. Tragic cases such as Aqsa Parvez in Canada and Shafilea Ahmed in the UK—both murdered by their families for defying modesty norms—illustrate the grave consequences of these religious pressures.
A symbol that has been used to shame, control, and suppress women cannot be used to combat intolerance and racism. A sexist tool to control and erase women is antithetical to women’s empowerment and visibility. Whilst anti-Muslim bigotry and xenophobia are undeniable, racism cannot be combatted with sexism and the hijab, rooted in modesty culture and oppression.
No Hijab Day stands in solidarity with women who resist mandatory religious dress codes, societal pressures, and institutionalised sex apartheid, which like racial apartheid must be considered a crime against humanity.
No Hijab Day calls for global recognition of the struggle against sex apartheid and the hijab and a commitment to supporting the fight for women’s freedom, equality, and rights.
This year’s theme for No Hijab Day is #HijabSilences to shine a light on the women who remove and refuse to wear hijab and who resist sex apartheid.
How to take part in No Hijab Day:

We are calling on women of all beliefs and backgrounds to take off their hijab, and put it on a man on February 1.
Use this opportunity to spark meaningful conversations about purity culture in Islam, challenge sex-apartheid, and show your solidarity with ex-Muslim, Iranian, Afghan, and other women around the world who refuse to wear the hijab.
Share your thoughts, experiences, and support using #NoHijabDay and #HijabSilences
Let your voice inspire real change for women’s rights.

Human Rights Day: Stand Up for Equality!
2024-12-10
Stand Up for Equality on Human Rights Day!
Join us on December 10th to celebrate Human Rights Day, a global occasion dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights and freedoms of all individuals.
Ex-Muslim rights are human rights! As a global coalition, Ex-Muslims International is dedicated to defending the rights of those who question, leave, or reject Islam. We hope for a world where Ex-Muslims rights and freedoms are also accessible and protected.
This day marks the anniversary of the United Nations adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The 2024 UN theme for Human Rights Day is Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now!
Why Participate in Human Rights Day?

Promote Equality: Advocate for the inherent dignity and equal rights of every person.
Raise Awareness: Highlight human rights issues and encourage positive change.
Support Justice: Stand against discrimination, injustice, and oppression.

How to Get Involved in Human Rights Day:

Attend Events: Participate in local rallies, seminars, or virtual discussions focused on human rights.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about human rights issues and share knowledge within your community.
Volunteer or Donate: Support organizations working to protect and advance human rights globally.
Spread the Word: Use social media to share messages of support using #HumanRightsDay.

Let’s come together to make a difference. Join us on December 10th to stand up for human rights and help create a more just and equitable world!

Ex-Muslim Awareness Month: End Apostophobia!
2024-12-01 - 2024-12-31
Join Ex-Muslims International for the third Ex-Muslim Awareness Month in December 2024.
This year, we demand an end to apostophobia, because leaving Islam is a human right!
Apostophobia, or the fear, hatred, discomfort with, hostility towards, or discrimination against apostates, is rampant in Muslim families and Islamic states because apostasy is a forbidden and punishable sin in Islam, by death according to Shariah.
With no or restricted access to support, safety and freedom, Ex-Muslims are continuing to suffer hateful, violent and fatal consequences like being disowned, abused, imprisoned or even killed, just for leaving Islam.
This Ex-Muslim Awareness Month in December 2024, we invite you to share your stories of apostophobia, amplify Ex-Muslim voices, and join in calling an end to the hate and harm people experience for leaving Islam!
2024 Ex-Muslim Awareness Month Hashtags
#EndApostophobia #ExMuslimAwarenessMonth
Definition of Apostophobia:
Apostophobia is the fear, hatred, discomfort with, hostility to, or discrimination against Apostates. This sentiment is a form or racism and a person who harbours it is called an Apostophobic. Apostates are described as people who have left a religious in-group to join an out-group, left their religious in-group and became non-religious, or left a religious out-group to join another out-group.
About Ex-Muslim Awareness Month
Ex-Muslim Awareness Month was born out of the Ex-Muslim Subreddit and organized for the first time in 2022 by Haram Doodles! Together with a coalition of Ex-Muslims, including content creators, organisations, and communities of apostates worldwide, this month is dedicated to raising awareness of Ex-Muslims, celebrating the right to apostasy, and advocating for our freedom to leave Islam.
Held immediately after “Islamophobia Awareness Month” in November, Ex-Muslim Awareness Month shines a light on the unique challenges faced by those who have left Islam. For many, this decision comes with life-altering consequences — from community rejection and isolation to threats of violence, persecution, and even death.
Why Ex-Muslim Awareness Month?
For Ex-Muslims, leaving Islam is often a journey fraught with danger, trauma, and loss of community. Apostasy is forbidden in Islam, and leaving the faith can lead to ostracisation, harm, or even state-sanctioned punishment. Most Ex-Muslims are forced to remain hidden to protect themselves from serious risks. This month provides a crucial space for raising awareness, offering support, and promoting the right to freedom of belief.
Get Involved and Support Ex-Muslim Awareness Month by:

Following and amplifying Ex-Muslim voices on social media using hashtags #ExMuslimMonth, #ExMuslimAwarenessMonth, and #ExMuslimAwarenessMonth2024 #EndApostophobia.
Learning about Ex-Muslims and the challenges they face. If you’re unfamiliar, start with googling “apostasy in Islam” or explore Ex-Muslim communities on Reddit, Discord, and Telegram.
Joining a local or online Ex-Muslim organisation, volunteering, or donating to Ex-Muslim causes.
Advocating safely for Ex-Muslim rights within your own communities, among friends, or even on a policy level.

Let’s work together to make sure that no one has to live in fear for questioning or leaving their faith. This month and beyond, get to know Ex-Muslims, learn about our stories, and support our journey toward freedom and acceptance.

End Apostophobia: Leaving Islam is a human right!

End Apostophobia: Freedom from religion is a human right!

End Apostophobia: Apostasy is a human right!

End Apostophobia: Arabic

End Apostophobia: Farsi

Day Against Violence Against women
2024-11-25
Stand Together on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women!
On November 25th, join millions around the world in raising awareness and taking action to end violence against women and girls. This day is a call to stand up for human rights, promote gender equality, and work towards a safer future for all.
Why Participate?

Raise Awareness: Shine a light on the issues of gender-based violence.
Support Survivors: Show solidarity with those who have experienced violence.
Promote Change: Advocate for policies and practices that protect women’s rights and safety.

How to Get Involved:

Attend Events: Participate in local rallies, workshops, or online discussions.
Wear Orange: Don the color orange to symbolize a brighter future without violence.
Spread the Word: Share information on social media using #EndViolenceAgainstWomen.
Volunteer or Donate: Support organizations dedicated to eliminating violence against women.

Together, we can make a difference. Join us on November 25th to help create a world free from violence against women and girls!

Celebrating Dissent Oslo
2024-08-31 - 2024-09-01 | Celebrating Dissent Oslo 2024, Munkedamsveien 45, Oslo, 0250, Norway
Join the largest gathering of ex-Muslims worldwide in Oslo during 31 August – 1 September 2024.
More than 50 freethinkers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, France, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Morocco, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, Tunisia, UK, Ukraine, USA and the Diaspora will gather to celebrate blasphemy, apostasy and freedom of expression through discussions, poetry, film, protest art, and music and pay tribute to taboo-breaking ex-Muslim comedian Shabana Rehman.
The two day conference organised by the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain and Dømmekraft is a continuation of the hugely successful Celebrating Dissent conferences held in London (2014), London (2017), Amsterdam (2019), Cologne (2022) and Paris (2023).
Topics:
· Creativity and Humour in Challenging Fundamentalisms and Defending Free Expression
· Racism, Identity Politics and Free Expression
· Laicite as a Cornerstone of Free Expression and Rights
· The Ex-Muslims: Canaries in the Coal Mine
· Islam’s Nonbelievers: Terror, Trauma, Transformation
· Censorship, Offence and Free Speech
· Science and Rationality challenging Dogma
· Blasphemous Women: Touching the Sacred
Contributors: Ahmedur Chowdhury, Aleem (Secular Spirit), Ali Rizvi, Annie Laurie Gaylor, Apostate Aladdin, Arnfinn Pettersen, Cemal Knudsen Yucel, Dan Barker, Eirik Løkke, FarAvaz, Fariborz Pooya, Fauzia Ilyas, Gita Sahgal, Halima Salat, Haram Doodles, Ibn Warraq, Ibtissame Betty Lachgar, Inna Shevchenko, Jenny Wenhammar, Jimmy Bangash, Khadija Khan, Krystel Antoni, Lawrence Krauss, Mariam Aliyu, Marieme Helie Lucas, Maryam Namazie, Milad Resaeimanesh, Mimzy Vidz, Mohammad Hisham, Morten Guldburg, Mouhammad El Jabbari, Nada Peratovic, Nadia El Fani, Nazmiye Oral, Rahila Gupta, Rana Ahmad, Sami Abdallah, Sanal Edamaruku, Shakeel Rehman, Shelley Segal, Siyavash Shahabi, Sohail (Reason on Faith), Stephen Evans, Taha Siddiqui, Veedu Vidz, Victoria Gugenheim, Wissam Charafeddine, Yasmine Elbaramawy, Zanyar Hesami, and Zara Kay.
To see full list of contributor biographies, click here.
To see full schedule of two day conference, click here.
Conference Organisers:
Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain was established in June 2007 to break the taboo that comes with leaving Islam, highlight the plight of ex Muslims, and challenge apostasy and blasphemy laws. CEMB stands against all forms of bigotry and unequivocally defends reason, freedom of conscience and expression, rights and secularism. Over the last 17 years, CEMB has provided assistance to thousands of ex Muslims worldwide, created support groups, solidarity actions and educational materials and helped establish Ex Muslims International. Maryam Namazie, CEMB Spokesperson, has been the instigator behind the international conferences.
Dømmekraft is a secular thinktank established in January 2022. The founders are Morten Guldberg and Lovise Lindtner. The organisation publishes articles, reviews and interviews, and also sets up conferences, debates and other public events to counteract fake news and extremist views and embodies a Humanist outlook, including in support of basic human rights, democracy, equality, freedom of speech and critical thinking.
Conference Sponsors:
Center for Inquiry, Civita, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Fritt Ord, Human-Etisk Forbund, Human-Etisk Forbund Akershus, Human-Etisk Forbund Oslo and National Secular Society.
