--- title: "‘Blasphemous’ protest is not a crime, humanists tell human rights committee" date: "2026-06-03T15:08:34+01:00" modified: "2026-06-03T15:34:58+01:00" url: "https://humanists.uk/2026/06/03/blasphemous-protest-is-not-a-crime-humanists-tell-human-rights-committee/" post_id: 191485 categories: ["News"] --- # ‘Blasphemous’ protest is not a crime, humanists tell human rights committee ![](https://i0.wp.com/humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/police-unsplash-1200x675-jpg.webp?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1)Humanists UK has warned the UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights that accusations of ‘blasphemy’ must not be used to suppress peaceful protest. In its response to the Committee’s inquiry into the role of human rights in [security, safety and protest](https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9683/security-safety-and-protest-the-role-of-human-rights/), Humanists UK called for blasphemy-specific guidance for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England and Wales to protect subjectively offensive but lawful expression from being criminalised, while threats, harassment, and incitement to violence are properly investigated and sanctioned. Humanists UK said this concern sits within a broader [erosion of protest rights](https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/faith-and-belief-leaders-letter-crime-policing-bill-april-2026) in recent years. ### Case studies In its evidence, Humanists UK cited a series of recent blasphemy-related incidents that it said demonstrated how public authorities have too often treated alleged religious offence as a crime, while failing to protect those targeted by intimidation, threats and even violence. Examples included the case of **Hamit Coskun**, who was prosecuted after burning a Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in protest against the Turkish government, and [had his conviction overturned on appeal and upheld by the High Court](https://humanists.uk/2026/02/27/high-court-upholds-acquittal-for-quran-burning/). Coskun was attacked with a knife during his protest and was taken to hospital before being arrested. Despite pleading guilty to assault, [his attacker avoided a prison sentence](https://humanists.uk/2025/09/24/anti-blasphemy-attacker-who-lost-his-temper-spared-jail/). Humanists also UK drew attention to the **Batley Grammar School** teacher who was [suspended](https://humanists.uk/2021/03/26/teacher-suspended-over-depiction-of-muhammad-in-batley-grammar-school-lesson/) and forced into hiding after receiving death threats for using an image of the Prophet Mohammed in a Religious Education lesson on freedom of expression. Other examples cited by Humanists UK included: - Cineworld’s [cancellation](https://humanists.uk/2022/06/08/cineworld-bans-blasphemous-film/) of screenings of ***The Lady of Heaven*** – a film from a Shia Muslim perspective – amid protests that it was ‘blasphemous’ because management was concerned about the safety of their staff and customers. - The [suspension](https://humanists.uk/2023/02/27/shock-as-religious-groups-pressure-school-into-suspending-pupils-for-minor-damage-to-quran/) of four pupils at **Kettlethorpe High School** for minor damage to a Quran. This incident was initially recorded as a ‘*non-crime hate incident*’, while one of their parents made a public apology for blasphemy at a local mosque alongside police, and said they did not wish to press charges for the death threats the child had received. **Humanists UK pointed to these cases as examples of authorities appeasing protesters who use intimidation to censor others rather than defending victims of harassment**. Humanists UK said the law struck the right balance in relation to Safe Access Zones around abortion clinics. It [supports](https://humanists.uk/2024/10/31/abortion-safe-access-zones-come-into-force-in-england-and-wales/) the restriction on protests within 150 metres of premises providing abortion services, arguing that this is a lawful, necessary, and proportionate limitation on protest rights because it protects women and staff from harassment, intimidation, and unwanted interference when accessing healthcare. The response stressed that such measures do not ban anti-abortion protests altogether, but make sure that women are not made a captive audience at the point of accessing medical services. ### **A Humanists UK spokesperson said:** > ‘Freedom of expression includes the right to criticise, challenge, and even ridicule religion and belief. But too often, public authorities have treated alleged blasphemy as the problem, while failing to protect those facing threats and intimidation for exercising their rights. The police and CPS need clear guidance so that lawful expression is protected, while harassment, incitement and violence are dealt with firmly.’ #### Notes For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only). [Read more about our work on blasphemy laws](https://humanists.uk/campaigns/policy-unit/blasphemy-laws/). [Read more about our work on laws on harassment and incitement](https://humanists.uk/campaigns/policy-unit/laws-on-harassment-and-incitement/). Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.