An ex-Muslim from Birmingham writes:
“I’ve discarded Islam and I want to be with others like me in the effort to break the taboo associated with leaving Islam. This organisation is significant because it represents one of the most difficult things I must deal with in my life, and is the only effort in the UK to tackle the hardships of those in much worse situations than I.”

Another ex-Muslim woman from the UK writes:
“After 20 years of Islam, I finally gave up the prison for my freedom… It has been a long and painful journey, with many more obstacles ahead, but I am confident that things can only get better for the long-term. Well done CEMB for creating this unified voice for ex-Muslims!”

And here’s one from Pakistan:
“I was born and raised in a Muslim family and later studied medicine, two polarizing aspects, which led me to the conclusion that there is no god… Living in a place like Pakistan, where there’s zero tolerance for freedom of thought and choice, I find this Council a big step forward in the face of religious conservatism, a place where people like myself can find acceptance. I reject the religious hypocrisy that surrounds me and thank you all for accepting a free mind.”

Since its establishment in 2007, the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) has become the refuge for people to come to if they have left Islam and religion. It is a hugely important sanctuary for women and men who face threats, intimidation and/or isolation for taking this step.

And, since our inception, we’ve always been here to help – whether it is finding a safe house and giving support or defending the right to asylum for ‘apostates’ fleeing Sharia law.

In the past year, we’ve helped hundreds of people, held an important conference on Apostasy and Sharia Law, had speaking engagements across the country and developed a number of crucial resources including Guidelines for Ex-Muslims and Frontline practitioners and an information document on Apostasy and Asylum in the UK.

But all this work needs money and the CEMB is in the worst financial situation since its inception. It is incredibly hard to get support for our work from funders, even some who might be perceived as allies. The media and government, too, continue to avoid real discussion on the issues at hand. That’s why we have to depend on you for your help in getting the word out, supporting ex-Muslims and challenging Islamism and Sharia law, which punishes ‘apostates’ with the death penalty.

We hope you can take time out to send us a donation. Any amount, whatever you can give, will truly help. We are looking for people to give just £3 a month (more, if possible), so that we can begin to have an income that we can rely on.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Warmest wishes

Maryam

Maryam Namazie
Spokesperson

NOTES:

1. To donate to the crucial work of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, please either send a cheque, made payable to CEMB, to BM Box 1919, London WC1N 3XX, UK or pay via World Pay. We desperately need regular support that we can rely on and are asking for supporters to commit to giving at least £3 a month via direct debit. You can find out details here.

2. You can find out about our recent activities here:
* Our latest statement on Baroness Warsi and Islamophobia
* Video footage on 11 December conference on Apostasy and Sharia Law, a video in Arabic (English subtitles) in support of Arabic speaking apostates as well as Guidelines for Ex-Muslims and a report on Asylum and Apostasy.
* Inspiring statements from our members
* Media coverage

3. For further information contact:
Maryam Namazie
Spokesperson
CEMB
BM Box 1919
London WC1N 3XX, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 7719166731
exmuslimcouncil@gmail.com
www.ex-muslim.org.uk