IARF News Digest

The Freedom of Thought Report is a global survey published by Humanists International that monitors discrimination and persecution against humanists, atheists, and the non-religious. The website provides country-specific ratings, interactive maps, and a comprehensive database of legal and social conditions for the non-religious worldwide.

The Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) claims that mandatory religious observance in Scottish schools violates children’s human rights. An audit of 280 schools found that most sessions involve Christian worship led by clergy, despite the majority of pupils having no religious belief. HSS is urging the Scottish Government to allow pupils to opt out of these activities to avoid potential legal action.

New legislative initiatives in the Russian State Duma seek to ban religious services and ceremonies in residential buildings. While aimed at restricting Muslim migrants, the laws would significantly impact Protestant groups and other minority faiths that rely on home-based worship. Religious leaders and human rights organizations argue the bill is unconstitutional and would drive religious activities underground.

Antisemitism incidents in the UK reached record daily highs following a fatal terror attack on a Manchester synagogue in October 2025. The Community Security Trust (CST) reported 3,700 incidents throughout the year, marking a 4% increase from 2024. The data highlights a persistent rise in anti-Jewish hate, including a record number of incidents involving property damage and desecration.

The French Ministry of the Interior reported 2,489 anti-religious acts in 2025, a level stable compared to the previous year. Antisemitic acts remain disproportionately high, accounting for over half of all incidents, while anti-Muslim acts saw a 88% spike. The data reflects a context of heightened tensions following the October 7 attacks in Israel.

Rector Chems-Eddine Hafiz of the Grand Mosque of Paris has introduced a new guide and the “Paris Charter” to prove that Islamic values are fully compatible with French laws. The publication serves as a “roadmap” for both Muslims and non-Muslims to navigate religious practices in secular contexts. Hafiz expressed a commitment to open dialogue on sensitive topics like blasphemy and the veil to help repair the fractured social fabric and emphasize national belonging.

A recent study day for ministers and spiritual caregivers from various liberal religious denominations demonstrated that liberal religion remains vibrant and energetic. Participants shared creative initiatives such as podcasts, magazines, and new community growth strategies. Despite the general decline in church attendance, the event highlighted a strong commitment to finding new ways to express faith and social engagement.

A coalition of multi-faith organizations has filed a lawsuit against the Trump-Vance administration’s Religious Liberty Commission, alleging violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The lawsuit claims the commission lacks religious diversity, consists almost exclusively of Christian members, and promotes a narrow ‘Judeo-Christian’ agenda consistent with Christian Nationalism. The plaintiffs are seeking a court order to declare the commission’s formation unlawful and require public disclosure of its records.

The Cato Institute announced the release of a new book edited by Mustafa Akyol titled ‘No Compulsion in Religion—No Exceptions.’ The volume features essays from global Muslim scholars arguing that religious freedom is an authentic Islamic ideal rooted in the Qur’an rather than a Western import. The book challenges coercive legal traditions regarding apostasy, blasphemy, and ritual observance, arguing that such interpretations often serve authoritarian political power rather than faith.