The Persecution of Apostates: Exploring the Construction of Humanist Identities Amongst Refugees in the UK

In societies marked by the preference to conform to the religious beliefs and practices of the majority, the issue of apostasy—a decision to renounce one's faith—remains deeply contentious. Religious beliefs are highly sensitive and politicised topics, and some states actively limit and restrict Freedom of Religious or Belief (FoRB) for apostates and non-religious individuals. In nearly half (32) of the 71 countries that criminalise blasphemy or apostasy, the majority religion is Islam (though not all Muslim-majority countries enforce these laws). Due to the threat of persecution, some individuals will seek sanctuary in the United Kingdom (UK). This paper will draw on data collected from semi-structured interviews with non-religious refugees (n=12) and human rights advocates (n=22) to provide narratives on how apostate refugees uniquely construct their identities. This paper will begin to explore how leaving religion in this context has influenced refugees to develop a humanist worldview, leading some to take part in activism in the UK. It will also shed light on how non-religious refugees form a social movement of support in the UK. As people identifying as non-religious is swiftly increasing and the threat against them is growing, it is essential to study this group within its own right. This presentation underscores the importance of recognising apostasy as a basis for asylum and highlights the social construction of the refugee through various legal, societal, and emotional aspects surrounding these claims.