The National Secular Society (NSS) is an organization that advocates for and promotes secularism within a specific nation or region. Secularism refers to the principle of separating religious institutions and beliefs from the affairs of the state, where religious values do not play a dominant role in influencing government policies and decision-making processes.
The National Secular Society seeks to defend and uphold the principles of secularism in various areas of public life, including education, legislation, and public institutions. This often involves promoting equal treatment for individuals of all religious or non-religious backgrounds, and supporting the idea that individuals should be free to practice their religious beliefs or not, without interference from the state or any particular religion.
The society plays an active role in scrutinizing and challenging potential breaches of secularism, advocating for the removal of religious privilege, and highlighting instances where religious institutions may infringe upon secular principles or the rights of individuals. They might engage in campaigns, public awareness efforts, lobbying, and legal action to champion these causes.
Through its work, the National Secular Society aims to foster a society that respects and appreciates the diversity of religious and non-religious beliefs, ensures the separation of religion from the state, and upholds individual freedoms, including freedom of conscience, expression, and belief.
