Weekly Image Highlight: 'Allah Identified as a Lesbian' (#FreeBetty)

Ibtissame "Betty" Lachgar, a feminist, human rights activist, and ex-Muslim, has been arrested by Moroccan authorities earlier this month for posting a photo of herself wearing a t-shirt that read 'Allah is lesbian'. The t-shirt, as well as her accompanying post, also criticised Islam as 'FASCIST', 'PHALLOCRATIC', and 'MISOGYNISTIC'.

Lachgar, who has been fighting against Islamic oppression of women, LGBT people, and atheists in Morocco, is a prominent figure in the fight for religious freedom and human rights. Her arrest has sparked international outcry, with various organisations and individuals standing in solidarity with her.

The Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) and the National Secular Society (NSS) have condemned Lachgar's arrest and have called for her release. They have also advocated for the repeal of Morocco's theocratic blasphemy laws, which have been used to suppress free speech and criticism of religion.

The CEMB has launched a #FreeBetty campaign, which has garnered widespread support. The Freethinker stands in solidarity with this campaign, recognising the importance of standing against any form of religious oppression.

In the UK, there is a push to define and potentially outlaw 'Islamophobia'. While the intention may be to combat discrimination, there are concerns that this could lead to the suppression of free speech, particularly when it comes to criticising religious practices or beliefs. This could potentially make wearing a t-shirt similar to the one posted by Betty Lachgar a crime in the UK if the push to outlaw 'Islamophobia' succeeds.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has also condemned the political detention of Lachgar in Morocco and has called for her release, as well as the repeal of Morocco's theocratic blasphemy laws. They have sent an urgent appeal to the U.S. Office of International Religious Freedom to intervene in her prosecution.

Resistance to the oppression of religion is needed everywhere. It is crucial to stand in solidarity with Betty Lachgar and others like her who are fighting against religious oppression. No ground should be given, anywhere, to the oppression of religion.

On 27 August, the CEMB held a #FreeBetty protest outside the Moroccan embassy in London, demonstrating the global support for Lachgar's cause. The fight for religious freedom and human rights continues, and it is important that we all stand together in this struggle.