The Post-Paris #ExMuslimBecause Campaign

Posted on by Lindsey O'Laughlin

Last month’s terror attacks in Paris left the world reeling, with the immediate repercussions being fear, French retaliation and international mourning. Under the radar of debates about Syrian refugees and national security in Western nations, a movement began on twitter with the #ExMuslimBecause hashtag, started by the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, or CEMB. Thousands of people have joined the conversation, and the controversy isn’t over.

The tweets range from general renouncement of the faith to convicting photo and video.

There are tweets from women who feel degraded, abused and oppressed.

Many of those tweeting are doing so at their own risk, especially those currently living in Muslim countries, where apostasy and speaking against Islam is a punished by death.

This woman was too afraid of retaliation to speak openly, and instead shared her message through the CEMB Forum account.

 

The hashtag is still gaining steam, as those separating themselves from the faith confront westerners who support Islam but haven’t lived in Islamic countries or under Sharia Law. Such is the case with the video made by YouTube user Farrah Prudence, and shared by an #ExMuslimBecause supporter.

Some tweets are confessional.

There were also skeptics and critics, including @SamShinar, who was dissatisfied with the lack of more “genuine” ex-muslims in the thread.

Others users found the hashtag disheartening or dishonest.

The next phase of the movement will be fascinating to watch.

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