Namazie, who was awarded Secularist of the Year in 2005 and has faced death threats. The activists of the organization, many of whom are Iranian exiles, support the freedom to criticize religion and the end to what they call "religious intimidation and threats." The CEMB in its manifesto states that it does not desire to be represented by regressive Islamic organizations and "Muslim community leaders". It says that by coming forward in public, it represents countless other apostates who fear coming out in public due to death threats. They take a "stand for reason, universal rights and values, and secularism". The Council in its manifesto also demands several things such as freedom to criticize religion, separation of religion from the state and the "protection of children from manipulation and abuse by religion and religious institutions". See also Apostasy in Islam Criticism of Islam List of ex-Muslim organisations List of former Muslims Liberal movements within Islam References External links Website of the Central Council of Ex-Muslims in Germany Website of the Council of Ex-Muslims in Britain Website of the Council of Ex-Muslims in Austria General website of the Council of Ex-Muslims Organizations established in 2007 Former Muslims organizations Skeptic organisations in Germany Anti-Islam sentiment in Germany