Washington, D.C. – 09/04/2019

Today, Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA) launches billboards to support former Muslims with billboards in Atlanta, Chicago, and Houston. Sporting the message “Godless, Fearless, Ex-Muslim”, the billboards highlight the astounding growth of atheists from Muslim backgrounds.

After several rounds of rejections, changes, and even one contract termination from companies afraid of offending religious sensibilities, the billboards are scheduled to be placed on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 3rd and 4th, 2019.

“In a dozen Muslim-majority countries, ex-Muslims are condemned to the death penalty”, said Muhammad Syed, President of Ex-Muslims of North America. “In the West, our existence is not a crime, but we still face isolation, threats, and abuse by our own families and former faith community. Unsurprisingly, many former Muslims choose to hide their lack of belief. But the first step to gain acceptance is coming out openly, without shame or fear.”

“We want closeted ex-Muslims to know they are not alone”, said Sarah Haider, Executive Director of Ex-Muslims of North America. “We also want them to know that while the prospect of coming out as nonreligious is frightening, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You can make it to the other side, you can rebuild your life and find joy in the freedom from religion.”

Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit which advocates for acceptance of religious dissent, promotes secular values, and aims to reduce discrimination faced by those who leave Islam. In service of this mission, EXMNA operates underground support communities for ex-Muslims throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to community organizing, EXMNA raises awareness of ex-Muslim issues by coalition-building and grassroots campaigns. More recently, EXMNA has highlighted ex-Muslim voices by producing ex-Muslim panel events, conferences, and mini-documentaries.

More about Ex-Muslims of North America: ExMuslims.Org | @ExMuslimsOrg.

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