Charles Bradlaugh

Charles Bradlaugh was a 19th-century British politician, advocate for atheism, and a prominent secularist. He founded the National Secular Society in 1866, promoting the idea that government and religion should be separate. Bradlaugh campaigned against religious influence in politics and education, arguing for individual freedom to think and believe outside of traditional religious confines. His activism often faced legal and social challenges, including his refusal to take a religious oath when elected to Parliament. Bradlaugh's efforts significantly advanced the secularism movement in Britain, contributing to a broader acceptance of diverse beliefs and the rights of non-believers.