London: The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) has been encouraged to see the growing international platform for the Legalise Apostasy campaign, following a recent visit to the United States in February 2026 led by Nissar Hussain and Neil Petrie.

The visit, organised with support from the non-profit groups Save The Persecuted Christians (STPC) and Mercury One, sought to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those who leave Islam and to contribute to wider discussions around freedom of belief. A key focus of the trip was engagement with campaigners in Texas ahead of a vote on proposed measures relating to the role of sharia law, which ultimately passed with significant support.

During their time in the US, Nissar Hussain and Neil Petrie spent around ten days supporting advocacy efforts in Texas, alongside meetings with legislators and stakeholders in Washington, D.C. They also attended the National Religious Broadcasting convention in Nashville, where they connected with a range of media and faith-based organisations. The delegation was supported throughout by Dede Laugesen, President of STPC, who facilitated introductions and engagements across political and media circles.

While in Washington, Nissar also attended an International Religious Freedom event, where he met Sam Brownback, a former Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. Media appearances during the visit helped amplify his testimony, including interviews in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

The visit included a number of broadcast discussions with commentators and public figures, as well as contributions to ongoing conversations around international religious freedom. Nissar’s personal testimony—shaped by decades of lived experience—appears to have resonated with a variety of audiences, including policymakers and faith communities.

Toward the end of the trip, the team engaged with representatives in Congress, sharing perspectives informed by experiences in the UK. Discussions included the importance of safeguarding freedom of belief, a principle that remains central to both UK and US democratic traditions. Meetings also took place with Mark Walker, who has been involved in religious freedom initiatives, including dialogue around international legal concerns affecting those accused of apostasy.

BACA notes that Nissar Hussain has since received further invitations to contribute to discussions in the US, including with a congressional caucus focused on religious freedom issues. This reflects a growing willingness in some quarters to engage with the complexities surrounding apostasy and freedom of belief.

Survivor: Nissar Hussain spent 10 days in hospital after a brutal assault by three masked attackers. He is alive today only because his hands absorbed the blows that would otherwise have crushed his skull.

A Journey Marked by Courage

For BACA, it is particularly significant to witness this increased recognition of Nissar Hussain’s advocacy, given the severe persecution he and his family have previously endured in the UK.

As reported by our organisation in November 2016, Nissar and his family were forced to flee their home in Bradford under police protection after years of sustained threats, harassment, and violence following his conversion to Christianity. The situation escalated to such a degree that armed police escorts were required for the family to retrieve their belongings before being relocated to a safe house supported by our charity and partner organisations.

At the time, Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of BACA, highlighted the alarming reality that converts from Islam—even within the UK—can face extreme hostility, often living in fear and isolation. Nissar’s case became emblematic of the broader challenges faced by apostates, including difficulties in securing adequate protection and recognition from authorities.

Despite these hardships, Nissar has continued to speak publicly about his experiences, raising awareness of the risks faced by converts and advocating for greater protections.

A Growing International Voice

This is not the first time that Nissar Hussain’s testimony has resonated beyond the UK. In 2019, he joined Wilson Chowdhry and the British Asian Christian Association on a two-week advocacy visit to Australia, where they spoke at a series of events highlighting the plight of persecuted Christians and those facing hostility after leaving Islam.

At a notable conference hosted by the Australian Secular Party titled “Losing Your Religion: Ex-Muslims Speak Out,” Nissar shared his deeply personal account of surviving years of persecution in the UK. His testimony, shaped by both trauma and faith, left a lasting impression on audiences and helped foster dialogue between Christian groups, secular organisations, and ex-Muslim communities متحد in their concern for freedom of belief.

The visit also included meetings with officials at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as smaller, more intimate gatherings where Nissar’s story brought a human face to what can often feel like an abstract issue. His warning—that the failure to adequately protect converts in the UK should serve as a cautionary lesson elsewhere—was received with seriousness and reflection.

For BACA, these moments serve as an important reminder that behind policy discussions are real lives shaped by courage and conviction. The growing international interest in Nissar’s testimony—from Australia in 2019 to the United States in 2026—demonstrates how one individual’s experience can contribute meaningfully to global conversations about faith, freedom, and human rights.

Looking Ahead

BACA welcomes the opportunity for voices like Nissar Hussain’s to be heard on a wider मंच, particularly where discussions centre on the fundamental right to freedom of belief. His journey—from living under threat in the UK to addressing international audiences—illustrates both the personal cost of persecution and the importance of continued advocacy.

We remain mindful that these are sensitive and often complex issues. However, the principle that individuals should be free to choose and change their beliefs without fear of violence or coercion is one that underpins international human rights frameworks.

It is our hope that increased dialogue—both in the UK and internationally—will lead to greater understanding, improved protections, and meaningful support for those at risk due to their faith or beliefs.

BACA continues to stand with individuals like Nissar Hussain and all those who face persecution for exercising their freedom of conscience.

Further reading:

A brief survey of apostasy related hate crime against Ex-Muslims

Written submission from the British Pakistani Christian Association (HCL0047) to Public Inquiry on Islamophobia.

UK Hate crime inquiry submission: Hate crimes in the UK against Ex-Muslims, Experiences, Effects and Recommendations.