I Love Life More Than I Love

It Was Friday, July 24, 1992, When I Stepped On The Train. Every Year I Think Of It. I See It As My Real Birthday: The Birth Of Me As A Person, Making Decisions About My Life On My Own. I Was Not Running Away From Islam, Or To Democracy. I Didn't Have Any Big Ideas Then. I Was Just A Young Girl And Wanted Some Way To Be Me; So I Bolted Into The Unknown.

I Have Had To Pay A Price For Leaving Islam And For Speaking Out. I Have To Pay For Round-the-clock Security Because Of The Death Threats Against Me.

Avoiding Offense Means That We Don't Accept Each Other As Equals.

The West Is Duly Terrified. But It Should Not Be Surprised.

In A Well-functioning Democracy, The State Constitution Is Considered More Important Than God's Holy Book, Whichever Holy Book That May Be, And God Matters Only In Your Private Life.