History of William McIlroy (secularist) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 12, 2026

William J. "Bill" McIlroy was a prominent British secularist and atheist activist, known for his work as a writer and editor promoting secularism. He dedicated his life to advocating for the separation of church and state and challenging religious influence in public life. McIlroy's contributions significantly shaped the secularist movement in Britain through his writings and activism.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 1928: William Mcllroy's Birth

William J. "Bill" McIlroy was born in July 1928.

1963: National Secular Society General Secretary

From 1963, McIlroy worked as National Secular Society General Secretary.

1963: General secretary of the National Secular Society

In 1963, McIlroy served as the general secretary of the National Secular Society.

1970: Editor of The Freethinker

During 1970, McIlroy served as editor of The Freethinker, after stepping down as general secretary of the National Secular Society.

1970: National Secular Society General Secretary

Until 1970, McIlroy worked as National Secular Society General Secretary alongside David Tribe.

1971: Editor of The Freethinker

During 1971, McIlroy served as editor of The Freethinker.

1971: David Tribe's Presidency Ends

In 1971, David Tribe's presidency of the society ended.

1972: General secretary of the National Secular Society

In 1972, McIlroy served as the general secretary of the National Secular Society.

1975: Editor of The Freethinker

In 1975, McIlroy served as editor of The Freethinker.

December 1976: End of Freethinker editorship stint

In December 1976, McIlroy concluded his second stint as editor of The Freethinker.

August 1977: Secretary of the Committee Against Blasphemy Law

In August 1977, McIlroy was secretary of the Committee Against Blasphemy Law, which was founded to protest the trial of the editor and publishers of Gay News.

1977: End of stint as general secretary of the National Secular Society

In 1977, McIlroy concluded his stint as general secretary of the National Secular Society.

September 1981: Returns to editing The Freethinker

In September 1981, McIlroy began his third stint as editor of The Freethinker, continuing until December 1992.

1982: Vision and Realism is Published

In 1982, Jim Herrick's history of The Freethinker, "Vision and Realism" was published, commenting on McIlroy's "journalistic flair and sense of humour".

1989: Reforms Committee Against Blasphemy Law

In 1989, McIlroy, along with Nicolas Walter, reformed The Committee Against Blasphemy Law to protest the threat to Salman Rushdie over Rushdie's The Satanic Verses.