Campaigns

The BHA devotes much of its time to campaigning and lobbying on behalf of everyone who considers themselves to be a humanist or holds humanist views. We work for an open society and a secular state with no religious privilege or discrimination based on religion or belief. We also campaign for a rational approach to public ethical issues in order to contribute to a public life where decisions are made on evidence rather than on the basis of irrational beliefs or religious doctrines. Visit www.humanism.org.uk/campaigns

As a national organisation, the BHA presents expertly argued views to Parliament and the Government: lobbying Parliament, submitting evidence to enquiries, making submissions to Government, responding to consultations, and conducting media campaigns. We have a close working relationship with the All Party Parliamentary Humanist Group.

Our campaigns include: Religion and Schools, including ‘faith’ schools; Equalities, the “Big Society” and Localism, and Public Service Reform; Equal Marriage; Ethical and Scientific Issues; and more.

The BHA also works with NGOs from across the European Union and attends The European Parliament Platform for Secularism in Europe (EPPSP). The EPPSP is a forum which defends and promotes Fundamental Rights, with special focus on freedom of religion (including freedom from religion), freedom of conscience and freedom of speech. The BHA was also involved in, and is an administrator for, the Alliance for a Secular Europe. The Alliance is a grouping of organisations seeking to defend progressive laws and causes against reactionary religious influence on political decision-making in Europe and, more generally, to promote secularism in European politics.


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Press Releases

BHA welcomes new findings in support of compulsory sex and relationships education

The British Humanist Association (BHA) has today welcomed a number of new reports and surveys showing strong support for making Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) compulsory in schools.

Government approves 25 new religious Free Schools

The Department for Education (DfE) has today announced the approval of 102 new Free Schools due to open from September 2014, including 25 new religious schools, as well as one Steiner school. The British Humanist Association (BHA) has expressed regret at the continuing increase in the number of ‘faith’ schools.

Legal recognition of humanist marriages blocked in Commons

A proposal in the House of Commons to give legal recognition to humanist marriages in England and Wales has been halted through the last minute intervention of the Attorney General.

Humanists take part in International Day of UN Peacekeepers Remembrance Ceremony

Prominent humanists have taken a significant role in the International Day of UN Peacekeepers Remembrance Ceremony, which commemorates UN peacekeepers who have been killed in the line of duty.

BHA hits out at 'scaremongering' over humanist marriages

The BHA responds to Tory MP Tony Baldry's comments on humanist wedding: "In spite of some people's desperate scaremongering, the amendment does not open up legal recognition for any new weddings other than humanist ones."

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