humanism - A Tippling Philosopher (Page 2)

Humanists Call Out State Department Commission’s Overly Narrow Interpretation of Human Rights Advocacy

From the American Humanist Association: Humanist leaders take issue with the recently released draft report from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s Commission on Unalienable Rights, which examined the United States’ founding documents to prioritize commitments to international rights and liberties around the world. The commission interpreted that Christian values

humanism

England: Waiting for Humanist Weddings to Be a Thing

This was a good little watch to brighten my morning. Long overdue. Let's get it done, England. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jzg5kSWFXA Stay in touch! Like A Tippling Philosopher on Facebook: A Tippling Philosopher You can also buy me a cuppa. Or buy some of my

Education

Welsh Government introduces new Bill requiring Religion, Values, and Ethics lessons to be fully inclusive of humanism

From Humanists UK: A new Welsh Government Bill that will change the law on religious education to make it clear that humanism must be taught about equally alongside the major religions has been laid before the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) this week. Wales Humanists – which has long campaigned for a curriculum

humanism

Global persecution of humanists continues to worsen, new report reveals

This is from Humanists UK: A new report published today by Humanists International has revealed worsening persecution of the non-religious in many parts of the globe. The report, which takes a detailed look at eight countries, finds ‘clear and growing evidence of the targeting of humanist and atheist activists on

humanism

More humanist than Christian marriages in Scotland in 2019, new stats show

From Humanists UK: An analysis of newly released official statistics reveals that for the first time, there were more humanist marriages in Scotland last year than there were Christian marriages. Humanist marriages made up 23% of all marriages, while Christian marriages made up 22%. Humanists UK has called on the

faith schools

Morals Without Religion - Alice Roberts

I like Prof. Alice Roberts. She is a scientist and author who is excellent at communicating science on TV and other media and, now, humanism. She is relatively newly appointed to the President of Humanists UK. She courted controversy courtesy of the Times and other right-wing newspapers when, in an

humanism

Humanists in Fight for Right to Perform Nonreligious Marriages

This is from the American Humanist Association: Attorneys at the American Humanist Association (AHA) just filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the legitimacy of secular wedding officiants. The case in question, now at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, centers on Texas’s decision to enforce a

humanism

Humanists UK publishes parties’ policies on humanist issues

Humanists UK, in light of next week's snap election, have produced a report on which parties are best suited to promoting humanist ideals. Here is what they have to say: Humanists UK is urging its supporters to ask their election candidates where they stand on humanist issues including

AHA

Nations Criminalizing Blasphemy Blasted in NEW Report

This is from the American Humanist Association: A report on the human rights of nonreligious people warns “the world is divided” on blasphemy and apostasy laws, “with many states still enforcing these laws, and several states tightening or introducing new blasphemy legislation in the past few years.” The Freedom of

AHA

Humanists Seek Loving Homes for All Children

This is from the American Humanist Association: Attorneys at the American Humanist Association (AHA) have joined with other organizational legal teams to submit an amicus brief in support of adoption services free from religious discrimination. In December 2018, New Hope Family Services, a child welfare agency that receives public funding,

humanism

Local Humanists Demand Respect and Recognition from Gov. Bevin

Another press release from the American Humanist Association: Humanist and nontheist activists across Kentucky have joined with attorneys at the American Humanist Association in a warning letter following Governor Matthew Bevin’s (R) blatant Christian proselytization in a recent public video. On October 1, 2019, Bevin shared a video promoting

AHA

Abortion Access Is a Religious Freedom Issue, Say Humanists

From the American Humanist Association: Leaders at the American Humanist Association were disappointed to learn that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear the challenge to abortion access in Louisiana, as announced this morning. “This is just one manifestation of the extremism present in the federal judiciary,” explained Sunil Panikkath,

humanism

Sharp Rise in Humanist Weddings in England & Wales

There has been a growing trend of humanist weddings in the UK that has been spearheaded by Scotland, since they are legally binding ceremonies there. For all the progressive murmurings of David Cameron, one thing he refused to do was to sanction the legality of humanist weddings in England and

AHA

Humanists Launch National Effort to Combat Climate Change

Another one from the American Humanist Association: Today, the American Humanist Association (AHA), a national advocacy organization, launched the Humanist Environmental Response Effort (HERE) for Climate initiative. HERE for Climate raises awareness about what it takes to make a difference and connects local individuals and community organizations with the resources

atheism

Number of non-religious people in Britain jumps by 46%, new figures show

I'm not quite sure about the wording of the headline here from Humanists UK, but the sentiment is certainly plain to see. One of the challenges that receives the growing numbers of Muslim, Jewish and Hindu portions in the population see what you think. The number of people

humanism

Humanist marriages 'least likely to end in divorce'

Humanist weddings are growing in popularity in the UK. Well, let's be accurate... Humanist weddings are growing in popularity in Scotland. David Cameron, in his infinite wisdom, and even though he fought for gay marriage in Parliament, put the kaibosh on humanist weddings for no discernible reason. Scotland,

Charles Darwin

Humanists Cheer Darwin Day Resolutions Introduced in the 116th Congress

This is from the American Humanist Association: American Humanist Association (AHA) leaders applaud the introduction of House Resolution 123 and Senate Resolution 63, also known as the Darwin Day Resolutions. Introduced by Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the resolutions commemorate the birthday of famed biologist Charles

AHA

Humanists Denounce SCOTUS Decision to Allow Trans Military Ban

Below is a press release for the American Humanist Association. I thought it might be worthy of a little discussion. The question, I suppose, is whether the military is any way different to any other walk of life. There are arguments that are similar to the women on the frontline

AHA

Sunil Panikkath Elected as American Humanist Association President

A bit of news from the AHA. I have not heard of this chap, but am hoping he makes good impact: (Washington, D.C., January 17, 2019) – The American Humanist Association (AHA) is pleased to announce the recent election of Sunil Panikkath as president of the organization. In addition to

humanism

Atheists Warn Secretary of Agriculture against Proselytizing to Staff

This is from the American Humanist Association: (Washington D.C., December 21, 2018) – The American Humanist Association (AHA) legal team sent a warning letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue in response to his promotion of Christian ideology. In his official capacity, Perdue sent a letter to all

humanism

Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network now operating in 40% of hospitals

Stories like this may seem, in some senses, rather insignificant, but they reflect a growing trend and demand for things secular and nonreligious, at least in the UK. This is from the Humanists UK: Humanists UK is celebrating a year of success for the Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network (NRPSN), which

atheism

Nonreligious Representation on TV and Radio

I think, certainly in Britain, that the assumption of non-religiosity is very much taken for granted. We Brits are generally non-religious, perhaps largely apathetic, and many of those old-school CofE types are nominally religious at best, or keep their faith very close to their chests. Oh, we don't

humanism

Acclaimed scientist and broadcaster Alice Roberts appointed President of Humanists UK

This is a great appointment by Humanists UK, who have a habit of appointing great communicators to their posts. Alice Roberts (anatomist, osteoarchaeologist, physical anthropologist, palaeopathologist, television presenter and author!) has made some fab documentaries for the BBC, though American readers might not know who she is. Here are a

atheists

47 openly nontheist or humanist elected officials at the federal and state levels

From the Freethought Equality Fund: (Washington, D.C., Nov. 8, 2018)—Tuesday’s election will make 2019 the Year of the Freethinker. Once sworn into office, there will be 47 openly nontheist or humanist elected officials at the federal and state levels. “Prior to the 2016 elections we knew of

consequentialism

Theistic Morality and Improving the World

One of the real powers of humanist morality, or consequentialist morality in general, is that it looks to improve the world we live in. When we look at utilitarianism, then the idea of the greatest pleasure for the greatest number of people (or lack of pain) is tangibly about improving