what is humanism? what is the british humanist association? legislation social cohesion and...
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What is Humanism?
What is the British Humanist Association?
Legislation
Social Cohesion and Interfaith
Equalities
Public Services
Education
Faith Schools
British Humanist Association1 Gower Street,
London.WC1E 6HD
Registered Charity No. 285987Equality- the non-religious perspective
The British Humanist Association
British Humanist Association1 Gower Street,
London.WC1E 6HD
Registered Charity No. 285987
The British Humanist Association
What is Humanism?Non religious ethical philosophy (not a faith)
The belief that we can live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs
Believe in individual rights and freedoms ‑ but believe that individual responsibility, social cooperation and mutual respect are just as important
Make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values
Encompasses atheism and agnosticism
Not anti religious
The ‘Golden Rule’
Moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone
Equality- the non-religious perspective
British Humanist Association1 Gower Street,
London.WC1E 6HD
Registered Charity No. 285987Equality- the non-religious perspective
The British Humanist Association
"I was a humanist without knowing it for many years before I found the Association - when I did, it was like finding a sort of home.” Claire Rayner
BHA Vice President
What is the British Humanist Association?
Largest national charity representing non-religious
Over 7500 members
Over 200 Celebrants
Campaigns at government and local level
Over 80 local groups
Specialists in Religion and Belief field
Legislation
Human Rights Act 1998
The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003
Equality Act Part 2 – Religion or Belief 2006
Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006
Case law on religion or belief
The Single Equality Bill?
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance. ”
Human Rights Act
British Humanist Association1 Gower Street,
London.WC1E 6HD
Registered Charity No. 285987Equality- the non-religious perspective
The British Humanist Association
British Humanist Association1 Gower Street,
London.WC1E 6HD
Registered Charity No. 285987Equality- the non-religious perspective
The British Humanist Association
Social Cohesion and InterfaithCommission on Integration and Cohesion
Face to Face and Side by Side consultation
Guidance documents
Face to Face and Side by Side Government paper
Local Government inclusion
Communities in Control
Funding “ For many, faith is not passive, but active. The values of care for the vulnerable, and responsibility towards others, are lived out through practical acts of social concern. When there are problems in a neighbourhood ...faith communities are often the first on the scene, making a difference and remaining steadfast and committed where others might despair."
Rt. Hon Hazel Blears MPForward to ‘Face to Face’
Equality
“We're making it harder for anyone to discriminate against you because of your religion or beliefs (or lack of religion or belief).”
Race Cohesion and Faith Directorate
Communities and Local Government
Equality policies
Government equality work
Single Equality Bill
EHRC
Race, Cohesion and Faith Directorate
British Humanist Association1 Gower Street,
London.WC1E 6HD
Registered Charity No. 285987
The British Humanist AssociationEquality- the non-religious perspective
British Humanist Association1 Gower Street,
London.WC1E 6HD
Registered Charity No. 285987Equality- the non-religious perspective
The British Humanist Association
Public Services
“Any organisation providing public services must be prohibited from discriminating against current and potential employees.”
Quality and Equality Executive Summary November 2007
QUALITY AND EQUALITY:
HUMAN RIGHTS, PUBLIC SERVICES AND RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIO NS
Religious Education
SACRES
Compulsory Worship
Sex Education
Education legislation
Children’s rights
Values
“Humanism is a non-religious approach to life, which the Government and QCA recommend be studied in schools as an example of a secular philosophy.”
www.humanismforschools.org.uk
British Humanist Association1 Gower Street,
London.WC1E 6HD
Registered Charity No. 285987
The British Humanist Association
Education
Equality- the non-religious perspective
British Humanist Association1 Gower Street,
London.WC1E 6HD
Registered Charity No. 285987
The British Humanist AssociationEquality- the non-religious perspective
Faith Schools
Admissions
Employment policies
Myths
Funding
Parental choice
“I’m for faith, not faith schools”
Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain