The British Humanist Association (BHA) and Labour Humanists have held their ‘Second Annual “No Prayer” Breakfast’ at the Labour Party Autumn conference in Brighton. BHA and Labour Humanists were delighted to welcome BHA Distinguished Supporter Professor A C Grayling, Lord (Gus) Macdonald, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG), and Kelvin Hopkins MP as speakers at the meeting, which was chaired by Andrew Copson, BHA Director of Education and Public Affairs.
Lord Macdonald spoke about the current situation for humanists in Parliament, including the success of the APPHG which has well over 100 members from across all parties and in both Houses. Over the past year, humanists in Parliament have worked on issues as diverse as faith schools and the Census, to persecution against non-religious people and continuing discrimination against humanists in broadcasting.
Kelvin Hopkins MP, Vice Chair of the APPHG, spoke about how Humanism is now really on the map, as more and more people come together with shared values that are humane, rational and optimistic. He emphasised the need for continuing education campaigning, and expressed his belief that many of the current trends are in favour of those who have a humanistic ambition for society.
A C Grayling reflected that much of the increased noise made by religious lobby groups is ascribable to the fact that their actual membership is decreasing. He argued that religious groups should be treated just as other civil society groups with no extra privileges and that they should realise that is what they are. He also emphasised the need for humanists to promote the humanist vision of society, where individual flourishing and wellbeing is protected, promoted and celebrated.
With contributions and questions from the floor, discussion between panellists and delegates than ranged over subjects as various as the origin of the maypole, how humanists should raise their children, the pagan origins of Easter and Christmas, and faith schools.
Andrew Copson thanked all the speakers and delegates for taking part and looked forward to welcoming everyone back in 2010 for the third “no prayer” breakfast.
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The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief.