The British Humanist Association (BHA) joined a lobby at the European Parliament in Brussels this week, the first one of its kind organised by the European Humanist Federation (EHF). Naomi Phillips, BHA Head of Public Affairs, joined representatives of humanist organisations from a number of other European countries, to meet with MEPs to discuss shared humanist concerns.
The EHF was particularly concerned to draw MEPs’ attention to the continuing and often disproportionate influence of religion to politics and society throughout Europe.
Naomi Phillips said, ‘Many of the issues that the BHA works for, such as the teaching of science and the promotion of scientific research unencumbered by religious dogma, equal rights for people regardless of sexuality or belief, and the separation of church and state, are issues shared by humanist organisations across Europe.’
‘When meeting MEPs, we discussed the challenges to the secular principles of the functioning of the European Union, the rise of creationist teaching in schools and impositions on human rights such as freedom of speech and belief in the UK and abroad.’
‘We were delighted with the warm reception we received from MEPs from all different political groups, many of whom were sympathetic to our position. We hope that the issues raised by the EHF will be taken up in the European Parliament and wider.’
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For any further questions or information, please contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.
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. The BHA is affiliated to the European Humanist Federation (EHF) and to the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU).