British Humanist Association supports Power 2010

The BHA is supporting a campaign promoting a healthy, inclusive and vibrant approach to democracy. The Power 2010 campaign hopes to increase participation in, and discussion about, democratic processes in the UK by creating a list of people’s priorities for democratic reform.

The campaign began in September when anyone could submit their ideas for reform to Power2010, The 4,500 received were then deliberated on by a random selection of the public who created a shortlist of 29 key ideas.

BHA Campaigns Officer Pepper Harow stated, ‘The BHA is heavily involved in work that encourages participation and involvement by all individuals at all levels of government. Our local groups and members are hugely active at local level; whether it be joining local coalitions or working with others on equalities and citizens forums. Democracy can only work as a system if it gives people a voice and allows people the freedom to stand up and be counted and this is exactly what this campaign is about.

‘Some of the suggested courses of action from Power2010 are of particular interest to humanists. For example, although the BHA takes no position on a preferred structure to the second chamber, a fully elected second chamber would remove the automatic right for 26 Bishops to sit in the House of Lords, the debate around a Bill of Rights may have important implications for freedom of belief and extending the Freedom of Information Act to cover, for example, the Church of England, would have an effect on the BHA’s campaigning work.

‘The BHA will be encouraging all its members and supporters to take part in the campaign.’

Notes

For more information or comment, please contact Pepper Harow on 02074624992

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.