The British Humanist Association (BHA) has applauded the decision by English Heritage not to agree to the reburial of prehistoric human remains, as had been requested by the Council of British Druid Orders (CoBDO).
Following a lengthy consultation, English Heritage has published its decision today, stating that the bones, currently held at the Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury, should be kept in the museum for the benefit of public access and understanding.
Naomi Phillips, BHA Head of Public Affairs, said, ‘We applaud English Heritage’s excellent report on their decision. The unshared beliefs of people with no more genetic ‘claim’ over the human remains than anybody else in Western Europe should never trump the enormous scientific, sociological, and educational benefit to the public that the historic human remains provide. Although this decision does not set a binding precedent, we are hopeful that it will help bodies such as English Heritage to reject any future such requests without such a lengthy and costly consultation period.’
Notes
Read English Heritage’s response to the consultation.
English Heritage found:
• the benefit to future understanding likely to result from not reburying the remains far outweighs the harm likely to result from not reburying them;
• it does not meet the criteria set out by the DCMS for considering such requests;
• not reburying the remains is the more reversible option;
• the public generally support the retention of prehistoric human remains in museums, and their inclusion in museum displays to increase understanding.
Read the BHA’s response to the consultation.
For comment or information, contact Naomi Phillips on 07540 257 101.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing the interests of the large and growing population of ethically concerned, non-religious people living in the UK. It is committed to human rights and democracy, and has a long history of active engagement in work for an open and inclusive society and for a rational approach to public ethical issues.
The BHA’s policies are informed by its members, who include eminent authorities in many fields, and by other specialists and experts who share humanist values and concerns.