The European Humanist Federation, of which the BHA is a member, met with the Hungarian presidency of the EU and had a successful meeting, managing to discuss the humanist perspective on European secularism and several Hungarian policy decisions. Revolving presidencies of the EU often meet with various Churches, but it is rare that Humanist organisations are met with. This therefore provided Europe’s umbrella humanist organisation a great opportunity to represent humanist views at a truly international level.
After a brief discussion on the place of religion, humanism and secularism in Europe, the EHF were able to discuss further details of the new Hungarian constitution and its human rights shortfalls; its family and demographics policy and the effect of this on women; freedom of speech and state control in relation to Hungary’s new media law; and hypocrisies in European efforts to tackle discrimination.
The EHF called it a ‘frank and friendly’ meeting, and hopes to have many more similar meetings with future Presidencies.
Read the full press release here