Today Northern Ireland Humanists has published a table giving an overview of their views on issues of concern to their members and supporters, ahead of the upcoming Northern Ireland Assembly election.
Northern Ireland Humanists put 7 questions to the various parties last month, and has produced the tables by drawing on these responses, the parties’ manifestos, and other sources.
The questions asked were:
- Do you support repealing the blasphemy laws in Northern Ireland?
- Do you support ending religious discrimination in the employment of staff in all state-funded schools?
- Do you support replacing faith-based religious education in state-funded schools with a curriculum that treats all major religions and humanism equally?
- Do you support transforming existing schools to integrated status and all new schools to be integrated unless for special circumstances?
- Do you support introducing assisted dying for people who are terminally ill or are permanently and incurably suffering, in order to protect their right to autonomy and self-determination?
- Do you support introducing a ban on so-called ‘conversion therapy’ that aims to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity?
- Would you oppose any moves in Westminster to weaken judicial review or the Human Rights Act?
Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator commented:
‘These Assembly elections come at a crucial time for Northern Ireland and its future. It has never been more important for Northern Ireland residents to participate in our democratic processes. We hope that humanists across Northern Ireland will take up matters of shared concern with their candidates, and that our research will equip voters with the knowledge they need to make a fully informed decision.’
Notes:
For further comment or information, media should contact Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator at boyd@humanists.uk or phone 07918 975795.
Read more about Northern Ireland Humanists.
Northern Ireland Humanists is part of Humanists UK, working with the Humanist Association of Ireland. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.