Today Wales Humanists has responded to Welsh Government’s Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales. The Commission is consulting on options for how Wales might be governed in the future.
In its response, Wales Humanists has urged Welsh Government to continue its commitment to secular ideals, freedom of religion and belief, and protecting the Human Rights Act. Wales Humanists has asked that the Government strives for equality in all areas of public life and address the continuing areas of religious discrimination, like faith schools, collective worship in all schools, and the lack of non-religious pastoral carers in hospitals, alongside chaplains. Wales Humanists also raised concerns about areas of policy that are not devolved but impact people’s lives in Wales.
Wales Humanists Coordinator Kathy Riddick commented:
‘The balance of power in Westminster with bishops in the House of Lords is not in line with the Welsh Government approach. Furthermore, areas of policy such as marriage law and assisted dying have failed to move forward in Wales as they have in places they are devolved such as Scotland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, in spite of the will of the Welsh public and politicians for them to advance. It is time for the UK Government to recognise the desire for change in Wales, or permit more local and representative control over these issues.’
Notes:
For further comment or information, media should contact Wales Humanists Coordinator Kathy Riddick at kathy@humanists.uk or phone 07881 625 378.
Read our full response to the commission.
See the full details of the Welsh Government consultation on constitutional reform.
Wales Humanists is part of Humanists UK. 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.