The All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG) came together yesterday to meet Humanists UK President Dr Adam Rutherford at its AGM and meeting. The event formally introduced Adam to parliamentarians in the Group, and saw the APPHG Chair Tommy Sheppard MP host a wide-ranging discussion on humanism, science education, and many other topics.
In a conversation chaired by Tommy Sheppard MP, attending MPs and peers were introduced to Humanists UK’s President Adam Rutherford. Adam is an acclaimed geneticist, science writer, broadcaster, and humanist, and has been President of Humanists UK since March 2022.
In the lively conversation, Adam stressed that he saw his main role as President as being able to advance public awareness and understanding of humanism. Adam said this is more important than ever as the population is becoming more non-religious. He also praised the BBC Radio 4 programme Beyond Belief’s recent episode on humanism as a great introduction to the topic.
During the discussion, APPHG members reiterated the Group’s calls for legal recognition of humanist marriages in England and Wales as a crucial step towards a wider recognition of humanist beliefs and values in society.
Adam spoke passionately about the importance of robust science education in schools, and why for him that describes both teaching science properly and thoroughly, but also encouraging more young people to consider that a science education is for them.
The meeting to introduce parliamentarians to Adam Rutherford followed on from the APPHG’s AGM.
The All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group is a cross-party group of Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords of all the main parties. The Group is not part of Humanists UK, but Humanists UK provides the secretariat.
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Read more about the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group.
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.