Broadcaster, writer, and President of Humanists UK Janet Ellis joined parliamentarians at a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group in Westminster yesterday, and called on them to act across our campaigns on humanist marriages, inclusive education, and compassionate assisted dying reform.
In a conversation chaired by Lizzi Collinge MP, attending MPs and peers were introduced to Humanists UK’s President Janet Ellis. During the wide-ranging conversation, Janet reflected on her own journey to humanism, discussing how her non-religious beliefs have shaped her career.
Janet spoke passionately about Humanists UK campaigns. This included the need for inclusive education in schools, and an education that gives all children hope, choice and opportunity.
The discussion also touched on assisted dying reform, where Janet spoke about the need for parliamentarians to bring back the Assisted Dying Bill after it was talked out in the House of Lords without a vote.
Janet also raised the pressing need to grant humanist couples in England and Wales the same right to marry in line with their beliefs as their religious counterparts, and as humanist couples enjoy in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, and beyond. She called on Government to use its existing powers to lay the Order to legally recognise humanist marriage without delay.
The All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group is a cross-party group of around 130 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.
President of Humanists UK, Janet Ellis, said:
‘It was wonderful to attend my first meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group as President of Humanists UK and meet so many committed MPs and peers.
The warmth and support in the room for our campaigns – from the urgent need for legal recognition of humanist marriages in England and Wales to the push for more inclusive education and compassionate assisted dying reform – was reassuring and inspiring in equal measure. I look forward to working alongside the group to ensure the non-religious voice continues to be heard in Westminster.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only).
Read more about the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 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.