About us

Northern Ireland Humanists brings non-religious people together in Northern Ireland to shape their own lives in the one life we have.

A speaker at the Northern Ireland Humanists conference in front of our banner

Who we are

We’re humanists: people who shape our own lives in the here and now, because we believe this is the only life we get. We bring non-religious people together, support them at life’s biggest moments, and make the case for a fair, secular Northern Ireland.

Our work is led by our coordinator, based in Belfast, and carried out by volunteers across Northern Ireland: celebrants, pastoral carers, school speakers, and local group organisers.

65CelebrantsLeading weddings, funerals, and namings across all six counties.
6Pastoral carersSupport without religion in hospitals, hospices, and prisons.
11School speakersHelping pupils learn about humanism from humanists.
StormontCampaigningFor inclusive education, equality, and an end to religious privilege.

Meet the team

Boyd Sleator
Boyd SleatorNorthern Ireland Coordinator

Boyd leads our work in Northern Ireland. He has led our campaigns for legal humanist marriage, abortion law reform, and the repeal of the blasphemy laws, and the JR87 case on religious education that went to the Supreme Court.

boyd.sleator@humanists.uk
  • Iain DeboysChair, and a trustee of Humanists UK
  • Norma SleatorSchool speaker coordinator
  • Scott WilsonBangor Humanists coordinator
  • Laura FitzsimonsDelivery group volunteer and wedding celebrant
A speaker on stage beneath the word curiousAn audience listening at a Northern Ireland Humanists talkA speaker on stage beside the Northern Ireland Humanists bannerMembers marching at Belfast Pride

Part of Humanists UK

Being part of a national charity with 125 years’ history gives us legal, research, and campaigns expertise that a local group couldn’t sustain alone. Decisions about our work here are shaped by people here.

Working across the island

We work with the Humanist Association of Ireland on issues that cross the border, from ceremonies to education.