Council meetings are for local democracy – not for making councillors perform religion and patriotism.
Most people in the UK now are not religious, but some Reform UK-led councils in recent months are using local democracy as a backdrop for divisive culture war stunts.
In Essex, the new Reform UK administration has announced that council meetings will begin with the Lord’s Prayer and end with the National Anthem. In Kent, councillors have already voted to introduce the same practice.
This is being dressed up as ‘civic patriotism’ – but you can be a patriot without being a Christian. In fact, most British people today are not Christians. Over 60% of young people are not religious.
Mixing religion with politics is always a bad idea. Councils are not churches. They are meant to be places where elected representatives get on with fixing roads, funding social care, running libraries, protecting children, and delivering services for everyone in their communities.
At Humanists UK, we defend secularism because it treats everyone equally. In a secular approach, no one is privileged on the basis of their religion or belief or made to feel excluded on that basis.
Forcing religion into council meetings isn’t just cynical – it’s not very British. Most British people don’t feel strongly about religion. This is the sort of political stunt we associate with the American Deep South, not Southend!
Councils should reflect the values and aspirations of British democracy: a pluralistic, caring society where people of different beliefs work together to solve problems.
If Reform UK thinks this kind of a stunt is a winner for them, where will it end? With yet more religion in politics?
Add your name today and stand with Humanists UK to demand councils that serve everyone – with policies, not prayers.
Thanks for adding your name. Now, will you help fuel the campaign for a fairer, more tolerant UK?
Our movement is standing up for human and animal rights, justice, and equality – and together we’re changing the law on key issues such as non-stun slaughter, abortion, and LGBT rights. Will you help power our campaigns by becoming a member today?
We know that not everyone can commit to membership at this time – but will you consider a one-off donation instead?
Every one of our campaigns, from standing up for the rights of humans and animals, to decriminalising abortion, is fuelled by people like you. If you believe in a fairer, more tolerant UK, will you help build it by making a one-off donation today?
Now – will you share this and help our movement grow?
It will take all of us standing together to build a tolerant society that reflects our values. Will you share now, so others can sign too?
Before you go – read 2,000 years of Humanist wisdom in this fascinating book.
The Little Book of Humanism offers universal lessons on finding meaning, purpose, and joy in our ever more uncertain world. Get yours now:
And finally: will you join us on social media so you don’t miss a thing?
Thank you again for adding your name – it means the world! For key updates from the campaign to ban harmful religious conversion therapy, make sure you follow us on social media right now. We’re on all the usual places:
PS: if you’ve opted in to get emails from us, we’ll be in touch soon. If not, don’t miss out on exclusive opportunities to sign up to events and hear more about humanism – sign up now – it only takes 30 seconds.