How does a humanist idea become a change in the law?

At Humanists UK there is a small team working to make it happen. Join Sheffield Humanists for an in-conversation event with Dr Lewis Young, a Policy and Campaigns Manager from Humanists UK’s Human Rights and Advocacy directorate. In this behind-the-scenes look, he will explore how Humanists UK works with parliamentarians, drafts evidence, supports legal challenges, and campaigns across a vast policy area where humanist values are at stake. He will also talk about how equality, choice, and secularism are won, and how local humanists can help make change happen.

The conversation will range across past successes and live issues, including legal recognition of humanist marriages in England and Wales, assisted dying, inclusive education, the role of faith schools, blasphemy laws, broadcast and media equality, and the continuing case for a secular state, from Thought for the Day to bishops in the House of Lords.

We will also ask how Humanists UK decides what to prioritise, what happens inside its Policy Unit, and what practical role members and supporters can play, whether by writing to MPs, responding to consultations, raising issues locally, or helping keep humanist values visible in public debate. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion.

Speaker bio

Dr Lewis Young is a Policy and Campaigns Manager in the Human Rights and Advocacy team at Humanists UK. He is the policy and campaigns lead for Humanists UK’s work on education which covers faith schools (whether state-funded, private, or illegal), collective worship, and Religious Education. Lewis holds a PhD in the history of educational activism, and prior to working for Humanists UK was a Communications and Campaigns Manager for a Member of Parliament.

Event programme

19:30 Introduction
19:40 Presentation
20:30 Break
20:40 Q&A

The venue has free parking, but you must enter your vehicle's registration number on the tablet at the entrance or at the bar.

The bar is usually only run by one person so please come early to get a drink.

Please register to let us know you are coming. This event is free, but we welcome any donations, which help with the running of our group.