Campaigns

The BHA devotes much of its time to campaigning on behalf of humanists and those who hold similar views.

Millions of people in Britain are unbelievers – YouGov in December 2004 found 35%, with another 21% don't knows. And very many of them, when they have Humanism explained to them, say "Well, I suppose I've been a humanist all along without realising it." Humanism embraces most people who try to lead a moral or ethical life by making decisions on the evidence rather than on the basis of religious doctrines.
If you think you may be a humanist, click here to find out more.

The Human Rights Act is the basis of much of our campaigning. It guarantees freedom of religion or belief - and 'belief' includes Humanism, atheism and agnosticism. The Act also outlaws discrimination on the basis of religion or belief by public authorities. Much of our campaigning is simply to see the guarantees in the Human Rights Act implemented.

Sadly, as will be seen from the examples below, the Government is often reluctant to recognise the implications of its own Act.

We base our campaigns on the idea of the Open Society - one that is free, democratic and recognises the rights of all.

Such a society respects the rights of all beliefs but offers privileges to none. So in standing up for the rights of humanists and others who live their life without religion we often find ourselves in agreement – sometimes in alliance – with people who are not humanists (for example, the Muslim Council of Britain over incitement of hatred on the basis of religion or belief).

We present expert submissions to Parliamentary committees, issue briefs to MPs and Lords, respond to Government and other consultations. Sometimes - as with religion in schools - we initiate effective campaigns by ourselves. And because our campaigns are (in principle) in tune with the Government’s own agenda of inclusion and non-discrimination, we can have a real impact!

The pages listed below have all the news about our current and recent campaigns. They are updated frequently, so bookmark them and keep returning.

Of course, the most effective campaigns combine local action with work at national level. For example, we can produce the arguments against faith and sectarian schools in favour of inclusive schools where children from families of all faiths and none are educated together and learn about each other’s beliefs, but Local Education Authorities only consult and listen to the views of local people when making decisions about a new faith school in their area.

So if you share our views click here to get involved – our success depends on you! Take a look at what you can do to help and find half an hour to lend our campaigns some extra strength.

Better still, join us!

Religion and Schools
Schools are where many people first encounter religion and religious privilege. Religious schools, almost entirely paid for by public funds, account for 1 in 4 school places (and rising). What hope for social cohesion? Non-religious schools have to have collective worship mainly of a broadly Christian character. The National Framework for RE suggests teaching about Humanism alongside religions, but how many schools are doing it? What is the BHA doing to improve things?

The Proposed European Union Constitution
Did you realise that Article 52 gives the churches (and other religious/belief groups) privileged consultation rights with the Commission? Why should the Vatican be privileged over the International Planned Parenthood Federation?

Equality Issues
The BHA is deeply involved with the plans for a Commission on Equality and Human Rights. We campaign for laws against discrimination based on religion or belief (but have strong reservations about the Government's Equality Bill), sexuality and other irrelevant factors, and we want a Single Equality Act.

Religious Offences
You can still end up in jail for blasphemy, and incitement to religious hatred has become a huge issue. The BHA supports a law on incitement but only with proper safeguards.

Marriage and Civil Partnerships
The Government is planning a thorough reform of the law on marriage but has so far refused to give legal recognistion to humanist weddings. We demand equal treatment for humanists. Read also about our work for equality for same sex partners.

Charity Law
The Government's Charities Bill still discriminates against humanists, with 'advancement of religion' a recognised head of charity but advancement of non-religious beliefs demeaned by relegation to the catch-all final head, risking further discrimination.

House of Lords Reform
Why should Church of England bishops have 26 places in the Lords? With a free vote expected in the new Parliament, will 90% of the public (Lord Chancellor's consultation) get their way and say goodbye to this remnant of theocracy?

Privileges for Faith Communities
Faith communities already have privileged access to Government. But the Government also wants to involve them in policy making, and to expand their role in the provision of services in the community. And why doesn’t Human Rights Law apply when public services are contracted out to charities?

Broadcasting
The BHA won the legal right to programmes about Humanism on public service channels in the Communications Act of 2003 – so why has the BBC refused to take any notice? And why does Radio 4’s Thought for the Day still forbid any but religious thoughts?

Darwin Day Campaign
The BHA supports this international campaign for a public holiday on Charles Darwin’s birthday

Parliamentary Humanist Group
The cross-party group of MPs and Lords in Parliament.

Miscellaneous Discrimination Issues
Other issues the BHA has taken up on behalf of humanists and others without religious beliefs include the lack of humanist 'chaplains' in the NHS, the armed forces and prisons.

Other human rights and ethical issues
The BHA represents humanist views on a variety of other human rights, social and ethical issues including assisted dying, prostitution, burial law, historic human remains, human genetics and more.

Humanist Peace Forum
The Humanist Peace Forum is independent of the BHA but supported by many humanists.