BHA equalities conference a resounding success

23 January, 2009

Yesterday, the BHA ran the third in a series of conferences which examine the issues involved in ‘religion or belief’ equalities work. The conference was held in Birmingham and delegates included people from the local voluntary and community sector, local authority staff and people working in the field of education. 

The keynote speech was delivered by A.C. Grayling, a Professor of Philosophy and writer on human rights and ‘religion or belief.’  Other speakers included Andrew Copson, BHA Director of Education and Public Affairs, Tony Pearce, Regional Officer of the National Union of Teachers and Joy Madeiros, Director of Public Policy of Faithworks.

The conference was a resounding success and attracted over fifty delegates.  Pepper Harow, BHA Equality and Human Rights Project Officer said, ‘These conferences are helping to raise awareness of many issues which some people find difficult to talk about.  Some of the subjects discussed are controversial and problems are caused by a lack of knowledge in the public and voluntary sector about relatively new ‘religion or belief’ legislation and equality work.’

Miss Harow added, ‘These conferences are helping to create a space where these sensitive subjects can be discussed in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding.’

The conferences are part of a BHA project funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission which aims to increase understanding of the ‘religion or belief’ equality ‘strand.’

One delegate at yesterday’s conference described the day as a ‘really great event – stimulating, engaging and very informative’ while Grayling’s address was described as ‘inspiring, enjoyable and just brilliant.’

The BHA is holding one final conference in Cardiff on the 17th February.  The keynote speaker is the Minster for Social Justice and Local Government at the Welsh Assembly.

Notes

For more information contact Pepper Harow on 020 7462 4992

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief.