Frank Turner appointed Patron of the BHA

1 November, 2016

Vocal: musician Frank Turner. Photo: Brantley Gutierrez.
Vocal: musician Frank Turner. Photo: Brantley Gutierrez.

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is delighted to announce the appointment of musician Frank Turner as its newest Patron. Since his debut in the 2000s, Turner has developed a unique sound which blends poignant lyricism, folk influence, and emotive rock vocals. His themes are varied, but his songs have touched on national identity, atheism, regret, and the liberating power of music. Outside of his music, he is also a prominent supporter of the right to die.

He joins over 150 other public figures, including some of the UK’s most celebrated scientists, philosophers, actors, comedians, musicians, artists, writers, and academics, all of whom contribute to the work of the BHA in different ways through their role as Patrons.

Commenting on the appointment, BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson said, ‘Frank is a musician whose work peers into the depths of the human condition, combining a novelist’s powers of observation with poetic lyrical clarity. We are absolutely delighted to welcome him on board as the newest Patron of the BHA.

‘All of our Patrons are talented individuals who have, in one way or another, made real contributions to the cultural, intellectual, or scientific progress of our species, just as humanists have done throughout history. Whether it’s by helping raise awareness of our campaigning work or by assisting us to promote public understanding of Humanism, they lend us the visibility and impact we need to achieve our aim of a secular state ensuring human rights and equality for all.’

Notes

The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.

The BHA has well over 150 patrons who support its work in various ways through their expertise and prominence in various fields. Existing patrons include significant figures from the spheres of science, philosophy, human rights activism, politics, the arts, and broadcasting. The BHA’s President is the author and comedian Shappi Khorsandi, who is supported by Vice Presidents Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor A C Grayling, and Polly Toynbee. For a full list of patrons, see https://humanists.uk/about/our-people/patrons.