The British Humanist Association (BHA) is encouraging its members and supporters to hold to account their candidates in the local elections, taking place in England and Wales on 4 May 2017, and find out their views on issues of importance to the non-religious. The general election may also be just around the corner, and we will be providing more information on this well in advance, but it is vital that the humanist voice is heard at a local level too.
Candidates are being asked about their views on key secular and humanist issues, namely ‘faith’ school admissions, Humanism in religious education syllabuses, prayers at council meetings, and discrimination in public services. The BHA has also produced a briefing for you to use when asking questions of candidates in writing, on the doorstep, or at local hustings.
BHA Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented, ‘Local councils play a hugely important role in shaping our society and the direction it takes. This is particularly true when it comes to issues such as “faith” school admissions, the character of religious education in our schools, and the safeguarding of human rights and equality in the provision of our public services. It is vital that everyone who shares our vision for a secular, fair, and more equal society speaks out in favour of reform and holds their candidates to account come 4 May.’
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For further comment or information, please contact BHA Campaigns Manager Jay Harman on jay@humanists.uk or 0207 324 3078.
Read our briefing on the local elections: https://humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017-04-27-FINAL-Questions-for-humanists-at-local-elections.docx.pdf
Read more about the BHA’s work on:
- ‘Faith’ schools: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/schools-and-education/faith-schools/
- Religious Education: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/schools-and-education/school-curriculum/religious-education/
- Human Rights and equality: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/human-rights-and-equality/
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 is independent of all political parties and does not support, fund, or advocate any particular political party.