Humanists UK sets out its priorities for the 2017 general election

25 May, 2017

Take action! Send an email asking your parliamentary candidate where they stand on our seven election priorities:

Humanists UK has published a list of humanist priorities for the upcoming general election on Thursday 8 June. The list sets out seven key issues for a fairer secular state with equal treatment in law for all citizens, regardless of religion or belief. Humanists UK is encouraging its members and supporters to hold their candidates to account in the general election, and find out what their views are on issues affecting the non-religious.

Humanists UK is calling upon people to ask their parliamentary candidates:

  1. Will you support fully inclusive admissions in English schools, free from discrimination on the basis of religion?
  2. Will you support ending compulsory daily worship in English schools?
  3. Will you support legal recognition of humanist marriages in England and Wales, as is the case in Scotland?
  4. Will support keeping the Human Rights Act and remaining part of the European Convention on Human Rights?
  5. Will you support the right to die for people who are terminally ill or incurably suffering?
  6. Will you support the decriminalisation of abortion throughout the UK?
  7. Will you support ending reserved seats for Church of England bishops in the House of Lords?

Humanists UK has prepared a briefing individuals can use when asking questions of candidates in writing, on the doorstep, or at hustings, and a policy table outlining where each of the major UK parties stand as a whole on the humanist issues.

Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented, ‘During general elections the voice of the religious lobby is loud and can dominate debate on issues such as “faith” schools, human rights, and public ethical issues. We must ensure that humanist voices are heard and that we push for the removal of policies that enshrine religious privilege and inequality in our society.’

Notes

For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson on richy@humanists.uk or 020 7324 3072.

Read more about our 2017 general election priorities here: https://humanists.uk/GE2017

Send an email asking your parliamentary candidate where they stand on our seven election priorities here

Download our policy table for UK parties. 

Northern Ireland Humanists is a part of Humanists UK, working with the Humanist Association of Ireland. At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.

Humanists UK recently changed its name from the British Humanist Association: https://humanists.uk/2017/05/22/bha-becomes-humanists-uk/