28 October 2011
[For later information, see here.] On 19 October 2011 the European Humanist Federation sent a complaint to the European Ombudsman about the refusal of the EU Commission to meet them in a “dialogue seminar” as part of the “open, transparent and regular dialogue” with churches, religious associations or communities, philosophical and non-confessional organisations which is mandated by Article 17:3 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (as amended by the Lisbon Treaty)…. read more »
21 October 2011
The question of whether inventions and processes involving human genetic material should be patentable raises complex technical, legal, commercial and ethical issues. A European Union directive (1) dating from 1998 bans patents for “uses of human embryos for industrial or commercial purposes”. The European Court of Justice has just issued a judgement (2) based on an interpretation of “embryo” that is radical and has potentially alarming implications. The ECJ said that the Directive “intended… read more »
Eytan Reif of Initiative Religion ist Privatsache in Austria has informed us of a new case about crucifixes and other religious practices in kindergartens that it is hoped will partially counter the effect of Lautsi v Italy. He writes: A new complaint to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) was filed a short while ago in a new attempt not only to free Austrian public kindergartens of crosses or crucifixes but also to put… read more »
19 October 2011
How Secular is Britain? David Pollock writes: Britain is probably one of the most secular countries in the world, despite having an established church (albeit the Church of England is entirely self-financing). But, uniquely except for Iran, religious dignitaries have places ex officio in Parliament: the 26 most senior bishops in the Church of England sit in the House of Lords. Governments of all colours have shown no wish to remove the bishops even in the context… read more »
British Humanist Association Founded in 1896, 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. Its activities include education (lectures, publications, courses), provision of ceremonies, and campaigning for secularism and human rights. Address: 1 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6HD Telephone: +44 20 7079 3580 Email: info@humanism.org.uk Central London Humanist Group CLHG is the largest and fastest-growing humanist group… read more »
14 October 2011
The EHF responded to a public consultation by the Competition Directorate of the EU Commission (see here and here) in March 2008 as follows:- APPLICATION OF STATE AID RULES TO PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING The European Humanist Federation (EHF) wishes to comment on this consultation. The EHF comprises about 40 organisations in about half as many countries in Europe which through their members and affiliates speak for many millions of European citizens who have no religion… read more »
One of the most intractable problems facing society is the use of drugs, both legal and illegal, for other than medical purposes. A libertarian view would see such use of drugs as a matter for the individual, not for paternalistic interference by the state. But the harm done by drug use to many people – not just drug users but their families and friends and to society as a whole through the associated crime –… read more »
The difference between a secularist/humanist outlook and a religious one is often very plain in matters concerning the beginning and end of life – bioethical questions concerning stem-cell and genetic research, medically-aided conception, abortion, physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia, etc. The root of the difference lies in the religious view of life as a conditional gift from God by contrast with the humanist one of life as our own to optimise according to human considerations – and the secularist view that the state… read more »