Change In Weddings Law Welcomed By Humanists.

Humanists from all parts of the British Isles met in Belfast last weekend to discuss the latest developments in weddings legislation, non-religious funerals and equality issues affecting non-believers.

Representatives of the Humanist Society of Scotland reported that the granting of legal status to Humanist wedding ceremonies there had dramatically increased the number of such weddings. “This legislation was long overdue in Scotland,” said Alan Henness, Convenor of the Scottish association, “and it is even more overdue in those parts of the British Isles which still do not have it. The upsurge in Humanist weddings in Scotland shows that our world is becoming more Humanist and so public services and facilities must be amended accordingly”.

Hanne Stinson, Executive Director of the British Humanist Association, reported that Equality legislation covering discrimination on grounds of religion or belief in the provision of goods and services, comes into effect under the Equality Act in England and Wales this autumn. “This legislation, like the equivalent employment regulations, protects the non-religious as well as the religious from discrimination, but there are still many areas where humanists are discriminated against by government policy."

Delegates from the Isle of Man, the RoI and Northern Ireland agreed that the demand for Humanist funerals and wedding ceremonies is growing steadily. Cross-border co-operation has produced an annual Summer School in Carlingford with guest speakers, workshops and activities. Preparations are under way for the next one in August. Details will be posted on the websites of local groups.

Great concern was expressed about religious fanaticism and its role in many recent confrontations and conflicts worldwide. “Ancient beliefs divide people into warring tribes, “ said Les Reid of the Belfast Humanist Group, “even though the grounds for those beliefs have been superseded.” By contrast, delegates welcomed the recent television programmes by Jonathan Miller and Richard Dawkins which presented a rational, Humanist outlook instead.

Tributes were paid to Linda Smith, the comedienne and President of the British Humanist Association, who died of cancer a few days ago. Her sparkling humour, her unswerving common sense and her courage in the face of adversity were felt to be a shining example of the Humanist outlook.

Click here for a photo of the delegates. (L to R): Iain DeBoys (Humani) Milan Kopriva (Belfast) Hanne Stinson (BHA) Ann James and Daphne Wynne (HAI) Myrtle Ewing (Humani) Stuart Harthill (Isle of Man) Ivan Middleton (HSS) and Les Reid (Belfast)