Humza Yousaf talks at a podium in front of a black curtain. He wears a blue suit and tartan tie.

Humanist Society requests assisted dying meeting with Humza Yousaf

March 27, 2023

Humanist Society Scotland has written to the new SNP leader Humza Yousaf to request a meeting on the bill to legalise assisted dying that will shortly come before Holyrood. Mr Yousaf, who was elected as the next candidate for first minister yesterday, wrote in his response to our open letter of 27 February that he was “yet to be convinced by the bill.”

We believe the assisted dying legislation proposed by Liam McArthur MSP is moderate, humane, and compassionate. It will bring comfort to thousands of families and individuals for whom the chance of a dignified and painless death for them or their loved one is currently denied. That’s why we’ve invited Mr. Yousaf to meet with us, alongside our co-campaigners on this important topic, to make the case.

Humanist Society Scotland is not looking for a personal change of heart on the issue, which, as we respect, is partly one of faith for Mr Yousaf. However, we ask that, if the bill passes the first stage of parliamentary scrutiny, the first minister starts urgent preparatory work to ensure the smooth introduction of any successful legislation.

Read our letter to Humza Yousaf

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