A picture of Humza Yousaf in a blue suit and tartan tie in a living room-type space with lamp and painting in the background. He is shown from the torso up and is positioned to the right of shot, smiling at the camera.

Humanist Society responds to election of Humza Yousaf

March 27, 2023

Humanist Society Scotland notes the election of Humza Yousaf as new leader of the Scottish National Party and candidate for first minister of Scotland. We wish Mr Yousaf all the best in his new role and look forward to working with him on issues that the humanist community in Scotland cares about: from assisted dying to LGBT+ rights and abortion healthcare.

Humza Yousaf was the only SNP leadership candidate to respond to our open letter of 27 February requesting assurances on a number of our key policy areas. He committed to action on abortion, including by personally backing the “buffer zones” bill that will ban religiously motivated harassment outside abortion services. He also pledged to bring the UNCRC incorporation bill back before Holyrood thus committing to raising children’s rights up to UN standards.

In his response to our open letter, Mr. Yousaf stated that he was “yet to be convinced” by a bill on assisted dying that will come before Holyrood soon. That’s why we’ve written to him requesting a meeting with us and our co-campaigners on this important topic. We’ve also asked for the new first minister’s assurances that he will initiate forward planning for the bill in good faith if it passes the first stage of parliamentary scrutiny.

Read our press release on Humza Yousaf’s election

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