Author: Joe Higgins
Majority of MSPs choose secular affirmation in Holyrood first
MSPs were officially sworn into Holyrood today following last week’s Scottish Parliament elections. And for the first time, a majority of parliamentarians opted to make a solemn affirmation over the religious oath. This suggests that Scotland has elected its most…
Election 2026: Our analysis of the SNP manifesto
In the run up to the Holyrood election, we’re analysing what’s in each of the main party manifestos for humanists. We’re also asking candidates to adopt policies that make Scotland a more rational, socially just and compassionate country. Last in…
Election 2026: Our analysis of the Scottish Liberal Democrat manifesto
In the run up to the Holyrood election, we’re analysing what’s in each of the main party manifestos for humanists. We’re also asking candidates to adopt policies that make Scotland a more rational, socially just and compassionate country. Next up…
Election 2026: Our analysis of the Scottish Green manifesto
In the run up to the Holyrood election, we’re analysing what’s in each of the main party manifestos for humanists. We’re also asking candidates to adopt policies that make Scotland a more rational, socially just and compassionate country. Today is…
Election 2026: Our analysis of the Scottish Labour manifesto
In the run up to the Holyrood election, we’re analysing what’s in each of the main party manifestos for humanists. We’re also asking candidates to adopt policies that make Scotland a more rational, socially just and compassionate country. Second out…
Election 2026: Our analysis of the Scottish Conservative manifesto
Humanist Society Scotland analyses what’s in the Scottish Conservative 2026 Manifesto for humanists.
Election 2026: School worship opt-out a key priority in children’s rights manifesto
Ahead of the Holyrood elections in May, we’re urging the next Scottish Government to end compulsory school worship and fundamentally reform the practice in non-denominational schools. Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights) has also made an independent pupil opt-out for…
Humanist Win! New jury rules protect privacy of non-religious
Jurors who choose to make a secular affirmation will now be treated fairly under new legislation passed in Scotland. Previous rules for oaths and affirmations undermined free choice and failed to protect the privacy of non-religious jury members. The changes…
Let’s not withdraw: Philosophy with Children as an alternative
In this guest blog, Professor Claire Cassidy explains why compulsory religious observance (RO) flies in the face of Scotland’s commitment to children’s rights. She also provides a blueprint for an inclusive alternative that encourages pupils to think for themselves: Philosophy…
Amended school worship bill remains flawed as committee rejects pupil opt-out
Just before Christmas, MSPs completed Stage 2 of the Religious Observance Bill. This is where Holyrood committees debate and vote on changes to draft legislation. Our Policy and Campaigns Officer Joe summarises the key decisions of the day, and why…
MSPs voice support for pupil opt-out as Holyrood presses ahead with flawed Religious Observance Bill
The Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill has passed a first-stage vote in the Scottish Parliament. We welcome MSPs’ decision to agree to the general principles of the Bill. But there’s still crucial…