Category: Government and Law

2023 in campaigns
January 27, 2023
2023 looks set be a pivotal year for humanism in Scotland. We look forward to the passing of a law to protect women from harassment outside abortion clinics and we hope that new rules will follow to ensure dignity in…

Does religion still matter in politics?
September 21, 2022
Join us on Monday October 3rd for an online event as Edinburgh Humanists host guest speaker Sir John Curtice FRSA FRSE FBA as he explores the question, does religion still matter in politics?
Sir John is a British political scientist, senior research fellow at NatCen, and Professor of Politics at Strathclyde University. This event is hosted by the Edinburgh Humanists and will be followed by a Q&A facilitated by Humanist Society Scotland CEO, Fraser Sutherland.

A letter from Scotland’s children and young people
April 29, 2022
Young Humanist Scotland Ambassadors sign joint letter to local council candidates ahead of the upcoming local elections that identifies six key areas of concern for Scotland’s children and young people.

Humanists add support to stop regressive Human Rights Act reform
March 14, 2022
Today we added our voice to a joint response from the Human Rights Consortium Scotland that challenges the UK Government’s proposal to reform or replace the Human Rights Act. There is a high level of concern amongst Scottish civil society…

Non-religious people encouraged to ‘be honest’ about their beliefs in 2022 Census
March 9, 2022
New research carried out by YouGov published today by Humanist Society Scotland reveals how the 2022 Scottish census is potentially expected to show a vast decline in religious identity when compared to the 2011 census. The poll findings reveal how…

Ukraine: statement on defence of rule of law
February 25, 2022
The declaration of war on Ukraine by the Russian Federation is devastating and horrific. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and those in Russia protesting against the invasion of their democratic neighbour. These events sadly remind us of…

Humanists join call to protect the Human Rights Act on Human Rights Day!
December 10, 2021
Humanists join the call to protect the Human Rights Act on Human Rights Day by adding their signature to an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for greater protection of the HRA in UK political life.

Humanists add their voice to calls for compassionate & humane refugee & asylum policy
December 9, 2021
On the 3rd of December we added our support to an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel, calling for a change in refugee and asylum policy that is based on a humane and compassionate…

Humanists join call for the Scottish Government to protect children’s rights
October 6, 2021
Humanist Society Scotland signs Together Alliance letter that urges the Scottish Government to work at speed to address the UK Supreme Court ruling that four aspects of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill are outwith the competence of the Scottish Parliament and will need to be reconsidered.

Humanists encouraged to back assisted dying bill plan
September 23, 2021
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has launched a consultation on his proposal for a members’ bill to allow for assisted dying for terminally ill people. Humanist Society Scotland have long campaigned for a compassionate approach to end-of-life care and support. Over…

Humanist message of hope and support for refugees
September 1, 2021
Humanist Society Scotland trustee Morven Lyon delivered Time For Reflection at the Scottish Parliament. Morven spoke about the current crisis in Afghanistan and advocated for tolerance and support for the Afghan people and for those displaced by the return of the Taliban and in need of asylum.