Humanists Support Coalition for Marriage Equality

KENILWORTH, 7 MAY 2004 — The British Humanist Association (BHA) has declared its support for the Coalition for Marriage Equality, the group which was co-founded by the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA), OutRage! and the Queer Youth Alliance to challenge the Labour Government’s refusal to consider opening up marriage legislation to same-sex couples.

Welcoming the BHA’s support, GALHA secretary George Broadhead said: “This is in line with the stance taken by the worldwide humanist movement on same-sex relationships and lesbian and gay rights. The BHA has always supported complete legal equality for lesbian and gay people and opposed all forms of discrimination.

“Humanists base their ethical values on reason and humanity, not on dogma in ancient holy books. It is significant that in a progressive country like the Netherlands, where humanists enjoy parity with religionists, same-sex couples now have full marital status.”

The British Humanist Association is the first non-gay organisation to lend its support to the Coalition for Marriage Equality.