Stephen Fry wins 2009 Award from Gay Humanists

London, 14th November 2009

The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) today presented Stephen Fry with its 2009 award for services to Humanism and LGBT rights, in recognition of his long record of standing up both for LGBT rights and for wider humanist values.

The presentation took place at a celebratory lunch, attended by almost 100 GALHA members and guests, held at Brown’s Bar and Brasserie in St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, London.

Andrew Copson, Chair of GALHA, presenting the award, said:

“Both as a public figure and in his professional career as an actor, writer, comedian and broadcaster, Stephen has exemplified the best of humanism.  His thirst for knowledge backed by intellectual rigour, laced with wit, erudition, moral seriousness, compassion and a willingness to go against the grain if he has to, are all qualities that humanists prize and promote.”

Accepting the award, Stephen Fry said:

“I’m immensely proud to be given this award from the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association. I accept on behalf of all those who want to stand up and be counted as proud of their sexuality and secularity.”

Previous recipients of the award have included Britain’s first out Lesbian MP Angela Eagle, journalist and broadcaster Polly Toynbee, activist and MP Evan Harris, and organiser of the first Moscow Pride Nicolai Alexeyev.