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Humanists disappointed at further delay to Government Dialogue. They seek Fair Play in Constitution, Laws and State Policy.

The Humanist Association of Ireland (HAI) is disappointed at the recent announcement of further delay in the proposed Government Dialogue with religious and secular organisations. Because of this delay the HAI is now releasing its submission to government. The HAI wishes to urgently avail of the proposed dialogue process to highlight the lack of equity in the way non-religious citizens are treated in the Constitution and in areas such as education and health. “ Our detailed submission to the Government shows that the State discriminates against people of no religion in significant areas of life ”, stated HAI spokesperson Brendan Sheeran, a director of the association. He pointed out that those of no religion are the largest and fastest growing minority in terms of belief. Discrimination exists in the Constitution, in legislation and in State policy.

For example:

The Constitution

• has a preamble which invokes the Christian trinity
• requires the President, members of the Council of State and judges to swear a religious oath on taking up office
• claims that homage is due to a deity and ends with an expression of such homage

Legislation

• gives special protection to religious organisations in relation to equal status and employment equality legislation
• delegates marriage celebration to religious organisations only and accordingly denies to Humanists and others of no religion the choice of marriage celebrants from their own community.

State policy

• fails to provide school choice both for people of no religion and for many others who do not want denominational education
• fails to ensure respect for such citizens, in hospitals owned by religious organisations but supported by the State, by protecting them from unacceptable policies and practices arising from such ownership.

The HAI will be seeking, in the course of the dialogue process and through other means, the removal of these and other discriminations. “ We have a reasonable goal, “ stated Mr Sheeran, “ a republic which treats citizens of all faiths or none in an equal manner.”