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NEWS New version of HAI's submission document The HAI has provided the Deparment of the Taoiseach with a revised version of its original submission. This submission includes the following conclusion: The HAI values and respects the democratic climate enjoyed by the citizens of the State. We aim to improve the quality of that climate and ensure that it is enjoyed by all. We have demonstrated, however, that the State does discriminate against people of no religion both directly and indirectly in significant areas of life. This has the effect of marginalising many citizens. The picture we paint is of a State which is lacking in regard to protecting our rights. We look forward to working with State institutions with a view to addressing the various deficiencies that we have identified. The test for success is whether a person of no religion can feel himself or herself to be a full citizen of the Irish state and not feel alienated as a second-class citizen because of an absence of religious belief. Download the full text of this submission here . HAI continues to strengthen ties with other Humanist organisations in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Isle of Man Secretary's briefing: The Humanist Council of the Isles (HCOTI) comprised five groups originally: the Humanist Association of Ireland, the Belfast Humanist Group the Humanist Society of Scotland, the Humanist Association of Northern Ireland, and the British Humanist Association. Since 2006 the Isle of Man Feethinkers have been members.
The meetings, generally twice yearly, are rotated. We were pleased to enjoy the hospitality of the Isle of Man Freethinkers in March. (see photo). Unfortunately two groups were unable to be represented but a good meeting was held nonetheless. We enjoyed meeting many of their members during an evening social The purpose of the group is to share ideas and forthcoming events (it’s hoped several visitors from the IOM will attend this year’s summer school in Carlingford), widen our knowledge of different legislative issues-marriage legislation being a key one-and work together supportively wherever possible. We have all learned from each other and look forward to ongoing development. Press release concerning Brussels Declaration from the HAI board The Board of the Humanist Association of Ireland welcomes the
inclusive and democratic wording of the Berlin Declaration, released today;
‘The European Union will continue to live in the future on the basis of its openness and the will of its members to strengthen together the inner development of the European Union. The European Union will continue to promote democracy, stability and prosperity beyond its frontiers. European unity has made reality out of a dream nurtured by earlier generations’. This rightly looks to the future; a shared future; ‘The European Union is based on equal rights and solidarity. That is how we make possible a fair balance of interests between the member states. We uphold in the European Union the individuality and the diverse traditions of its members. The open frontiers and the lively diversity of languages, cultures and regions enrich us. Many goals cannot be achieved independently but only through common action’. In advance of the publication of the Berlin Declaration three groups; the International Humanist and Ethical Union, the Humanist Federation of Europe and Catholics for a Free Choice, published the Brussels Declaration as part of their Vision for Europe. The Brussels Declaration (www.visionforeurope.org) was signed by numerous groups across Europe, including religious organisations,and individuals. Europe is for all, it isn’t an exclusive club; ‘We affirm the worth, dignity and autonomy of every individual, and the right of everyone to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights of others. We support democracy and human rights and aim at the fullest possible development of every human being.’ Roy Brown who cordinated the project said; ‘We congratulate the German chancellor Angela Merkel and our European colleagues for this outcome – and we thank everyone who worked so hard for this welcome result’. As signatories to the Brussels Declaration the HAI also thanks all those who joined in creating such a swell of non-sectarian democrats. This was released by the HAI board on March 26th. You may download and print the press release in Adobe PDF format here.
Brussels Declaration  At a meeting on 27 February 2007 at the European Parliament, the Vision for Europe campaign launched the Brussels Declaration, a restatement of Europe’s shared values. Supported by hundreds of national and European politicians, prominent academics and community leaders the Brussels Declaration is the centrepiece of the campaign to head off claims by organised religion for even greater involvement in Europe’s political affairs. Attempts to claim the Christian religion as the foundation for the continent’s democratic and ethical values are being strongly contested. The Declaration is now open for signature by all European citizens at: www.visionforeurope.org The HAI is pleased to support this campaign. Please read the Declaration now and add your name.
HAI attends launch of Government Dialogue process Along with delegations from the various churches, the HAI attended on 26 February last the launch in Dublin Castle of the new process of dialogue between the Government and churches, philosophical and non-confessional organisations. This process was announced over two years ago by the Taoiseach in the Dail. It is modelled on a provision in the draft constitutional treaty for the European Union which acknowledging the cultural, religious and humanist inheritance of Europe, would commit the Union to maintaining an open, transparent and regular dialogue with such organisations. The next step for us will be a meeting with Ministers and senior civil servants. It is proposed that a bilateral meeting on these lines will take place each year. Our expectation is that at such meetings we will have the opportunity to raise issues of concern where the State and its institutions have the primary responsibility or exert major influence. We expect that between such meetings we will engage with officials in progressing the discussions. In preparation for the detailed discussions the HAI has drafted a major submission and submitted it to the Department of the Taoiseach . The submission, which can be viewed on our website, deals with constitutional and legislative provisions which particularly affect the non-religious. It also covers a large number of practices which we consider discriminatory. Issues include religious oaths for judges, blasphemy, equality legislation exemptions for religious organisations, the lack of legal status for Humanist weddings, the lack of choice of school, rights of minorities in schools and respect for non-religious people in religion-run hospitals. We are already working on a second edition of the submission and we envisage that this will be an ongoing process as new discriminations come to light and, hopefully, as discriminations are abolished. The Taoiseach, in his address at the launch, stated that “We must, however, equally be alive to the rights and position of those who do not subscribe to religious faith. Many have contributed to building up Irish society and to the quality of our democracy, and the humanity of our society, from a philosophical basis which owes little or nothing to religious belief or practice. It is a special care for Governments in a society like ours – where religious belief and practice has shaped so much of our culture and institutions – to respect and provide for, and engage with and listen to, those who articulate public positions from such a perspective.” He referred to the non-religious as an “important and growing section of Irish society”. The HAI was represented at the launch by Catherine O’Brien, Chairperson, Dick Spicer, Vice-Chairperson, Ann James, Secretary, Brendan Sheeran, Board Member and spokesperson on dialogue matters and Nic Johnson, Board Member. Download the text of the HAI's submission here. * * * * * Humanists disappointed at further delay to Government Dialogue. They seek Fair Play in Constitution, Laws and State Policy... * * * * *
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