Conservative Humanists very much welcomes the Government’s desire to become a “global leader” on animal welfare, setting “high standards for others across the world to follow”. Looking more specifically at the three intended bills, we believe that our proposals would fit well within the proposed Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill. Continue reading
Conservative MP Rehman Chishti, who was until last month the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, is introducing a Bill to the House of Commons today to bring about legal recognition of humanist marriages in England and Wales, with cross-party backing.
The Marriage (Authorised Belief Organisations) Bill, if it becomes law, would extend legal recognition to humanist marriages conducted by Humanists UK celebrants within three months of its passage. The Bill is being sponsored by fellow Conservative MP, and Conservative Humanists patron, Crispin Blunt, as well as Labour MPs Angela Eagle, Steve McCabe, Jeff Smith, and Rachel Hopkins, and Lib Dem MPs Wera Hobhouse and Daisy Cooper.
We are urging all members and supporters to write to your local MP, and ask them to make representations to the Secretary of State for Defence, calling for inclusive pastoral support for the armed forces. You can write to your MP directly here.
The availability of high-quality pastoral support, tailored to individual religions or beliefs, is an essential support for service people through the challenges of their careers, and to enhance the fighting effectiveness of the armed forces. However, currently, pastoral support is almost exclusively provided by Christian chaplaincy services. Continue reading
Judgement was given this morning at 10:30 at the Hight Court in the case brought by six couples seeking legal recognition for Humanist marriages in England and Wales. The couples were seeking a declaration that the UK Government’s refusal to give legal recognition to humanist marriages in England and Wales was a breach of their human rights, which must be remedied. Continue reading
One 8th July, the hearing concluded in the High Court legal challenge that six couples have taken over the legal recognition of humanist marriages in England and Wales. At the end of the hearing, the judge reserved her decision until a future date. Their case is being supported by Humanists UK.
Reserving her judgment, Mrs Justice Eady said that she doesn’t know when she will return a decision, but, recognising the importance of the matter to the claimants, intended to give the matter her priority. It is therefore hoped that the judgment will be returned soon.
At the end of the hearing, Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson commented: “We are glad these couples have had their day in court, after two years of hard work getting to this point, and on a hugely important issue that has been at the top of our agenda with the Government for a decade now. We very much hope the judge rules in our favour and look forward to receiving her decision in due course.”
Ciaran Moynagh, solicitor at law firm Phoenix Law, said: “The Court hearing is another significant milestone in what has been a protracted journey for legally recognised humanist ceremonies. We are confident that the legal principles and human rights arguments raised hold strong weight and we look forward to receiving a judgment in due course.”
Conservative Humanists Chairman James Baird added: “The six couple have had their day in court, we can only wait for the judge to return her verdict on this hugely important issue and hope that she rules in favour of the clear case for legalisation.”
Six couples are going to the High Court on 7-8 July to take a landmark challenge over the legal recognition of humanist marriages in England and Wales. Their case is being supported by Humanists UK, which has campaigned for legal recognition of humanist marriage for many decades. Continue reading