Humanism on the Move

2015 Annual Report

European Humanist Federation

1 on the move © European Humanist Federation, 2016 Graphic Designer : Sandy Doutreluingne Photo credit : Joe Shlabotnik via Foter.com / CC BY Campus de la Plaine of the Université Libre de Bruxelles CP 237 Boulevard de la Plaine, 1050 Brussels, Belgium 0032 2 627 68 11 [email protected] www.humanistfederation.eu Twitter : @EU_Humanists Facebook : European.Humanist.Federation HUMANIST VALUES UNDER THREAT...... 4 PROMOTING SECULARISM AND CHALLENGING RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGES IN EUROPE...... 6 WORKING FOR A BETTER EUROPE...... 9 OPPOSING RELIGIOUS EXTREMIST ACTIVISM...... 13 CAMPAIGNING FOR FREE SPEECH AND FIGHTING BLASPHEMY LAWS...... 14 SOLIDARITY WITH NON-BELIEVERS UNDER THREAT ACROSS THE WORLD...... 16 DEFENDING WOMEN’S RIGHTS, LGBTI’S RIGHTS AND NON-DISCRIMINATION IN EUROPE...... 19 PROMOTING HUMANISM AS A LIFE STANCE...... 25 PROVIDING HUMANIST SERVICES...... 28 YOUNG HUMANISTS IN ACTION...... 30

FINANCES...... 32 SUPPORT US...... 33 © European Humanist Federation, 2016 OUR MEMBERS...... 34 Graphic Designer : Sandy Doutreluingne Photo credit : Joe Shlabotnik via Foter.com / CC BY Campus de la Plaine of the Université Libre de Bruxelles CP 237 Boulevard de la Plaine, 1050 Brussels, Belgium 0032 2 627 68 11 [email protected] www.humanistfederation.eu Twitter : @EU_Humanists Facebook : European.Humanist.Federation Contents Humanist values under threat

he European project is in danger. T Pierre Galand, It is currently facing major crises EHF President that have questioned its values and blurred its overall objectives. The recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels, the refugee crisis, the negotiations around Brexit, the threats to the Rule of denounce injustice and to defend Law and fundamental rights in people’s rights, standing by their Hungary and Poland and the rise side for the most important of populism have all weakened moments of their lives and Europe’s legitimacy. showing solidarity with the most vulnerable ones. European institutions have proven unable to oppose a strong common I warmly thank all our member voice to Member States’ national organisations for undertaking interests. Instead of seeking these exciting but challenging a collective European answer missions at home, and for to these crises, many Member supporting the EHF’s work in States have either built walls at Europe. I am also grateful to our their borders, sought to obtain Board and staff for the time and exemptions from the treaties, energy they dedicate to further ignored concerns expressed over the EHF’s objectives this year. their growing authoritarianism or Our movement is diverse but concluded shameful deals at odds united around its core values and with international and European works every day with our partner human rights commitments. organisations for a better future. I invite everyone to join forces to In such a gloomy context, the give a new meaning and restore humanist values of freedom, trust in the European project. equality and solidarity are more necessary than ever. Humanist Best wishes, actions throughout Europe strive to defend and promote these values: debating and educating to broaden minds, campaigning to 4 Humanism on the move EHF mission and objectives he European Humanist Federation • Strengthen the humanist network T(EHF) was set up in 1991, and throughout Europe. unites over 60 humanist/secularist What the EHF does: organisations from around 20 • Proposes European and inter- European countries. Operating national policy change when out of Brussels, the EHF promotes humanist values are at stake, a secular Europe, and therefore using its ethical, legal, political opposes religious extremism and scientific expertise, within European boundaries. • Promotes individual freedoms The EHF is also strongly committed and opposes the influence of to democracy, human rights and religious conservatism on Euro- defending European equality pean policies, legislation. • Works with a large network of The EHF aims to : associations, including progres- sive religious organisations which • Achieve separation between re- share the same values, ligion and the State throughout • Supports its member organi- Europe including at the European sations with the challenges they Union level, face at domestic level. • Defend freedom of religion or belief which includes the right not to have any religious beliefs as well as the right to change Where is the EHF active ? one’s beliefs, • Defend freedom of thought • Official partner of EU institutions in their dialogue with churches and non-confessional and expression and oppose organisations (Article 17 TFEU) laws prohibiting “blasphemy” or • Consultant to the EU Council, Commission, “religious insults”, Parliament and the European External • Promote non-discrimination on Action Service all grounds (incl. gender, ethni- • Member of the Advisory Board of the European city, nationality, religion or belief, Parliament Platform for Secularism in disability, age, sexual orientation, Politics etc.), • Member of the Civil Society Platform of the • Support women’s sexual and EU Fundamental Rights Agency reproductive health and rights • Collaborates with the Council of Europe and the rights of LGBTI1 people, (Committee of Ministers, PACE and INGOs) • Accredited to the Organization for Security • Increase the presence of huma- and Coperation in Europe ODIHR (Human nists at European and internatio- Dimension) nal levels,

1 Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual 5 Humanism on the move Promoting secularism and challenging religious privileges in Europe

Although secularization is a growing these privileges and promoted secu- reality in Europe, many countries larism in their respective countries still experience huge influence from while EHF secretariat campaigned their established churches, leading for this aim at the European level. to unfair religious privileges in many aspects of public life, such as in the education and tax systems. EHF grassroots organisations challenged

©Anosmia via Foter.com / CC BY 6 Humanism on the move n Italy, the Unione degli Atei e degliI Agnostici Razionalisti (UAAR) undertook “Laico metro“, an analysis of the Italian non-profit sector to show which NGOs are truly secular and which ones are (openly or LAICO metro, a project not) affiliated to a specific religion. by the UAAR (Italy) Italian taxpayers may allocate a proportion of five per thousand of their income tax to voluntary and are increasingly leaving the Church, other non-profit organizations of as the Finnish Humanist Union social utility. “Laico metro“ was born revealed : 45.000 people used its out of the need to give citizens online platform “LeaveChurch” accurate information about the which allows people to give up possible clerical or denominational church membership more easily. purpose of these NGOs. In a country Other EHF members also worked to where most of the obligatory “Otto enhance transparency on religion per Mille“ tax actually goes to the and secularism in their respective Catholic Church, “Laico Metro“ is a countries. The Humanist Society welcome tool for those who care Scotland (HSS), the Coordinamento about fair and secular distribution Nazionale delle Consulte per la of resources. Laicità delle Istituzioni in Italy, In another effort to challenge Freidenkerbund Österreichs in religious privileges, Sidmennt, the Austria and Icelandic humanist association, in the Netherlands continued the commissioned a major survey on development of a secular index Icelanders’ life stances. Questions to investigate and rate the level of ran from people’s religious beliefs secularism in their country. A first and their support of the current test was launched in collaboration state church system to their position with several EHF members. regarding key humanist issues like euthanasia. The results showed Campaigning for a fair and widespread agreement with secular inclusive education system stances on many societal issues In a number of European countries, and confirmed large scale support religious privileges are very much for Sidmennt’s positions. They were present in the education system. very well received by all media in In 2015, the EHF secretariat and Iceland and several international several EHF members campaigned media outlets. In Finland too, people to promote public education 7 Humanism on the move systems that are inclusive, balanced, their communities through the and pluralistic, and which contribute ballot box. As explained by the to mutual understanding between HSS, this demand is not only about people of all religions and none. democracy and legitimacy but about having a fair and inclusive In the UK, the British Humanist Religious and Moral Education Association (BHA) championed system where pupils and teachers equality and non-discrimination are not discriminated against on the by launching and winning a legal grounds of their beliefs and which challenge against the Secretary of teaches children how to think, not State for Education for failing to what to think. include non-religious worldviews into religious education syllabus - Fighting for inclusive public schools it was very clear from the law that was also undertaken by the Centre such courses should include non- d’Action Laïque (CAL) in Belgium religious views on equal footing. with a successful campaign to With the objective of providing a replace the system of ethics high quality humanist education, the versus religion classes with a joint BHA also launched a new website citizenship class which all pupils understandinghumanism. org.uk to attend regardless of their beliefs. feature a comprehensive range CAL advocated at the national level of free education resources for for the creation of this class in teachers. public schools where religions and beliefs are taught from a neutral In Scotland, the Humanist Society historical point of view rather Scotland (HSS) launched the than a theological one in order to encourage critical thinking and combat prejudices about one’s specific beliefs. On this issue, the CAL also took the floor at the Council of Europe in Sarajevo (November 2015) and Lisbon (December 2015) to bring this proposal to the European level. In November 2015 at the European Parliament, EHF President Pierre Galand advocated Enlighten Up campaign for the generalization of inclusive ©HSS (Scotland) education systems in Europe in order to fight radicalism and Enlighten Up campaign calling for fundamentalism. This conference the removal of unelected religious was organised with other non- representatives from Local Authority confessional organisations on the Education Committees and for all invitation of European Parliament members to be accountable to Vice President Antonio Tajani. 8 Humanism on the move Working for a better Europe

Europe is in bad shape. This year the rule of law and specific actions particularly, it has faced major crises towards refugees and asylum- that have questioned its values and seekers, the EHF tried to promote a blurred its overall objectives. With European project based on solidarity a campaign on the protection of and fundamental rights.

9 Humanism on the move Wake up Europe, the petition to that the reintroduction of death protect democracy in Hungary penalty could make citizens’ life and in Europe safer, harassed Human Rights NGOs and has been funneling EU n November 2015, and public money to oligarchs close Iseveral members of to the party. the EHF launched the European Citizens’ The request to launch the ECI initiative2 (ECI) “Wake was filed in September 2015 with Up Europe” urging the European Commission, which European Institutions to then had a two month period to take a firm stand against the perform a legal “admissibility test”. authoritarian agenda of Hungarian While this is generally performed Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and at administrative level, in the case initiate procedures under Article 7 of Wake Up Europe, the process of the Treaty of the European Union. went to the highest level and it was This article enables the Council of the Commissioners themselves the EU to determine if there is a who jointly took the decision to risk or the existence of a serious allow the initiative to be launched. and persistent breach by a Member The decision was taken while the State of the fundamental values of Hungarian commissioner Tibor the Union. The procedure may lead Navracsics was not present. to sanctions against the Member Navracsics, who is a former deputy State, including the suspension of Prime-Minister to Viktor Orbán, its voting rights at the Council. protested in a letter to his fellow commissioners. The matter was This initiative was motivated by the covered in both Hungarian and deep concerns many citizens across European press. Europe share regarding the increase of political and social measures at Following the validation of the odds with European democratic initiative, the EHF was given one principles and fundamental rights year to collect at least 1 million with the Hungarian government, signatures. From December 2015 in particular, having drifted too far to May 2016, the EHF set up the campaign infrastructure, created away from a true commitment to communication tools, built alliances democracy without being seriously with civil society organisations and held accountable by EU institutions. sought support from Members Indeed, over the past 6 years, Mr. Orbán has been dismantling 2 A European citizens’ initiative is a mechanism democracy in Hungary: he’s introduced by the Lisbon Treaty which enables silenced the judiciary, taken citizens to call on the European Commission to control of the media, criminalised act on matters of EU competence. In order to be asylum seekers and the homeless, valid, the initiative must be launched by at least 7 EU citizens being resident in at least 7 different encouraged discourse suggesting member states and must be backed by at least one million EU citizens, coming from at least 7 10 out of the 28 member states. Humanism on the move of the European Parliament. The On 13 January 2016, the EC EHF‘s office in Brussels coordinated launched a structured dialogue the communication campaign with with the Polish government on its members at the national level in controversial reform by initiating its order to reach out to as many “Rule of Law Framework” procedure citizens as possible. (the first step towards potential On 25 October 2015, Polish opposi- activation of Article 7 of the Treaty tion party Law and Justice was elec- of the EU). In the meantime, the ted and initiated a range of reforms same institution stubbornly sticks very similar to those of the early to its line that when it comes to years of Orban with, according to Hungary, there is “no systemic PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, the threat to democracy”, a politically- intention to “have Budapest in War- motivated position that is clearly at saw”. This confirmed EHF concerns odds with reality. over the fact that by letting free rein This double standard in defending to Orbán, the EU exposed its inabi- EU values in the Members States lity to uphold hard-fought-for fun- is unacceptable and makes the damental values within its borders request made by Wake Up Europe and thereby failed to discourage ever more relevant. others from following Mr. Orbán’s path.

Solidarity with asylum seekers and migrants

his year, Europe was confronted Unfortunately, European govern- Twith the arrival of thousands of ments have not been up to the asylum seekers fleeing Syria and challenge and have proposed only travelling in dramatic conditions selfish and inhumane (if not illegal) to reach safety on our coasts. answers in response to this crisis.

A migrant family creeps under a barbed fence near the village of Roszke, at the Hungarian-Serbian border on August 27, 2015. AFP Photo / Csaba Segesvari 11 Humanism on the move At the European level, the EHF repea- tedly called the EU Council to respect its human rights commit- ments (first of which is the principle of non-refoulement) and to open safe crossing in to Europe for asy- lum seekers. It also urgently called EU governments to organise a real CAL opens its doors to refugees and European asylum and migration migrants in Brussels. system based on solidarity between © CAL (Belgium) Member States and to sanction EU countries which violate European values of solidarity and non-discri- mination. In June 2015, EHF President, Pierre Galand, contributed to a high-level At the national level, EHF organi- conference with the European sations actively helped refugees Commission to explore possible and migrants by providing them means of action to improve with shelters, distributing food the inclusiveness of European and clothes, organising various societies. Pierre Galand highlighted activities and offering them legal the importance of secularism in and psychological counselling. In ensuring that everyone is respected France, this was undertaken by in their beliefs or absence of la Ligue de l’Enseignement and in beliefs and warned against the Belgium by the Centre D’action abuse of religious exemptions in Laïque (CAL) in close collaboration anti-discrimination directives. He with students from the Université also called on EU leaders to make Libre de Bruxelles. better use of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights to monitor the situation of democracy and the rule of law in EU member states. This is particularly needed now that Hungary and Poland are openly violating European basic principles of freedom and non-discrimination. The discussion was followed up by the organisation of the first annual colloquium on fundamental rights Refugees sheltered at La Ligue de l’Enseignement in France. to discuss how antisemitism and © La Ligue (France) hatred against Muslims can be better fought in Europe.

12 Humanism on the move Opposing religious extremist activism

Extremist religious lobbies have presenting themselves misleadingly been at work not only at the national as “human rights” activists and level but also within the corridors hijacking humanist principles for of European institutions. They their own ends. have adopted new strategies, often

I n 2012, the EHF started to work in close collaboration with other human rights organisations3 in order to execute a coordinated response to anti-choice activism. In 2015, it continued and strengthe- ned this work by preparing a two activists to undermine women’s year campaign aimed at educating access to sexual and reproductive EU decision makers about the anti- health services. This contribution choice movement and advocating took place in the framework of a for sexual and reproductive rights. seminar on “Religion, Human Rights Over the past few months, it has and a Secular Europe” co-organised fundraised with the aforemention- by Catholics for Choice and ILGA- ned informal coalition, recruited a Europe, both of whom are EHF coordinator and prepared the cam- allies in fighting extremist religious paign. activism in Europe. In October 2015, EHF director Pierre-Arnaud Perrouty took the floor at the European Parliament 3 The Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) to discuss how religious values – Europe, Catholics for Choice and human rights influence and (CFC), the International Planned impact each other. He intervened Parenthood Federation – European specifically on the need to regulate Network (IPPFEN), the European Parliamentary Forum on Population conscientious objection which and Development (EPF) and the has been hijacked by anti-choice European Women Lobby (EWL) 13 Humanism on the move Campaigning for free speech and fighting blasphemy laws

Humanists strongly religion can be held. In the wake of advocate free speech the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris in and combating religious January 2015, the EHF and the IHEU threats to this funda- jointly launched an international mental principle. While campaign to call for the removal of the right to freedom of blasphemy laws worldwide, inclu- religion or belief must ding in Europe. This year, the EHF be protected, it is equally continued to raise awareness about important to guarantee the campaign at both the European an environment in which a and national levels. critical discussion about

I n February 2015, EHF President of Europe and the European Court Pierre Galand took the floor at the of Human Rights requirements. European Parliament and recalled The End Blasphemy Law Camp- that across Europe, many countries aign was unfolded at the national still condemn and penalize level also. In the aftermath of the blasphemy and/or religious insult. Charlie Hebdo attacks, L’Union des He argued that even though Familles Laïques (UFAL), launched they are rarely used, these laws a petition to request the removal have a chilling effect on freedom of the local law condemning of expression and risk lending “blasphemy“ in Alsace-Moselle in legitimacy to harsher and more France. Besides secular voices, the widely enforced laws elsewhere. He representatives of main religions urged EU leaders to remove these formulated the same demand but laws as they are demonstrably this has still not been met by the inconsistent with human rights government. standards and against the Council 14 Humanism on the move UFAL petition against blasphemy law in Alsace Moselle (France) ©UFAL

This year, the Humanist Union Blasphemy laws are not the only of Greece (HUG) was also very threats to freedom of speech in active in denouncing the current Europe. In the UK, the National blasphemy legislation which still Secular Society (NSS) launched the leads to prosecution, fines and “Defend Free Speech“ campaign to even imprisonment in Greece. The oppose the UK Government’s new most recent conviction was on plan to combat religious extremism 16 January 2014, when Philippos by restricting non-violent speech Loizos, the creator of a satirical that “spreads hate but does not “Elder Pastitsios” website was break laws“. With a coalition of found guilty of “repeatedly insulting groups, the NSS denounced the religion” and was sentenced to a broad, ill-defined concept of suspended prison sentence of ten extremism used by the Government months. Chair of HUG and EHF which would catch a wide range of Board member Panayote Dimitras people - from Islamist extremists to took the floor at the United Nations Christian preachers in the street to to urge the Human Rights Council those defending the right to criticise to ask Greece to abolish blasphemy and ridicule religion. The campaign laws in his country. He repeated the urged the Government to make same demand at the Organisation better use of existing powers to of Security and Cooperation in combat religious extremism instead Europe (OSCE) in September 2015. of creating additional restrictions In Russia, the Russian Humanist on free speech that can only further Society (RHA) strongly denounced jeopardise and chill freedom of the limits to free speech in their expression. country and specifically protested against the prosecution of Viktor Krasnov who faces a potential jail sentence after he was charged with “insulting the feelings of religious believers” over an Internet exchange in which he wrote that “there is no God“. They also supported him © Defend Free Speech Campaign (UK) morally and financially. 15 Humanism on the move Solidarity with non-believers under threat across the world

Sadly, 2015 witnessed many threats, violence and much discrimina- tion against non-be- lievers and opponents of religious extremism worldwide. Together with the IHEU, the EHF strongly denounced these persecutions and campaigned for the protection of their lives and rights.

Speaking out for Bangladeshi free-thinkers

he EHF, in particular, mobilised in as well as one publisher of secular Tsolidarity with free-thinkers under books – Niladri Chatterjee (Niloy threat in Bangladesh. In 2015, four Neel), Ananta Bijoy Das, Md bloggers variously identifying as Washiqur Rahman Babu, Avijit Roy humanist, atheist and freethinking, and Faysal Arefin Dipon – were

16 Humanism on the move hacked to death by Islamist groups adoption of a European Parliament for “insulting Islam” and fighting report denouncing the climate of growing religious extremism. impunity around the crimes against Nazimuddin Samad, another online free-thinkers. activist, was attacked on 6 April The EHF also supported 2016 for the exact same reason. the organisation of Police arrested members of a a Bangladeshi banned group called the Ansarullah book fair in the Bangla Team, which is connected to Netherlands in al Qaeda, over the murders, though February 2016 none have yet been prosecuted. This where exiled has led to serious concerns about bloggers met the Bangladeshi government’s in protest and will to genuinely protect those solidarity with under threat for their beliefs and Bangladeshi wri- writings. Worse, the Government ters facing per- Bangladesh Alternative has proactively acted to suppress secution in their Book Fair organised by freedom of expression in the country. It had The Hague Peace Pro- jects, Mukto-Mona and country by blaming those bloggers the chance to IHEU in The Hague, 21 criticizing religion and advocating meet and dis- February 2016 humanism and arresting several of cuss with exiled them under the blasphemy-like law. writers and activists about the suffo- cation of free speech in Bangladesh This year, numerous human rights and possible means of actions to organisations including the EHF help secular writers who are under and IHEU have been overwhelmed imminent threat. by calls for help from other targeted bloggers in Dhaka. Several of them Following a call for action from have managed to flee the country the IHEU and EHF, many EHF and reach Europe or the USA. member organisations undertook specific actions on this issue. In the The EHF’s secretariat in Brussels had several meetings this year Netherlands, the UK, Belgium, with Members of the European Luxembourg and Iceland, Parliament and the European EHF members campaigned to Commission to raise awareness raise awareness of the plight of about the situation of Bangladeshi non-believers. The EHF urged them to put pressure on the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the security of those threatened, prosecute the murderers and remove the law condemning religious insult to 14 years of imprisonment. This Free-thinkers in Bangladesh : Killed for their writings, lobbying action has resulted in the video by the Centre d’Action Laïque 17 Humanism on the move Bangladeshi humanist bloggers and held meetings with Members of Parliaments and government representatives. Most of them also organised conferences with bloggers and their relatives (like the British Humanist Association (BHA)’s annual Voltaire lecture hosting Bonya Ahmed, wife of murdered blogger Avijit Roy) and produced Fauzia, Sayed and Fatima who experienced persecutions for leaving Islam in their country documentaries (“Free-thinkers in meet with Human Rights Ambassador on Bangladesh: Killed for their writings” 10 December 2015 on the invitation of by the Centre d’Action Laïque (CAL)). Humanistisch Verbond German, Swedish, Luxembourgish, Belgian, Dutch and French members were also very active in organising and funding the In the Netherlands, Humanistisch relocation of several bloggers and Verbond campaigned for a wide their families to European countries. range of stakeholders (including This included administrative and officials, imams, mosques and legal assistance for asylum-seekers, human rights NGOs) towards a fundraising to pay their stay and better understanding and inclusion moral assistance. of the right to have no religion, to change religion or to leave a Beyond Bangladesh, several EHF religion. They also started an ex- members campaigned to denounce Muslim support group, in which the persecution of non-believers non-believers who had to flee their in other countries. In Sweden, country and Dutch ex-Muslims Humanisterna organised its first come together every six weeks and fundraising event for the benefit exchange their experiences. of boys and girls in the Kurdish refugee camp Arbat in the province Suliymaniyah. A number of well- known Swedish artists participated, as did many representatives from different political parties and NGOs.

18 Humanism on the move Defending women’s rights, Lgbti’s rights and non-discrimination

Women’s rights

with legislation introducing a fee for abortion and the legal requirement of psychological and social counsel- ling as well as advice on family plan- ning before ending a pregnancy. Last summer, conservative parties in Belgium initiated a debate on the foetus’ status, which could ultima- tely have consequences for abortion rights. In Poland, the conservative Law and Justice party, which came to power in October, has planned to tighten regulations on abortion to bring them in line with the Catholic Church’s teachings, infuriating libe- rals and women’s rights activists. At the EU level also, aggressive religious groups have worked continuously to oppose the adoption of progressive This year, women’s sexual and re- recommendations on sexual and productive health and rights (SRHR) reproductive rights. In this context, have suffered a series of setbacks the EHF campaigned at national, in Europe. In Spain, the Parliament European and International levels to passed a law removing any legal promote these rights which include possibility to abort for the 10% of the right to abortion. vulnerable young women who need to abort without parental consent. Portugal followed a similar path 19 Humanism on the move SRHR in brief

Sexual and Reproductive Health is the ability to have a safe and satisfying sex life and the ability to reproduce. Sexual and Reproductive Rights include the right to make decisions about one’s sexual and reproductive health, including the choice to marry and determine the number, timing and spacing of children. They also include the right to have access to healthcare services. Family planning allows individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births. Reproductive Healthcare includes family planning services, access to contraception, counselling and information, antenatal, postnatal and delivery care, health care for infants, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, safe abortion services where it is legal and management of abortion-related complications, prevention and appropriate treatment for infertility, information, education and counselling.

n Belgium, the Centre d’ActionI Laïque (CAL) actively campaigned to oppose a new legislative bill to le- gally register unborn babies (due to miscarriage) before the legal term Pro-choice rally organised by the Humanist Society Scotland, ©HSS of a six months pregnancy. This proposal, officially aimed at helping families grieve a miscarriage, was in fact pushed by a pro-life orga- In Scotland, the Humanist Society nisation and supported by the Scotland (HSS) organised pro-choice christian political movement. The rallies in February and March 2016 CAL provided ethical expertise and to reaffirm humanists’ attachment gathered scientists and doctors to to abortion rights and their help counter this legislation at odds opposition to ‘prayer actions’ led with Belgian abortion legislation. In by religious fringe groups outside March 2016, the CAL went further hospitals and clinics. They further and co-launched a campaign to re- urged the Scottish parliament to move abortion from the Penal Code ensure the continued provision of where it is still described as a “crime existing abortion services against against public order and families’ the rise of christian fringe groups morality” although it has been par- calling for the criminalisation of tially decriminalized since 1990. abortion rights. 20 Humanism on the move The EHF also lobbied in different The UN Human Rights Committee is arenas at the EU and international the Committee in charge of monitoring level in order to secure the compliance and implementation of the adoption of good SRHR wording in ICCPR by its State parties. recommendations and resolutions. The general comments issued by the Committee provide guidelines for the EHF and IHEU discuss the right practical implementation of human rights by to life at United Nations the states. How these rights are interpreted and understood by the Committee is With the aim of cla- therefore of primary importance. rifying what the United Nations (UN) unders- tands as the EHF at the OSCE: “Women are “right to life”, not second class citizens” the UN Hu- In September 2015, the EHF repea- man Rights ted its call for abortion rights in Committee Europe in front of OSCE Member invited various States in Warsaw. EHF representa- Human Rights NGOs to share their tive Giulio Ercolessi underlined how Committee’s Day of interpretations. Nu- restrictive abortion laws actually Discussion on the merous anti-choice violate women’s fundamental rights. Right to Life with organisations took NGOs, Geneva,14 While requesting the legalization of July 2015 the floor to request abortion throughout Europe, the the protection of EHF also asked the OSCE to be more the human embryo at all costs. On consistent with its commitment to the contrary, the EHF, together with defending human rights and the- the IHEU and a coalition of about refore to include the promotion of 60 NGOs, urged the Committee to the right to abortion – at least under reaffirm that the right to life4 begins certain circumstances – as part of at birth and not at conception so its broad human rights strategy. as to protect other fundamental rights, the first of which is women’s At the European Parliament right to health and to be free from As in previous years, inhumane treatment. Promoting in 2015, anti-choice this right is crucial when 13% of campaigners were maternal deaths worldwide are active at the Euro- due to unsafe abortion. In a written pean Parliament contribution, the EHF also asked trying to defeat the Committee to make explicit progressive texts that legalising assisted suicide and/ on women’s rights. or euthanasia is compatible with the protection of the right to life in the sense of one’s ability to make 4 As defined by Article 6 of the International choices for one’s own life and death. Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 21 Humanism on the move Together with partner organisa- anti-choice organisations, a majority tions, the EHF provided legal exper- of MEPs included a call to legalise tise to Members of the European abortion across Europe and stated Parliament (MEPs) and successfully that full gender equality would not mobilised progressive alliances to be achieved in Europe if women secure the adoption of three key could not take decisions on their texts on women’s rights. sexual and reproductive lives. Anti- choice activists also campaigned against another progressive text on girls and education adopted last September and calling Member States to fight gender stereotypes, to educate girls and boys about sexuality and relationships and to promote girls’ awareness and control over their own bodies at school. Despite a petition of more than 170.000 signatures launched by the French Movement La Manif pour Tous, MEPs eventually adop- ted the resolution. Last but not least, the EHF also lob- bied in favour of a text calling spe- cifically for the protection of the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women refugees Photo credit : Irina Souiki via Foter.com / arriving in Europe. By the time fe- CC BY-NC-ND2015 male refugees reach Europe, many have already endured months if not years of exposure to violence, rape and sexual exploitation. Protecting their right to sexual and reproduc- The first text, adopted in june 2015, tive health was therefore a needed was a resolution calling for an EU move for anyone who cares about Strategy on equality between human dignity. women and men and the adop- tion of concrete actions on a wide range of issues (e.g. fighting sexist stereotypes in the media, violence against women, social exclusion and poverty of single-mothers) in June 2015. It was a landmark vote: despite aggressive lobbying from 22 Humanism on the move On the protection of sexual and different domestic and international reproductive health and rights, EHF legal regimes. This seminar provi- Director Pierre-Arnaud Perrouty ded an opportunity to exchange ex- contributed in April 2015 to a dis- perience on attacks against sexual cussion organised at the Institute and reproductive rights with experts for European Studies of the Univer- from France, Italy, Croatia and the sité Libre de Bruxelles analyzing how USA. abortion rights are evolving across

LGBTI people rights The EHF’s humanist vision of society is one where dignity and full enjoyment of human rights are guaranteed to all regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. EHF members were active this year in defending LGBTI rights in their countries and showing solidarity with those discriminated against on the grounds of their sexual orientation.

esides the presence of humanist cularly needed in Romania where Bcontingents in Diversity Marches the Orthodox Church is very active like in Iceland and in Romania, in campaigning against same-sex EHF members also campaigned for partnership and marriage. Roma- these rights at the political level. In nian humanists have always been Romania, the Asociaţia Umanistă very active in bringing the debate Română participated in the very first conference in favour of civil partnership organised in its Parlia- 4 On this issue, the Romanian Orthodox ment in February. This cross-sector Church launched a coordinated mobilisation between LGBTI and national campaign whose purpose is humanist organisations is parti- to raise signatures to block same-sex marriages through a consitutional amendment by specifying that a family is based on a marriage between man and woman. 23 Humanism on the move on LGBTI rights to political and civil pert legal advice to respond to the society circles. As have the Maltese public consultation and publically Humanists in their country, leading campaigned against the proposals. to major political breakthroughs In 2015 in Iceland, Sidmennt who and the adoption of new rights (civil has always supported LGBTI rights union and adoption for same-sex granted its annual Science and Edu- couples, protection against discri- cation Award to transgender and in- mination on the ground of sexual tersex individuals for their activism orientation and gender identity, and commitment to the cause of right to choose one’s gender). human rights in Iceland.

The Romanian Humanist Association at the Parliament to speak in favour of LGBTI rights and civil partnership, 29 February 2016. The same day, a new draft bill on the recognition of civil partnership was registe- red for a debate at the Parliament ©RHA (Romania)

In the UK, the (NSS) used its involvement in roundtable discussions and other meetings with the Equality and Human Rights Commission to vigorously oppose any efforts to undermine legal prohibitions on LGBTI discrimination in order to accommodate religious demands. When such a proposal was brought forward in the form of a proposed amendment to Northern Ireland’s Equality Act, the NSS provided ex-

24 Humanism on the move Promoting humanism as a life stance in Europe

In these troubled times, humanist values of openness, non-discrimi- nation, responsibility, freedom of choice, rational and critical thin- king are more needed than ever. Our grass-roots national organisa- tions have accomplished a tremen- dous amount at home, by offering debates to broaden hearts and minds and by providing humanist education in schools and counsel- ling to those in need.

Debate on civil liberties, free speech and political cartoons organised by the Funda- cio Ferrer i Guàrdia in Barcelona, April 2015 (Spain)

Debating and broadening minds ur member organizations have human rights violations and terro- nourishedO key political and social rism – with a humanistic point of debates at home on various issues view, by running blogs, organising – religion, science, freedom of ex- debates and festivals and issuing pression, refugees and migrants, magazines.

25 Humanism on the move Books and magazines from the Russian Humanist Society

The festival Mag het Licht Aan (Please turn on the light) organised by Humanistisch Verbond on 21 June was a huge success and attracted around 1200 people (The Netherlands)

This stand-up comedy evening on the theme of Darwin was organised by the Central London Humanist Group in February 2016 to celebrate Darwin Day and to raise money for the British Humanist Association (UK)

Espace de Libertés, a monthly magazine issued by the Centre d’Action Laïque (Belgium) Freidenkerbund Österreichs’ stage event “Lange Nacht Attacked Bangladeshi humanist blogger der Humanisten” celebrating Bonya Ahmed delivers BHA annual Voltaire humanist values with artists Lecture on 2 July 2015. Her speech and comedians, 15 October 2015 was followed by a discussion with then BHA (Austria) President Jim Al-Khalil on the repeated murders against Humanists in Bangladesh and the dramatic situation of free speech in the country. ©BHA (UK)

Humanopoly is a game created by Humanistisch Ver- bond (NL) and based on Monopoly, in which players have freedom instead of money. In a huge 4 square meter play participants travel the world and experience that in some parts of the world one can lose one’s freedom sooner than in others. The game was offered to schools by humanist teachers.

The poster campaign « Lecture « Laïcité, liberté : même combat » senz’anima organised by the Union des Familles Laïques by the UAAR» inwas Italy organised to inviteBelli (UFAL) on 30 May 2015. Defending free people to meet atheists and speech and secularism through popular edu- agnostics © UAAR (Italy) cation. ©UFAL (France) Providing humanist services

Many EHF member organisations ligious way (baby naming, confir- throughout Europe were also active mation, wedding and funerals). The in providing humanist counselling popularity of these non-confessional (in prisons, hospitals, retirement services/care keeps growing in Eu- homes, youth centers and the army) rope where more and more people and ceremonies to mark major life declare themselves non-believers or events in a meaningful and non-re- non-practitioners.

In England, thanks to the British in Italian hospitals. In Iceland, since Humanist Association (BHA)’s lob- 2014 – when humanist marriage bying efforts, hospitals are now ceremonies became legal – the legally obliged to provide pastoral demand for humanist ceremonies care for the non-religious on the has increased greatly: in 2015 Sid- same basis as it is provided to the mennt celebrants conducted 199 religious, which saw the appoint- ceremonies, compared to 114 in 2014. ment of the first humanist pastoral Humanist ceremonies reached Malta carer in January 2016. In Italy, the this year, with the accreditation of Unione Degli Atei E Degli Agnos- six celebrants from the Malta Hu- tici Razionalisti (UAAR) decided to manist Association (MHA) after an create a hotline to meet the increa- intensive training course provided sing demand of secular counselling by the British Humanist Associa-

28 Humanism on the move tion which has a long tradition in ber 2015, the European Humanist this area. For three years running in Professionnals (EHP) and Human- Sweden, Humanisterna has invited Etisk Forbund (Norway) organised parliamentarians to a secular cere- a working visit in Oslo to learn mony on the day of the opening of about Norway’s long tradition of the parliament, as an alternative to humanist confirmation ceremo- the traditional church service. 2015 nies. In November 2015, Humanis- was the first year where this cere- tisch Verbond, the Dutch Huma- mony was attended by two minis- nist Association in cooperation ters. with the EHP hosted a conference in the Netherlands to exchange In order to extend and improve knowledge and methodologies on humanist services in Europe, EHF how to set up humanist chaplaincy member organisations further within organizations in health care, shared good practices with two military and prisons. exchange programmes. In Septem-

29 Humanism on the move Young humanists in action

Summer camp ”Laïcitad” in July 2015 organised by UFAL ©UFAL (France)

hrough diverse activities, EHF European and International scope. Tmembers have promoted huma- In Belgium too, the Centre d’Action nist values towards young people Laïque (CAL) discussed and shed – be they members of humanist light on young people’s political, groups or not. In France, the Union social and artistic engagement with des Familles Laïques (UFAL) co-or- its festival “We Need Youth” (inclu- ganised “Laïcitad” in July 2015, a ding performances, conferences, summer camp around the values concert and theatre plays). of secularism and humanism with

30 Humanism on the move Young European humanists at We need Youth in Brussels on 19 March 2016 ©CAL (Belgium)

Thank you for tomorrow, zinnig aansluiten bij de leefwereld van jongeren by Ann Clé (DeMens.nu)

Engaging with young people can Exeter, and Sheffield). Members sometimes be hard for civil society of both humanist sections also organisations who are used to “tra- participated in a special debate in ditional” ways of campaigning and the House of Lords on how to bring lobbying. In Belgium, DeMens.nu diversity into the Parliament. issued Thank you for tomorrow, zin- Humanist organisations were also nig aansluiten bij de leefwereld van active with young people through jongeren as the result of a one-year social projects, like “Activa’t” (“Get research project to understand bet- Active”) initiated by the Funda- ter young people’s involvement. cion Ferrer y Guardia in Spain In the UK, while the National to improve the “employability” of federation of Atheist, Humanist and unemployed young people through Secular Student Societies continued participation in associations. In a to focus on promoting humanist region where the unemployment values on campus, the British rate for young people (16-29 years Humanist Association’s young old) reaches 34 %, “Activa’t” wants section organised several socializing to serve as a platform between events to encourage the encounter civil society organisations and the of like-minded people across the young unemployed toward better UK (London, Birmingham, Bristol, youth inclusion and empowerment. 31 Humanism on the move Finances

EHF 2015

Resources € Expenses €

4.500 > 2 % 6.500 > 3 % 6.500 > 3 % 9.000 > 4 % 24.500 > 10 % 20.000 > 8 %

T he EHF is largely dependent on Presidencies, Fundamental Rights the income generated by mem- Agency, Council of Europe, OSCE, bership fees, and can count on an etc. income of around € 30.000. The EHF’s operating costs are limited - The coordination of the EHF thanks to the support of the Centre network, such as the General As- d’Action Laïque (CAL) (BE) which semblies, working groups, Euro- provides offices and logistics sup- pean Humanist Youth Days, etc. port, and employs 3 staff members - The organisation of public events for the implementation of EHF acti- (conferences, demonstrations, vities. The overall value of the CAL’s etc.) contribution to the EHF is estima- ted at € 185.000 per year. - Communication (website, leaflets, etc.) Thus the majority of the EHF’s funds are allocated to : At the end of 2015, our ac- counts had a negative balance of - EHF interventions, such as those € 2.848,57. This year again, the EHF at the EU parliament, EU Council received a substantial donation of

32 Humanism on the move $ 10.000 from Catholics for Choice, activists to raise people’s aware- to be used for the EHF’s advocacy ness on the need to mobilise and work at the European Parliament. secure fundamental rights This is of course an important ges- - Develop new communication stra- ture for which we are very grateful. tegies and tools In the long term, the EHF wishes to In order to fulfill these objectives, broaden its scope of action, streng- the EHF needs to increase and di- then its network, and increase its versify its resources. We therefore visibility in the public sphere. In the encourage Member Organisations medium term, priorities will be to : and potential partners who share - Develop projects to raise citizens’ our concerns to consider suppor- awareness on humanist core va- ting our organisation. lues - Expose the identity, work, and strategies of extremist religious

Support us

ou too can play a role in the promotion and defense of humanist Yvalues and human rights! If you want to help the EHF continue its work, please donate at

Account number : BE36 6353 6029 0181 Swift: BNAGBE BB Delta Lloyd Bank – Sterrekundelaan 23 – B1210 Brussels – Belgium

33 Humanism on the move Our members

he EHF has member organisations personal fulfilment or philosophical Tthroughout Europe. Some have enquiry. Some are particularly ac- been created fairly recently, while tive in campaigning for a secular others are over two centuries old. state or to promote a non-religious There are federations comprised life stance. Many EHF members are of millions of members, and local umbrella organisations with mem- groups with only a few dozen. Some ber organisations of their own, that work at grass roots level dealing are not necessarily directly affiliated with social issues, humanist cere- to the EHF. monies, counselling, leisure acti- vities, and education, and others are more interested in reflection,

34 Humanism on the move EUROPE NETHERLANDS European Humanist Professionals Humanist Historical Center Humanistisch Vormingsonderwijs AUSTRIA Stichting HSHB Freidenkerbund Österreichs Humanistisch Verbond

BELGIUM NORWAY CAVA - Centrum voor Vrijzinnig Humanistische Erfgoed Human-Etisk Forbund Centre d’Action Laïque deMens.nu POLAND Fédération Européenne des Maisons de la Laïcité Polish Humanist Association Humanistisch Vrijzinnige Vereniging Polish Raad voor Inspectie en Begeleiding niet-confessionele Zedenleer PORTUGAL Vrijzinnig Trefpunt Humanismo Secular Portugal

CROATIA ROMANIA Center for Civil Courage Asociaţia Umanistă Română Fundatia Centrul Pentru Constiinta Critica DENMARK Romanian Secular-Humanist Association Ateistisk Selskab Humanistisk Samfund RUSSIA ATOM - Moscow Atheist Society FINLAND Good Sense Humanist Union of Finland Russian Humanist Society Vapaa-ajattelijain liitto ry SLOVAKIA FRANCE Prometheus Society of Slovakia Cercle Gaston-Crémieux Etika Tolerancia Humanizmus Egalité Laïcité Europe (EGALE) Občianstvo Sekularizmus La Ligue de l’Enseignement Mouvement Europe et Laïcité SPAIN Union des Familles Laïques Europa Laica Union Rationaliste Fundacion Ferrer i Guardia

GERMANY SWEDEN Bund Freireligiöser Gemeinden Deutschlands Humanisterna Dachverband Freier Weltanschauungsgemeinschaften Giordano Bruno Stiftung SWITZERLAND Humanistischer Verband Deutschlands Freidenker-Vereinigung der Schweiz FVS/ASLP

GREECE Atheist Union of Greece British Humanist Association Delphi Society Central London Humanist Group Humanist Union of Greece Galha - LGBT Humanists Humanist Society of Scotland ICELAND National Secular Society Sidmennt Conway Hall Ethical Society IRELAND South West London Humanists Humanist Association of Ireland

ITALY Associazione del Libero Pensiero “Giordano Bruno” Coordinamento Nazionale delle Consulte per la Laicità delle Istituzioni Unione degli Atei e degli Agnostici Razionalisti

LUXEMBOURG Allianz vun Humanisten, Atheisten an Agnostiker Lëtzebuerg MALTA Malta Humanist Association 35 Humanism on the move The European Humanist Federation is the largest umbrella organisation of humanist associations in Europe, promoting a secular Europe and fundamental rights, defending equal treatment of everyone regardless of religion or belief, and fighting religious conservatism and privilege in Europe. www.humanistfederation.eu @EU_Humanists www.facebook.com/European.Humanist.Federation

Campus de la Plaine of the Université Libre de Bruxelles CP 237 Boulevard de la Plaine, 1050 Brussels Belgium

36 Humanism on the move