British Humanist Association
1 Gower Street
LONDON
WC1E 6HD
Telephone: 020 7079 3580
Fax: 020 7079 3588
Email: info@humanism.org.uk

Media Release
20 December 2005

HUMANIST WELCOME FOR CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS

The British Humanist Association (BHA) has welcomed the Civil Partnership legislation for same-sex couples and congratulates all those planning to take advantage of their new rights.

Hanne Stinson, executive director of the BHA, said, ‘Humanists have been campaigning for gay and lesbian equality for over half a century. Unlike many of the major religions, Humanism is a modern worldview that has no room for the ancient prejudices which discriminate against people simply because of their sexual orientation.’

In addition to its campaigning work to achieve equality for lesbians and gay men over many years, the BHA has been providing commitment ceremonies for same-sex couples, on the same grounds as its non-religious weddings for heterosexual couples, through its national network of accredited humanist celebrants.

Ms Stinson commented, ‘We are delighted that all those couples who have shared such ceremonies over the years will now finally have the opportunity to make their relationships legal.’

END

Notes

Enquiries about humanist ceremonies can be directed to ceremonies@humanism.org.ukFor further information contact Hanne Stinson at hanne@humanism.org.uk or 020 7079 3583