Humanist Network News

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR: Humanist Lobbying on Capitol Hill

Jessica Constantine — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:42:56 -0400

Yesterday I met Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado and Representative Chris Murphy of Connecticut to thank them personally for their co-sponsorship of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)—an issue that the American Humanist Association is actively lobbying for passage. In talking with Rep. Murphy about the chances of ENDA being passed in this session, he wasn’t optimistic due to the stronghold of conservatives in the House but believed that it could pass if we did more "reaching across the aisle."

The only way to ensure passage of bills like ENDA—and the success of many other bills we humanists support—is to do just that: reach across the aisle and convince conservatives to support us. That’s why I’m enthusiastic about Edwina Rogers, the new executive director of the Secular Coalition for America. Yes, she's a Republican--but Edwina’s extensive experience in lobbying and dedication to church-state separation will ensure more bipartisan support on the issues that matter.

Rest assured the American Humanist Association is committed to lobbying for humanist values: social and economic justice, reproductive rights, LGBT equality, peace, and other progressive values. We are proud to join the Secular Coalition for America in lobbying for mainly secular issues: church-state separation and equal rights for nontheists.

I encourage everyone to follow the lobbying work of both the Secular Coalition for America and the American Humanist Association. We are your voice in Washington DC.

Maggie Ardiente
Editor, HNN

AHA Leaders Meet with U.S. State Dept.’s Office of Religious Freedom

Jessica Constantine — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:41:07 -0400

For the first time in history, nontheists met with officials from the U.S. State Department’s Office of International Religious Freedom to work together to promote the freedom not to believe.

The Dead Body Problem

Jessica Constantine — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:41:01 -0400

Janet Asimov writes a hilarious piece on why we humanists should be concerned about dead bodies just as much as we are concerned about living ones.

2012 National Day of Reason Wrap-Up

Jessica Constantine — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:40:46 -0400

This year’s National Day of Reason was a major success! Check out this year’s proclamations, news coverage, and more.

Humanist Magazine Cover Contest: The New Skepticism

Jessica Constantine — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:40:39 -0400

Have you received the May/June 2012 issue of the Humanist magazine? Enter our Cover Contest by identifying all of the skeptics on the cover and be eligible for a prize!

Early Bird Rate for AHA Conference Ends Tomorrow!

Jessica Constantine — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:40:33 -0400

Rates increase after May 11! Don’t wait until it’s too late to register for an exciting AHA Conference in New Orleans featuring Gloria Steinem, Cenk Uygur, Ira Flatow, Jessica Ahlquist, and more!

Humanist Voices in Verse: Helen Bennett

Jessica Constantine — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:39:42 -0400

This week’s poem “Two By Two” is written by regular HNN poetry contributor, Helen Bennett.

The Comics Section: Walking on Water, Vaccinations, and Answered Prayers

Jessica Constantine — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:39:28 -0400

New comics by Jesus and Mo, Ape Not Monkey, and The Bad Chemicals!

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR: The Next Great Humanist Debate

Jessica Constantine — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:09:00 -0400

The overwhelming response to last week’s HNN debate on pornography was fantastic. I say that, even despite some negative reactions, because it reminds me of how diverse and passionate humanists are when it comes to issues that matter. We’ve already decided on the big issues—church and state should be separate, women should have full reproductive access, gay marriage should be recognized in all 50 states—and your American Humanist Association continues to work tirelessly to achieve these goals. It’s great that we humanists agree—but where do we disagree? Do all humanists support gun control? Can a humanist support the death penalty? Where are the libertarian humanists? I want to hear from you!

You’ve seen how humanists can be divided on animal rights and pornography. What are the other issues where humanists are split almost 50/50? Tell us what you’d like to see in the next “Humanist Debate” at hnn@americanhumanist.org or send us a message via Facebook or Twitter. We may feature your idea (or even your written article) in the next issue of HNN.

Maggie Ardiente
Editor, HNN

The State of Religion: Declining Belief in God Worldwide

Jessica Constantine — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:08:52 -0400

Brian Magee analyzes the latest studies showing a dramatic decline in belief in God and the practice of traditional religion.