American Humanist News and Actions
American Humanist Association Unveils Richard Dawkins Ad
Posted March 29, 2011 at 8:21am(Washington D.C., March 28, 2011) The American Humanist Association has unveiled its newest advertisement in light of the 70th Anniversary National Conference, to be held April 7-10, 2011 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The ads, which feature 1996 Humanist of the Year Richard Dawkins, address a common fallacy of organized religion.
“We are all atheists about most of the gods that societies have ever believed in,” reads Dawkins’ quote in the ad. “Some of us just go one god further.” The ads will be featured in the Harvard Crimson, the MIT Tech, and a billboard near Harvard Square.
The ads can be viewed here, and the billboard can be viewed here.
“People don’t realize how common it is to reject the principles of other faiths,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “Dawkins illuminates this point, drawing attention to this universal truth that many choose to disregard out of ignorance or pure convenience.”
The conference will feature guests Richard Dawkins, Rebecca Goldstein, Steve Wozniak, Bart Ehrman, Steven Pinker, Roy Zimmerman, Jeff Sharlet, Bill Baird, Judy Norsigian, and Candace Gingrich-Jones, as well as break-out sessions, plenaries, and awards banquets. For more information, please visit http://www.americanhumanist.org/conference.
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The American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org ) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., its work is extended through more than 100 local chapters and affiliates across America.
Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity.
American Humanist Association Decries “In God We Trust” Motto Resolution
Posted March 18, 2011 at 9:07amAmerican Humanist Association leadership expressed disapproval today of the House Judiciary Committee passage of H. Con. Res 13, which reaffirms the official motto of the United States as “In God We Trust.” The resolution, if passed in the House of Representatives, would encourage the display of “In God We Trust” on public buildings, including government institutions and public schools.
Humanists Proudly Endorse Rep. Pete Stark's Darwin Day Resolution
Posted February 10, 2011 at 8:59amThe American Humanist Association (AHA) is proud to announce Representative Pete Stark’s (D-CA) proposal of H. Res. 81 calling for the designation of February 12, 2011 as Darwin Day.
Obama Praises Humanist Values at National Prayer Breakfast
Posted February 03, 2011 at 1:41pmLeaders at the American Humanist Association (AHA) were pleased today with remarks made by President Obama at the Annual National Prayer Breakfast recognizing his nontheistic family upbringing.
Humanists Applaud Decision to Remove Ten Commandments Display from Courtroom
Posted February 03, 2011 at 10:10amThe American Humanist Association (AHA) applauded the decision of an Ohio appeals court to remove a Ten Commandments display from the courtroom of an Ohio state judge. The poster display, which appeared in the courtroom of Judge James DeWeese, juxtaposed the "moral absolutes" of the Ten Commandments with the "moral relativism" of humanist principles.
Governor Bentley Slaps Non-Religious Constituents a Second Time
Posted January 20, 2011 at 12:41pmThe American Humanist Association (AHA) was dissatisfied with Governor Bentley’s apology this morning for the comments made dismissing non-Christians as not part of his “family.” Governor Bentley said to reporters Wednesday, “If anyone from other religions felt disenfranchised by the language, I want to say I am sorry. I am sorry if I offended anyone in any way.”
Grassley Report Highlights Need to Remove Church Exemption from IRS Reporting
Posted January 07, 2011 at 4:35pmThe American Humanist Association (AHA) responded today to Sen. Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) report on the financial practices of mega-churches, pressing for greater accountability for churches.
American Humanist Association Commends Mt. Soledad Cross Ruling, But With Caution
Posted January 05, 2011 at 1:32pmToday the American Humanist Association cautiously commended the reversal of a 2008 U.S. District Court ruling that the 43-foot Mt. Soledad cross war memorial was representative of all veterans, regardless of religion. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found the presence of the cross to be unconstitutional, but left open the issue of whether a modified version of the memorial that included some form of a cross would pass constitutional muster.
American Humanist Association Hails Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Posted December 20, 2010 at 4:03pmThe American Humanist Association (AHA) hailed the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” Saturday when the Senate’s bill to allow gays to serve openly in the military was successfully passed. The House passed the measure on Wednesday.
Humanists Refute Congressional Prayer Caucus’ Criticism
Posted December 09, 2010 at 4:50pmThe American Humanist Association today blasted the Congressional Prayer Caucus (CPC) for criticizing President Barack Obama for using the motto "E Pluribus Unum." The CPC, a group of about 68 legislators, wrote a letter to Obama on Tuesday condemning his use of "E Pluribus Unum" in a recent speech, saying that he instead should be referring to "In God We Trust." The CPC also said Obama is not referring to God enough in his speeches, adding that he has repeatedly mentioned "inalienable rights" without giving credit for those rights to a divine authority. For these offenses, Obama should "issue a correction," the CPC said.
