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Fáilte romhat go suíomh idirlíne Cumann Daonnachta na hÉireann. Tá súil againn go mbainfidh tú taitneamh as! Humanism is an ethical philosophy of life, based on a concern for humanity, which combines reason with compassion. It is for people who base their interpretation of existence on the evidence of the natural world and its evolution, and not on belief in a supernatural power. This is why it is called a naturalistic life-stance. Humanism is an active philosophy in its own right and not simply a negative response to religion. It has existed for over 2,500 years and which still flourishes today. A Humanist believes that the happiness of humankind depend on people rather than on religion and dogma. Morality is the recognition that good rules for behaviour have evolved from human experience. They are not the prerogative of religion. Humanist values give us rights, freedom and dignity, but they also give us responsibility for our own lives, for helping others and to achieve a better world. Check the latest news for latest updates from HAI.
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PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT ON PROPOSED BLASPHEMY LEGISLATION by The Humanist Association of Ireland The Humanist Association of Ireland has a principled objection to any attempt to introduce the crime of blasphemy into legislation. The proposed legislation to criminalise blasphemy amounts to a threat to free speech and a threat to religious freedom. No two religions agree on every theological point of view and adherents of each must be free to express those views even if they are considered blasphemous by the adherents of a different religion. In fact one person's 'blasphemy' is another's sincere belief. In addition Humanists and others must be free to question all religious beliefs. In a free society, freedom of expression including criticism of ideas and beliefs is one of the most basic and cherished rights and the free exchange of ideas is a fundamental element in human development. While we support the freedom of religion and conscience, no religious or philosophical beliefs should be protected from vigorous criticism and challenge. Religious beliefs should enjoy no extra protection compared with non-religious beliefs. Any legislation which tends to inhibit or prevent the full and critical discussion of ideas and beliefs in the free market place of ideas is incompatible with the principles of a modern democratic republic. It may occur that some individuals will take offence at critical or contradictory evidence of dearly held beliefs. But the nature of debate on any issue of controversy carries that possibility. Thus we distinguish between critisising ideas and beliefs in contrast with critisising individuals for holding those beliefs. Currently there are adequate laws in place to protect individuals from libelous attacks. This Association calls on the Minister to reconsider his proposal to make blasphemy a crime as it could imperil the right to free speech for all its citizens. Dick Spicer Chair HAI
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Unbelievable!The Humanist Association of Ireland has launched a poster campaign on Dart trains in the capital against the practice of judges and presidents of Ireland being obliged to take a religious oath. Posters with the caption: “Unbelievable” will ask the question “Did you know that you must take a religious oath in order to become a judge – or the president – in Ireland?” The goal of this campaign is to increase awarness that 250,000 Irish citizens are disbared from these positions and to end its discrimination. |
Humanism encourages open-minded enquiry into matters relevant to human co-existence and well-being. Humanists are committed to the application of reason and science, to the understanding of the universe and to the solving of human problems so that quality of life can be improved for everyone. The Humanist Association of Ireland (HAI) is affiliated to the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) and the European Humanist Federation.
IHEU is the world union of Humanist, rationalist, secular, laïque, ethical culture, atheist and freethought organizations. Their mission is to represent and support the global Humanist movement. Their goal is a Humanist world in which human rights are respected and all can live a life of dignity. In 2002, the Amsterdam declaration was adopted by the general assembley of the IHEU as a defining statement of world humanism.
If you live in Ireland and are an atheist, agnostic, freethinker, rationalist, secularist, sceptic; do not believe in a god, are non-religious or have no belief in the supernatural - Humanism may just interest you! Check the latest news for latest updates from HAI.  |
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