Humanists stand in solidarity on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

The seventh annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) has been marked today by the British Humanist Association (BHA) with a call understanding and celebration of diversity.

Andrew Copson, BHA Chief Executive commented: 'Anyone who recognises the conclusions of modern science accepts that same-sex attraction is a natural part of life, anyone with a humane approach to ethics recognises that what free and consenting adults do in private is nobody else's business. Humanists will recognise both these facts and more than that, we celebrate the diversity of ways of living that are a consequence of human freedom.

‘On the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we stand in solidarity with all those who suffer the physical and mental harm of prejudice, persecution and violence around the world, and deplore the inhumanity and irrational bigotry which motivates such hate.'

Notes

The BHA worked with the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GAHLA) and Stephen Gilbert MP in tabling Early Day Motion 1780 on IDAHO:

EDM 1780 states: That this House welcomes the seventh annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on 17 May 2011; supports those local authorities, police, health authorities and voluntary organisations who will mark this day with events, campaigns and statements of support; further supports the raising of the rainbow flag to reaffirm that homophobia and transphobia are unacceptable wherever they occur, whether in the UK or around the world; and calls on the Government to bring full equality to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the UK and to actively encourage equality for LGBT people around the world.

For further comment or information, contact Andrew Copson at andrew@humanism.org.uk or on 07534 248596.

The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of ethically concerned, non-religious people in the UK. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief, and for a secular state.

British Humanist Association (BHA)

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