This is a long form article assessing the European Court of Human Rights' approach to blasphemy laws
Category: Humanism
SURVIVORS of ‘blasphemy’ accusations send open letter to Irish people
The International Humanist and Ethical Union has coordinated an open letter from 24 survivors of blasphemy accusations to the Irish people
It’s time to repeal your blasphemy law: My message to Irish humanists
I was honoured to be invited to give the opening address at the 16th All-Ireland Humanist Summer School.
Populism and Democracy in Europe: My speech to European Humanist Federation
On Saturday 20 May 2017 I joined a panel to speak on the above topic as part of a conference organised by the Polish Rationalist Association, in conjunction with the European Humanist Federation. My contribution begins around 13m55s. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jAw4Trk7ks&t=912s
In-depth interview with Humanist Voices
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What was family background — geography, culture, language, religion/irreligion, and education? Gary McLelland: Hi Scott. I grew up in a small town outside of Glasgow on the west coast of Scotland. It was a happy childhood. I was also fortunate to have family in a small village in the north west coast of Scotland called … Continue reading In-depth interview with Humanist Voices
Time for action on shameful caste discrimination, my statement to the United Nations
Humanists at the UN Human Rights Council have condemned the practice of discrimination by “caste”, which continues in a number of countries, highlighting India as an egregious example. Chief Executive of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), Gary McLelland, delivered the oral statement in Geneva on Tuesday 20 March 2018. McLelland outlined the horrific practice … Continue reading Time for action on shameful caste discrimination, my statement to the United Nations
4 weeks to go! Meet humanist leaders in Edinburgh – 24 May, 7pm
5 weeks left to sponsor my marathon run!
There's only 5 weeks left until I will attempt to run my fastest ever marathon of under 3h30m in Edinburgh on the 27th May. Please, if you can, make a small contribution today to help me meet my target. Today is also the day of the London Marathon. I spent some time cheering on the … Continue reading 5 weeks left to sponsor my marathon run!
Time to repeal European Blasphemy Laws, Now! My speech to European Parliament
Thank you. Good afternoon everyone. Can I start by thanking Mairead and Jan Figel, first of all for having us here today. I think you should know that it's very important to us, and that we value the chance to come here and speak to you about these important issues. And as Jan Figel said … Continue reading Time to repeal European Blasphemy Laws, Now! My speech to European Parliament
Time for atheists, secularists and humanists to engage in interfaith dialogue?
Last month, I attended an event organised by Xaverian Missionaries in the US and UK. The event was titled “A Conversation Between Religious Believers and Humanists on Values and Ethics”. I must admit to be being very sceptical about the idea of being involved in ‘interfaith’ dialogue. As an atheist I do not identify myself … Continue reading Time for atheists, secularists and humanists to engage in interfaith dialogue?