The 'Politics' of Humanism - Karen Wright

As a ‘world view’ humanism is not directly political - but what does that mean? Is it desirable or even possible to be apolitical?

What do we mean by being, or not being, ‘political’? Can humanism be ‘political’ without being party political? Is Humanists UK’s support for women’s reproductive rights or children’s right to an unbiased education, for example, really non-political?

As the level of conflict & confrontation in the world rises, not all political groups & their leaders can be trusted to take an ethical & unbiassed view. Challenging this may be seen as taking sides, but can we keep silent without betraying our ethical principles?

Karen Wright will be joining us to unpick and unpack the issues. She will talk about the basis of HUK’s choices about political difference and how it takes decisions on what to lobby on and how to engage, including times when supporting what is morally right may mean taking sides.

Karen Wright is Head of Policy Unit for Humanists UK, where she has worked since 2018. She also acts as Secretary to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Humanism. Her previous experience is in the not-for-profit sector, in similar public policy roles in housing, money advice and arts. Her current focus is on high profile campaigns such as assisted dying, humanist marriage and fair education.

Note - that this is the event postponed from April this year.

Everyone is welcome
This event is FREE to Bristol Humanists members, others we request £5/£2 to cover our costs.
The bar is open before and afterwards