Reacting to the first remarks of the Pope on his state visit, the British Humanist Association has expressed its disappointment.

Andrew Copson, BHA Chief Executive, said, ‘The notion that it was the atheism of Nazis (who were mostly not atheists in any case) that led to their extremist and hateful views or that somehow fuels intolerance in Britain today is a terrible libel against those who do not believe in god. The notion that it is non-religious people in the UK today who want to force their views on others, coming from a man whose organisation exerts itself internationally to impose its narrow and exclusive form of morality and undermine the human rights of women, children, gay people and many others, is surreal.’

Notes

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

The British Humanist Association is the national charity representing and supporting the interests 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.