Humanist representation on West Sussex County Council

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As tax-paying residents of West Sussex, we object to the recent decision of Councillor Peter Griffiths to exclude a Humanist from membership of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE).

This decision discriminates against the non-religious residents of West Sussex and contravenes the Equality policy and constitution of West Sussex County Council. It also contravenes the Human Rights Act.

The most recent British Social Attitudes Survey shows that 43\% of the UK population describe themselves as non-religious. These people have a right to have their beliefs represented on SACRE.

The new government guidance on Religious Education fully embraces non-religious belief and gives a case study of a SACRE with a Humanist member. The majority of SACREs have a Humanist member.

Councillor Griffiths' decision sends a confusing message to schools, which now have a duty to promote social cohesion.

The conclusion of West Sussex County Council's Equality of Opportunity Statement says "We are committed to a culture where equality and respect for all clients and employees is inherent in every action". We expect the Council to respect the views of the non-religious and give them equal opportunity of representation on SACRE.


43 Signatures

  • Andrew Edmondson
    • Comments
    • Let's fight this discrimination against our non-religious beliefs
  • Jane
  • Adrian Gracie
  • Kelvin Lillywhite
  • SSnowdon
    • Comments
    • Modern psychology shows us is possible to give young children the basic structure of human beliefs and values. This will help them on the road to learn how to feel more in control. This needs to come before any religion teachings so they are better placed to make informed decisions later in their live about their own and others beliefs and values
  • Peter Hartley
  • Sandra van der Feen
    • Comments
    • I am extremely disappointed at this decision. Why does the council exclude non-religious belief? It is high time this outdated law is changed
  • Paul Bellringer
  • Ian Davies
    • Comments
    • I abhore the unfriendly attitude of those who oppose Humanist representation.
  • Bob Smytherman
  • Terri Shanks
    • Comments
    • in a society where we are having other culture religious beliefs forced upon us we should certainly respect and represent the increasing number of people who hold no beliefs at all.
  • Nelly Parsons
    • Comments
    • I request Humanist membership for the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE).
  • Jane Tanner
  • Paul Albrecht
  • James Doyle
    • Comments
    • County Cllr, Worthing Pier, LibDem
  • Roy Ticehurst
    • Comments
    • A corporate act of Christian worship in schools is an abuse of their rights to independence. Not allowed in USA. Christianity or any other religion (including humanism) is caught (in the home) not taught!
  • Adrienne Saumur
  • Sean Hanley
    • Comments
    • Burgess Hill
  • Terry Davies
    • Comments
    • Nothing I can write briefly here could convey the strength of my feeling on this issue
  • Sarah Sjoholm-Patience
  • Andy Keavey
  • David Brown
  • Miles Patience
  • Erica Baxter
    • Comments
    • Discrimination on religious grounds includes discrimination against people who understand there is/are no God/gods.
  • Stephen Hales
  • gill ross
  • Guy Booth
  • Jeremy Thompson
  • Aubrey Claridge
  • T TAYLOR
  • Jim McGough
  • Richard Howell-Peak
    • Comments
    • It's only fair that children are presented with both sides of the debate so they can make up their minds for themselves instead of being brainwashed into being religious.
  • Josef Kane
    • Comments
    • Disgusted that no humanist is allowed. How do you practice cohesion by excluding people?
  • Sara Taylor
    • Comments
    • The public sector must stop allowing religious groups to discriminate against the secular society. Wed, rightly, be in court if it was the other way round. Allow everyone to express their views.
  • peter reynolds
  • Mr Ian Dinan
    • Comments
    • I support the good work of the Secular Movement for a balanced society totally free from religous indoctrination and privelege.
  • lauraheselden@hotmail.co.uk
  • Chris French
    • Comments
    • By including a Humanist representation on SACRE, will make a positive contribution to the teaching of RE in our WSCC schools. A Humanist influence on SACRE, should ultimately give our children a more impartial, balanced and fair understanding of the world around them.
  • Paul Shepard
  • john mac canna
  • Edward Becket
  • Emily Barkworth