• Action Headquarters
  • Media Center
    • Press Releases
    • Press Kit
    • All News

American Humanist Association

Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About
    • About

      For over 80 years, the AHA has proudly served as the leading progressive voice in America on behalf of humanists, atheists, agnostics, and freethinkers.

      Learn More
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Financial Info and Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Are You Humanist?
    • Are You Humanist?

      Guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience.

      Learn More
    • Definition of Humanism
    • Humanism and Its Aspirations
    • Humanist of the Year Award
    • Famous Humanists in History
  • Key Issues
    • Key Issues

      We are committed to building an inclusive America grounded in an embrace of reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion- rather than religious dogma.

      Learn More
    • Defending Nontheists and Promoting Humanism
    • Religion and Government Separation
    • Social Justice
    • Scientific Integrity
    • Promoting Peace
    • Resolutions and Statements
  • What We Do
    • What We Do

      We work tirelessly in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend civil liberties, secular governance, and scientific integrity.

      Learn More
    • Legal
    • Legislative
    • Education Center
    • Local Groups
    • Programs and Adjuncts
    • Publications
    • AHA at the Supreme Court
    • National Day of Reason
    • Boycott the Pledge Campaign
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Humanism for All Prisoners’ Project
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved

      Ready for change? Join our network and be the first to take action. Get the resources and tools you need to make a real difference.

      Learn More
    • Humanist Action Headquarters
    • Find a Local AHA Group
    • Become a Humanist Celebrant
    • Events and Conferences
    • Grants and Programs
    • Resources
  • Ways to Give
    • Ways to Give

      Through winning lawsuits, active lobbying, and effective media campaigns, your contribution can go a long way.

      Learn More
    • Join
    • Renew
    • Donate
    • Online-Only Membership
    • Leave a Bequest
    • IRA Rollover Gifts
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Media Center
  • Take Action
February 8, 2013 Action Alerts

DC Residents, Take Action: Support Secular Weddings in D.C.!

Facebook Twitter Email Share
February 8, 2013 Action Alerts

For residents of Washington, DC

Dear Friend,

Weddings are joyous times that are celebrations of dedication, family, and friends. Weddings can also be a bit hectic, which is why getting someone who shares your beliefs to officiate the ceremony shouldn’t be subject to unnecessary red tape.

Unfortunately, D.C. currently limits officiants to religious figures or court officers, which often leaves secular Washingtonians out of this special day. Thankfully, City Councilmember Tommy Wells (Ward 6) just introduced a bill that would allow couples to call upon any officiant they want—without a religious affiliation.

If you are a resident of Washington, DC, tell the City Council to support bill B20-0118 and give Washingtonians the option to have a secular wedding.

This bill would create a one-day officiant permit that would allow the holder to solemnize a wedding without having to prove any religious affiliation. If passed, this would be a major first step toward challenging laws requiring religious affiliation for wedding officiants—allowing more people the freedom and ease of having a secular solemnized ceremony.

Weddings should be as inclusive and stress-free as possible, which is why this common sense reform is so important. Please help us support secular weddings by contacting your City Councilmember to support this bill!

Sincerely,

Roy Speckhardt

Roy Speckhardt
Executive Director

Return to Media Center

Latest news from TheHumanist.com

Subscribe Today

Rewriting Humanity for a Dying Planet

Erica Mayor

Scientists (and Allies) – Advocate With Us for Scientific Integrity!

Isabella Russian

GPS Stole Our Sense of Direction. AI Is Coming for Our Sense of Self.

Austin Wright

Building a Better Corporate Religion

Dr. David I. Orenstein

The Ethics of Gene Editing: Navigating Humanist Values in Biotechnology

Amelia Gabrielle
American Humanist Association
1821 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-238-9088
800-837-3792 (toll-free)
202-238-9003 (fax)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About the American Humanist Association
  • Are You Humanist?
  • What We Do
  • Key Issues
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Involved
  • Press Kit
  • Local Groups
  • Education Center
  • Become a Humanist Celebrant
  • Job and Internship Opportunities
  • Humanist Action Headquarters
  • Sign Up for AHA Emails
  • Privacy Policy
  • Records Policy
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us

©2025 American Humanist Association. All Rights Reserved.

Combined Federal CampaignIndependent Charities of AmericaCharity NavigatorCandid/Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency