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

American Humanist Association

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

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About
    • About

      For over 75 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
    • Darwin Day
    • Humanist Disaster Recovery
    • 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
    • Report a Violation or Discrimination
    • Find a Local AHA Chapter
    • Become a Humanist Celebrant
    • Events and Conferences
    • 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
August 20, 2015 News, Press Releases

American Humanist Association Joins International Alliance in Protest of Bangladeshi Blogger Murders

Facebook Twitter Email Share
August 20, 2015 News, Press Releases

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Merrill Miller, 202-238-9088 ext. 105, merrillmiller@americanhumanist.org

(Washington, D.C., Aug. 20, 2015)—The American Humanist Association supports the International Humanist and Ethical Union’s open letter condemning the string of brutal murders of humanist bloggers in Bangladesh.

The letter, signed by Rebecca Hale, president of the American Humanist Association, and Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association, has been endorsed by hundreds of bloggers, free speech advocates, humanist associations, progressive religious organizations and ex-Muslim groups around the world. It calls upon Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Abdul Hamid to bring the murderers to justice and end the “quasi-blasphemy” laws that restrict free expression on religion. It also decries the responses of Bangladesh’s authorities, who have blamed the victims instead of protecting those whose lives are still threatened.

“The brave bloggers in Bangladesh who stand up for the right to criticize religious extremism must be protected,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “The universal human right to freedoms of speech and secular government are essential for building an open, tolerant and stable society.”

“People must be able to discuss and debate religion and politics, beliefs and practices. If they cannot, then injustice, fear and violence will reign,” the letter states.

The American Humanist Association mourns the tragic killings of four bloggers in the past six months: Avijit Roy, Washiqur Rahman, Ananta Bijoy Das and Niladri Chatterjee. In June, the American Humanist Association, with the Secular Coalition for America and the Center for Inquiry, hosted briefings in the U.S. Congress and Senate to educate legislators about the dire need for religious freedom in Bangladesh and other parts of the world. The American Humanist Association also supports U.S. House Resolution 396, which would oppose blasphemy laws and support free expression for atheists, humanists and religious minorities. Through its advocacy and educational work, the American Humanist Association is committed to upholding the human rights of atheists and humanists to live free from the intimidation of religious extremism.

The full letter is available here.

###

Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming philosophy of humanism, which—without beliefs in any gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.

More Press Releases

Latest news from TheHumanist.com

Subscribe Today

Announcement: Secular Communities Survey Launches Today

Joseph Blankholm, Juhem Navarro-Rivera, and Dusty Hoesly

Representation Matters: Spotlight on State Senator Meghan Hunt

Sarah Levin

Honoring Black History in Policy

Rachel Deitch

Mubarak Bala: The 300 Day Campaign

Andrew Hulett

Centering Youth Engagement: A Conversation with a Young Teen Changemaker

Isabelle Oldfield
American Humanist Association
1821 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-238-9088
800-837-3792 (toll-free)
202-238-9003 (fax)
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About the American Humanist Association
  • Are You Humanist?
  • What We Do
  • Key Issues
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Involved
  • Report a Violation or Discrimination
  • 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

©2021 American Humanist Association. All Rights Reserved.

Combined Federal CampaignIndependent Charities of AmericaGuideStarCharity NavigatorGuidestar 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency