Contact:Patrick Hudson, (202) 238-9088, phudson@americanhumanist.org

Matthew Bulger, 202-238-9088 ext. 104, mbulger@americanhumanist.org

(Washington, DC, April 7th, 2017)—Yesterday United States Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA) introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives, House Res. 263, recognizing May 4, 2017, as the National Day of Reason. The National Day of Reason is an initiative by the American Humanist Association to promote reason as a secular alternative to the National Day of Prayer.

Upon introduction of the resolution, Rep. Lieu said: “There is no doubt that emotions and passions play an important role in American politics. They drive elected officials to pursue issues they care about and energize our citizens to participate in our great democracy. But as Jon Oliver said, “graphs aren’t Rorschach tests.” At a time when people are disputing indisputable facts and axing scientific funding, celebrating reason and logic is more important than ever. We will get the best results for society if we formulate public policy using sound logic and rational thought. That is why I am proud to introduce the National Day of Reason Resolution alongside my colleagues Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA).”

“Not all Americans pray, but reason is something everyone can unite around,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “While some may seek personal guidance from their religious beliefs, we encourage our elected leaders to use logic, empathy, and equality to protect the freedoms and civil rights of all Americans.”

The American Humanist Association worked closely with Rep. Lieu to craft the National Day of Reason resolution, after working with former House Representative Mike Honda (D-CA) for two consecutive years.

The American Humanist Association celebrates the National Day of Reason every first Thursday in May, the same day as the National Day of Prayer, created by a 1952 resolution of the US Congress. Reason is a value that religious and nonreligious individuals can both embrace, making the National Day of Reason an inclusive alternative to the National Day of Prayer that also upholds the separation of church and state, outlined in the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.

Efforts are on-going to introduce National Day of Reason resolutions and proclamations at the state and local levels. Humanist groups across the country will observe the National Day of Reason with rallies, lectures, and other events. More information can be found at NationalDayofReason.org.

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Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, DC, 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.