KENILWORTH, 2 JUNE 2003 — The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) has welcomed the references to Humanist values in the latest draft of the preamble to the new European Union constitution.
The draft written by former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing reads: “Drawing inspiration from the cultural, religious and humanist inheritance of Europe, which, nourished first by the civilisations of Greece and Rome, characterised by spiritual impulse always present in its heritage, and later by the philosophical currents of the Enlightenment, has embedded within the life of society its perception of the central role of the human person and his inviolable and inalienable rights, and of respect for law. Conscious that Europe is a continent that has brought forth civilisation; that its inhabitants, arriving in successive waves since the first ages of mankind, have gradually developed the values underlying humanism: equality of persons, freedom, respect for reason.”
GALHA also welcomes the statements in Article 1-51 of the preamble which gives philosophical organisations parity with religious ones.
GALHA Secretary George Broadhead commented: “It is encouraging that Humanism is recognised in this preamble and that Humanist organisations are given the same status as religious ones. However, there remains the danger that reactionary institutions like the Vatican will do all in their power to thwart progressive legislation, especially that affecting lesbian and gay people, which conflicts with their doctrines.”