HSS has recently overhauled itself as an organisation bringing itself up-to-date as the Society has grown. You can read about these changes:
HSS has been long established, driven in large part by the growing differences between England and Scotland in modern times.
Our vision
Humanist Society Scotland seeks a Scotland in which:
- The worth, dignity and autonomy of every person is respected and individual freedom is balanced with social responsibility and a duty of care for future generations;
- Scottish civic institutions are democratic and human rights are developed, embedded and protected;
- Ethical and moral problems are addressed with compassion, knowledge and reason;
- No belief system (religious or not) should have, nor expect, privilege in the democratic process. In effect we seek a secular Scotland.
Our activities
Humanist Society Scotland seeks to:
- promote and establish a secular society;
- promote the provision of secular education;
- promote, provide and develop Humanist ceremonies;
- extend the contributions made by Humanists to a wide range of social, civic and health care provision;
- maintain, develop and empower membership of the Society to carry out these activities and any other activities which promote and support the Objects of the Society; and
- work with other Humanist associations (and like-minded organisations) in the UK, Europe and internationally.
HSS and the British Humanist Association (BHA)
HSS and BHA seek to work closely together, particularly on policy matters that extend across the UK, and internationally. Our respective work on Education and Ceremonies is quite separate reflecting the distinctive legislation and organisation of these matters in Scotland.
HSS seeks to support local groups in Scotland. BHA supports groups in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Joining HSS is a distinct step from joining BHA. There is no joint membership but a number of HSS members also join BHA. In the event of a member from Scotland joining BHA (when they thought they were joining HSS) we have good links with staff in BHA to remedy that action.
