It's been a busy and emotional period for our small team. Our one-person social media team is taking a fortnight off. Stay safe, stay humanist.

We lost the vote on assisted dying. But thank you to each and every one of you who did everything you could to try to bring about the change that Scotland needs. Last week you showed up for us again, to make your views felt with dignity and poise ahead of the final vote. Pictures by Matthieu Gill

It's hard thinking of uplifting content to fill our social media accounts with just now. Misinformation and fearmongering are scuppering humanist and secular causes at home and abroad. So here's a statue just unveiled in Kazakhstan of some men who formed a human chain to rescue a dog from a canal.

Save the date! Our next Festival of Humanism will take place on Saturday 14 November at Glasgow's Clayton Hotel. See you there! Plus, we want you to help us shape the event. Use the form below to tell us what formats and themes you'd like to see... docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

From debates on science and the Bible to talks on scepticism, this programme from the 1948-49 session for Glasgow humanist group shows humanist activity in Scotland long before Humanist Society Scotland was formed in 1989. With thanks to our volunteer Skye for dipping into our archive

As an organisation representing much of Scotland's LGBTQIA+ community, we cannot stay silent on the frankly disgusting language attributed to Lord Offord, leader of Scottish Reform. Keep this language out of our culture. Keep it out of our politics. Share this post if you agree.

A lie can travel round the world before the truth gets its boots on. We've been thinking a lot about Brandolini's law this last week at Humanist Society. Misinformation and fearmongering are something we have to fight everyday,. Here's a useful explainer from Jonny Thomson at MiniPhilosophy.

As the dust settles on last week's vote against legalised #AssistedDying for Scotland, we're sharing our CEO Fraser Sutherland's comments: Read more at: www.humanism.scot/2026/03/17/h...

The Scottish Parliament showing us what true inclusivity looks like. Instead of Christian parliamentary prayer to open the day's session (as is the case at Westminster), it has 'Time for Reflection'. Beautifully led yesterday by @humanistsociety.bsky.social celebrant Ronit Quayle ♥️

Keep up the fight! 🥊

This week our celebrant Ronit Quayle delivered a moving Time for Reflection address at Scottish parliament. She celebrated the everyday expressions and gestures that show people's love for each other, and their decency. It is those seemingly small things that change the world.

This #WorldPoetryDay, we're celebrating love, with the poem "Time for Love", by the wonderful Sean Lionadh. We're proud to have hosted Sean at our festivals of humanism in the past. He is an amazing poet, performer, award-winning filmmaker, and humanist. www.youtube.com/watch?v=608c...

Our Policy and Campaigns Officer Joe has written a great new blog post for @alliancescot.bsky.social. It's all about the Scottish Government's new religious observance bill, which discriminates against non-religious pupils Read more: www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/blog/opinion...

We have joined @humanists.bsky.social in condemning US and Israeli attacks on Iran, while continuing to express solidarity with Iranians fighting their country's theocratic rule. These two positions do not contradict but mirror each other. Full statement at link www.humanism.scot/2026/03/16/h...

We're extremely disappointed that MSPs have voted against legalising assisted dying for Scotland. But we will keep fighting. Read more at the link: www.humanism.scot/2026/03/17/h...

Liam McArthur MSP concluded his deeply moving opening speech on #AssistedDying with the words of Lisa McArthur, a woman with incurable breast cancer. Lisa's words resonantly powerfully as we approach the final vote on this issue tonight. Scotland needs assisted dying.

We're so pleased that Evelyn Tweed MSP shared the words of our wonderful celebrant and assisted dying campaigner Kate Buchanan (1964-2024) ahead of tonight's final vote on #AssistedDying. As Kate put it so eloquently, MSPs now need to do right for Scotland.

"Nothing embodies humanist values more than the right to decide the terms on which we leave this world." Our chair Jennifer Buchan delivered a brilliant speech outside Holyrood this morning, ahead of the vital final vote on #AssistedDying this evening. We've done all we can. Now it's up to MSPs.

Back choice and compassion. Back bodily autonomy. Back #AssistedDying. This morning we gathered outside Holyrood to show our support for assisted dying ahead of the final MSPs' vote at 10pm. This campaign has been years in the making. Now it comes down to a few hours. Stay tuned for updates

Today MSPs will vote on whether or not to legalise #AssistedDying in Scotland. The vote could go either way. Stick with us and we'll keep you updated across the day and evening as the debate unfolds and the numbers come in.

Last week we shared a letter composed by our allies at Friends at the End and signed by dozens of representatives of human rights organisations, politicians and academics. It urged MSPs to separate fact from fiction ahead of a crucial vote on assisted dying. www.humanism.scot/2026/03/16/h...

There are just 24 hours before MSPs start debating the assisted dying bill at stage three, ahead of the final vote. The margins are incredibly tight. Adapt the letter template at the link below to write to your MSP and tell them you back assisted dying. humanist.eaction.org.uk/share-your-s...

“I don't want my children to see me suffering. The only way I can see that happening is through this bill. When you are debating this, think of me and my family.” Kate Buchanan, Humanist Society celebrant 1964 - 2024 TELL YOUR MSPS TO SUPPORT ASSISTED DYING humanist.eaction.org.uk/share-your-s...

"I am left with the most traumatic memories of my dad imaginable." Joanne became involved in the fight for legal assisted dying after losing her dad to pancreatic cancer. There are thousands of stories like hers. Write to your MSPS to tell them to end this humanist.eaction.org.uk/share-your-s...

"As an avowed humanist, my grandad believes this choice should be available for terminally ill people who want it. At the end of the day that’s what this debate is all about." Write to your MSPs and tell them to vote for assisted dying: humanist.eaction.org.uk/share-your-s...

This week, MSPs have been debating the more than 300 proposed amendments to Liam McArthur's assisted dying bill. Some notable changes have been made to the bill, which should help the required number of MSPs to back the bill. www.humanism.scot/2026/03/12/a... #AssistedDying #Scotland #Amendments

Scotland's #AssistedDying bill will now include a six-month prognosis period, meaning only people judged to have six months or less to live would be eligible. Here's Liam McArthur MSP discussing the amendment, which passed by 70 votes to 47.

The final vote on #AssistedDying for Scotland is coming up next Tuesday.. We need you to write to your elected representatives telling them you support choice, compassion, and control at the end of life for people in Scotland. Use the link below: humanist.eaction.org.uk/share-your-s...

We have a chance to make history next week by legalising #AssistedDying in Scotland. But the opposition is out in force and has been flooding MSPs' inboxes. Write to your MSPs and tell them you support assisted dying laws for Scotland: humanist.eaction.org.uk/share-your-s...

Here's Miles Briggs MSP at the final debate on RO last month, expressing his fears that if religious observance has to "include everyone", it could ruin Christmas services and "services in general"

It's official: the final vote for Scotland's assisted dying law will take place on 17 March. Use our template below to write to your MSPS and tell them NOW IS THE TIME for assisted dying laws in Scotland. humanist.eaction.org.uk/share-your-s...

Ahead of the UK launch of Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about a Glasgow street that rose up to drive out immigration officers trying to deport their neighbours, we spoke to Henry Bell, a writer and activist who helped to initiate the protest. www.humanism.scot/2026/03/07/h...

Last week, Jersey passed an historic law to allow terminally adults the right to an assisted death. State members voted by 32 to 16 in favour of the bill, which sets a precedent for the UK to follow. Read more from our allies at @humanists.uk here: humanists.uk/2026/02/26/j...

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland has claimed people are "selectively quoting" the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to support an end to compulsory religious observance. Actually, the UN has directly and explicitly told the govt to introduce opt out rights.

It's #WomensHistoryMonth. We're working with @engenderscot.bsky.social on their Let's Change the Act campaign. Here's a 2024 blog post from Lynsey Mitchell of the Uni of Strathclyde on the history of abortion law and why we need to fully #DecriminaliseAbortion www.humanism.scot/2024/05/21/d...

Humanism is all about coming to celebrating the one life we have. Part of that is about accepting mortality. Our Communications Manager Lara hosts Death Cafes every year. These are informal spaces where you can talk about your feelings around death. www.humanism.scot/events/death...

Ever noticed how little Christian nationalism appears to have to do with Christianity? We love this side-splitting video from Friend Dog Studios about "GOP Jesus". Full vid at the link below. Are we due one of these about any high-profile figures in the UK? Hmmm. www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ2L...

We weren't alone in warning the Scottish govt that their new religious observance bill discriminated against non-religious and minority religious children, as Maggie Chapman MPS explained during the final debate on the bill. Letting children opt into RO but not out is discrimination. It's simple.

Happy #WorldNGODay. With democratic institutions being eroded by the Trump White House and similar proposals being made for the UK by Nigel Farage's Reform Party, it will increasingly take people power to protect the rights, freedoms, and values of secular democracy. Share this post if you agree.

Yesterday Humanists International launched the new edition of their Freedom of Thought Report. This year, the Report takes a sobering look at the intersection of rising authoritarianism and conservative religious movements. Find out more fot.humanists.international

Please take a look at this important campaign from our allies at @scottishtrans.bsky.social @lgbtiscotland.bsky.social

Kate Forbes spoke at the final religious observance debate about a schoolchild who had gone against their parents' wishes to attend a Christian club. We *support* this child's right to do that! But why has her govt just passed a law that prevents children opting out of RO? Obvious discrimination!

Reform UK's Home Affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf has promised to restore Britain's "Christian heritage". How? A new "patriotic curriculum", mass ICE-stye immigration raids and deportations, and ending indefinite leave to remain. Restoring our heritage, or hateful white-nationalist bigotry?

Sign up to our monthly newsletter Humankind! Humanist news from around the country, local events and opportunities, written by a human. #Humankind #ScottishHumanism #Newsletter #HumanistNews portal.humanism.scot/crm/profile/...

In a new guest blog for our website, Professor Claire Cassidy explains why compulsory religious observance flies in the face of children’s rights. She also provides a blueprint for an inclusive alternative: Philosophy with Children. www.humanism.scot/2026/02/16/l...

A new challenger emerges! Who wins battle of the anti-racist billboards, Dundee or Manchester?? #ThankGodForImmigrants #Wham #GeorgeMichael #JimRatcliffe #Racism #Xenophobia #Humanism

Some cracking content from The Speech Prof, a communication studies academic in the US, for yer weekend feeds. Isn't it a bit depressing being an atheist? Um, no it isn't actually. Life is precious precisely because it ends. #Atheism #Humanism #GoodWithoutGod

Reform UK have announced plans to repeal the Equality Act 2010 if they win the next election. SHARE THIS POST IF YOU DISAGREE WITH NIGEL

Are you ready for Scotland’s big climate & nature debate 2026? 🌍🌿🤝💬 ⏰Tuesday 24th February, 6-8pm. Online 💻📱or in person - 📍Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. Only 100 places available — secure your spot now! 🎟️ #ScottishClimateandNatureDebate2026 www.humanism.scot/events/natio...

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland has called the Scottish government's draft climate plan "flimsy", demanding a "substantial overhaul" to ensure it sets out a credible route to cutting pollution. www.stopclimatechaos.scot/scotlands-fl...