The Copenhagen Declaration on Religion in Public Life

(via Pharyngula)

Copenhagen Declaration on Religion in Public Life

We, at the World Atheist Conference: “Gods and Politics”, held in Copenhagen from 18 to 20 June 2010, hereby declare as follows:

  • We recognize the unlimited right to freedom of conscience, religion and belief, and that freedom to practice one’s religion should be limited only by the need to respect the rights of others.
  • We submit that public policy should be informed by evidence and reason, not by dogma.
  • We assert the need for a society based on democracy, human rights and the rule of law. History has shown that the most successful societies are the most secular.
  • We assert that the only equitable system of government in a democratic society is based on secularism: state neutrality in matters of religion or belief, favoring none and discriminating against none.
  • We assert that private conduct, which respects the rights of others should not be the subject of legal sanction or government concern.
  • We affirm the right of believers and non-believers alike to participate in public life and their right to equality of treatment in the democratic process.
  • We affirm the right to freedom of expression for all, subject to limitations only as prescribed in international law – laws which all governments should respect and enforce. We reject all blasphemy laws and restrictions on the right to criticize religion or nonreligious life stances.
  • We assert the principle of one law for all, with no special treatment for minority communities, and no jurisdiction for religious courts for the settlement of civil matters or family disputes.
  • We reject all discrimination in employment (other than for religious leaders) and the provision of social services on the grounds of race, religion or belief, gender, class, caste or sexual orientation.
  • We reject any special consideration for religion in politics and public life, and oppose charitable, tax-free status and state grants for the promotion of any religion as inimical to the interests of non-believers and those of other faiths. We oppose state funding for faith schools.
  • We support the right to secular education, and assert the need for education in critical thinking and the distinction between faith and reason as a guide to knowledge, and in the diversity of religious beliefs. We support the spirit of free inquiry and the teaching of science free from religious interference, and are opposed to indoctrination, religious or otherwise.

Adopted by the conference, Copenhagen, 20 June 2010.

Please circulate this as widely as you can among people and groups who advocate a secular society.

There’s a bit of irony in that religions tend to thrive in a secular society…

Friday Random Ten: 2010-06-25


NameArtistAlbumGenre
1. The Dark Eternal NightDream TheaterSystematic ChaosMetal
2. Look At Their WayWall Of VoodooCall Of The WestAlternative & Punk
3. The JugglerWeather ReportHeavy WeatherJazz
4. PrologueKate BushAerial: A Sky of HoneyAlternative & Punk
5. Star 69R.E.M.MonsterRock
6. Survival CarFountains Of WayneFountains Of WayneAlternative & Punk
7. Don’t Kill The WhaleYesTormatoRock
8. Light My FireThe DoorsThe DoorsRock
9. Living In The PastJethro TullOriginal MastersRock
10. A Hazy Shade Of Winter Simon & GarfunkelThe Best Of Simon & GarfunkelFolk

Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Up 106% in May

Probably yet another good sign…

Lakes Iron Ore Trade Up 106% in May

Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 6.3 million net tons in May, an increase of 16.4% over April, and an increase of 106% compared to a year ago. Shipments were also up 4.6% compared to the month’s five-year average. May loadings at U.S. ports increased 118% compared to a year ago. Shipments from Canadian ports rose 38%.

Year-to-date the Lakes ore trade stands at 15.8 million net tons, an increase of 140% compared to the same point last year. The end-of-May total is also within striking distance of the five-year average for the January-May timeframe. Shipments from U.S. ports are up 162% compared to a year ago. Loadings at Canadian ports are 32% ahead of last year’s pace.

Friday Random Ten: 2010-06-18


NameArtistAlbumGenre
1. The Key To Her FerrariThomas DolbyAliens Ate My BuickAlternative & Punk
2. A Little Green RosettaFrank ZappaJoe’s Garage (Disc 2)Alternative & Punk
3. King of PainThe PoliceSynchronicityRock
4. SolidifySheryl CrowTuesday Night Music ClubRock
5. LingerThe CranberriesEverybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?Alternative & Punk
6. Down By The RiverNeil Young & Crazy HorseGreatest HitsRock
7. You Shook MeLed ZeppelinLed Zeppelin IRock
8. Future Times/RejoiceYesTormatoRock
9. LingoBill BrufordBurning For Buddy: A Tribute To The Music Of Buddy RichJazz
10. Take Your Fingers From My HairDream TheaterBlack Clouds & Silver Linings [Disc 2]Metal

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