Equal Voice in Secular Government
HoW celebrates the principle of Separation of Church and State as espoused by Thomas Jefferson in the Treaty of Tripoli. We are proud that the Washington State Constitution enshrines this principle in ensuring that public education be free from sectarian control or influence. However, we understand the balance of free expression that sometimes includes religious expression in government spaces. In those cases, Humanists of Washington supports humanism being heard and seen amongst the plurality of viewpoints.
According to Pew Research, one quarter of Washingtonians look to science and reason for guidance on right and wrong. And more Washingtonians are atheist and/or agnostic than all non-Christian faiths combined. We’re a bigger slice of Washington that some might think at first glance!
Since the 2014 SCOTUS decision dictating that invocations in the form of sectarian prayers at municipal and legislative meetings are allowed as long as no religious viewpoint discrimination occurs, Humanists legally cannot be excluded from such opportunities. HoW can facilitate invocations in your county, city, town, or school district, if prayers are being offered ceremonially at the start of public meetings. Contact
us if you’d like guidance on how to offer a secular humanistic
invocation, or wish for a Humanist celebrant to come to you!