Exeter Humanists

17/04/2026

It is deeply disappointing that the UK Government has decided not to allow this legislation to proceed at this stage, despite the clear support it has received in Tynwald. This delay will be very difficult for many terminally ill people on the Isle of Man and for their families, who had hoped this Bill would provide greater choice and dignity at the end of life.

21/03/2026

Humanists UK running some training this week to help improve local groups such as Exeter's, so lovely to find this post on our return to Devon.

28/01/2026

Those who enjoyed Maddy's talk at the Devon and Exeter Institution will learn more about one of the characters from a talk at last year's Humanists UK convention that have just been released on YouTube. Still more Humanist heritage.

What can the battles of the past teach us about the challenges we face today? And who were the freethinking forerunners who championed freedoms we continue t...

17/12/2025

Humanists UK are concerned at the attempt at a filibuster on the Assisted Dying bill.

Whilst this bill is far less than Humanists UK wanted for assisted dying, it is a compromise that found broad support, and we shouldn't allow a minority of peers to derail the progress of this private member's bill.

Help us support the Assisted Dying Bill and stop the filibustering in the House of Lords. Raise the issue and send a message to peers today.

05/11/2025

BREAKING: Religious Education (RE) will officially be added to the National Curriculum in England, and is expected to be fully inclusive of humanism. This is a HUGE huge victory for broad, balanced, and pluralistic education to help children explore and discover their own beliefs.

When taught objectively, RE is an invaluable subject. It not only avoids teaching children what to believe, but encourages them to think for themselves, promotes tolerance, as well as understanding between pupils themselves. Having this within the National Curriculum is a major achievement.

It's something we've been campaigning on for decades. Today’s recommendation reflects that case and paves the way for consistent content, better training, and higher-quality lessons for all pupils.

We look forward to working with the UK Government, and with partners from both faith and secular organisations, to make this reform a reality. If we are to live in more tolerance society, based on rational thinking and kindness, it is vital that every child can explore their own beliefs, and learn about the beliefs of people within their local community and beyond.

03/10/2025

Success! The UK Government has said that it will extend legal recognition to humanist marriages in England and Wales.

This change will not happen immediately. Instead, recognition will be introduced as part of a broader package of marriage reforms which the Government says will be subject to a further public consultation launching in the new year.

But for now, after 12 years of years of waiting, we finally have official confirmation. Time to celebrate!

16/09/2025

31/07/2025

Our new committee members have been busy getting our upcoming events beautifully presented on our local group events page. Book early for talks, listen-alongs, socials, discussion groups and the book club.

https://humanists.uk/local-group/exeter/events/

20/06/2025

BREAKING: MPs vote to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. The will now proceed to the House of Lords. A landmark victory for compassion, dignity, and choice.

17/06/2025

BREAKING: MPs have voted to REMOVE abortion from the criminal law in England and Wales for women in relation to their own pregnancies. A historic day for shaping a more humane law – one that prioritises treating women with compassion.