News Archives

(11/19/2007) The Atheist Alliance International is now offering for sale DVD's of convention presentations and plenary sessions, including talks by such notables as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Eugenie Scott, and Lori Lipman-Brown.

(11/15/2007) IHEU-Appignani Center for Bioethics in NYC will, on December 11, co-sponsor a panel on the emerging conflicts in human rights concerning organ transplants and organ donors.  The panel will feature keynote addresses by leading bioethicists, medical doctors, experts in gender issues at the United Nations and the Council of Europe as well as the director of New York Organ Donor Network.

(11/09/2007) Humanists think Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue's call for a rain prayer to be a divisive distraction from the work of government, and see in science a better approach to such environmental problems.

(10/24/2007) Humanists reacted to the news that several Oklahoma lawmakers refused to accept gift copies of the Quran because they had "qualms about the violence," even though many had welcomed copies of the Bible that had been given them earlier in the year.  Most humanists consider both books to be bloody, and think the lawmakers' actions reflect religious prejudice.

(10/02/2007) The Supreme Court has upheld Alabama laws forbidding the sale of sex toys.  The AHA has long supported sexual freedom and advocated a philosophy that supports a wide range of responsible pleasures: intellectual, aesthetic, and physical.

(10/01/2007) The AHA welcomes two recent  Supreme Court decisions to let stand lower court findings upholding church-state separation.  AHA President Mel Lipman observed "We are finally seeing the new Supreme Court act responsibly in upholding the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment."

(9/28/2007) The AHA takes exception to remarks made by the Jena 6 prosecutor (in Mississippi), noting they are implicitly racist in nature.  The AHA has long stood steadfast against those who would use religion to excuse what is basically abhorrent human behavior.

(9/26/2007) The AHA has spotlighted attention on an earmark in a Senate Appropriations Bill for the Louisiana Family Forum, a group whose idea of science is Bible study.  Such funding would not only be unconstitutional, it is also (as noted by AHA executive director Roy Speckhardt) nonsense that wouldn't be tolerated in any other Westernized country.

(9/19/2007) At the latest Emmy awards, comedienne Kathy Griffin said "A lot of people come up here and thank jesus for this. He had nothing to do with this.  Suck it, jesus. This award is my God now."  Faux News, at least, is up in arms about it, with Lauren Green offended, and John Gibson saying she shouldn't say that on TV.  Apparently the TV Association will edit her comments from future telecasts.

(9/18/2007) According to a recent USA Today poll, most Americans believe the Nation's founders wrote Christianity into the Constitution, and have other scary beliefs about freedom of religion.  First Amendment Center scholar Charles Haynes reminds us that a Christian nation was not our founder's intent, and why.

(9/16/2007)  From Wired Science:  YouTube has banned the Rational Response Squad after it complained its videos were being taken down due to spurious DMCA requests from creationists [specifically the Creation Science Evangelical Ministries headed by convicted felon Kent Hovind].  This is despite the fact that the CSEM website proclaimed all its materials to be public domain.  Further information is available at the Wired Science site, at the Ex-Christian site, and at Richard Dawkins' site.

(9/15/2007)  On September 13, the Las Vegas Sun ran an editorial objecting to the government's removal of many religious materials in federal prisons, proposing instead that prison chaplains make the determination of what is appropriate or not, and proclaiming also a salutory effect of religion for prisoners.  Today, the Sun published HALVASON President Carl Kaun's reply to that editorial, which asserted that the Bible and Koran should be banned, and that secular counseling was a better option than religion in rehabilition.

(9/12/2007) The American Humanist Association has exposed porkbarrel funding favoring religion in the Senate transportation and housing bill, particularly an earmark by Senator Brownback that would allocate $850,000 to the Morning Star Ranch.  The Morning Star Ranch is owned by an evangelical Christian mission organization, and is primarily used for "Christian Leadership Training", making the funding illegal.

(9/12/2007) A September 7 decision by the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco establishes a legal precedent that programs like Alcoholics Anonymous are "pervasively religious" recovery programs, and that government officials cannot specifically promote such programs nor coerce incarcerated individuals into them, and must provide secular alternatives in any sentencing involving recovery programs.  An AHA Press Release describes this in more detail.

(9/09/2007) The Review-Journal ran a couple of articles in its Living Section concerning disbelief, one by John Przybys concerning a growing curiousity about disbelief (with a sidebar on the lexicon), and another describing the reaction Congressman Pete Stark has faced following his announcement as an atheist.

(8/27/2007) On August 23, the Review-Journal ran an op-ed by Slate's Christopher Hitchens titled God is Still Dead, claiming progress in the state of secularism.  The R-J subsequently published Carl Kaun's letter thanking them for that article helping to reduce misconceptions about atheists (this letter is at the bottom of the letters page).

(8/18/2007) Several U.S. Air Force Academy faculty and students have gone public with criticisms of evangelical Christian proseletyzing at the Academy and elsewhere in the USAF.  The current issue of The Humanist magazine contains several articles concerning such proseltyzing, and other information may be found online at the AHA website.

(8/21/2007) Starting tonight, CNN is running a three-part series on the Abrahamic religions, reported by Christiane Amanpour, called "God's Warriors".  All parts of the series air at 6:00 p.m. PDT.  Part one on Tuesday, August 21, concerns Judaism; part two on Wednesday, August 22, covers Islam; and part three on Thursday, August 23, addresses Christianity.  While not directly discussing Humanism, many Humanists will find a lot of interesting discussion in this series.

 (8/14/2007) Las Vegas PBS (KLVX Channel 10) has decided to air the groundbreaking documentary A Brief History of Disbelief (cosponsored by the American Humanist Association) after all.  The documentary will be shown in three one-hour segments on three successive Fridays from 10:00 - 11:00 p.m.  The first segment will air on August 17th, the second on August 26th, and the third on August 31st.  HALVASON thanks all those who contacted Channel 10 protesting its earlier decision not to show this series.  See the news archives for 5/10/2007 for earlier information about this issue.

(8/01/2007) U.S. District Judge Donald L. Middlebrooks rendered summary judgement against plaintiffs in Rabinowitz v. Anderson, thereby allowing the continuing use of churches as polling places, despite overwhelming evidence that the pervasive use of churches as polling stations violates the Constitutional principle of government neutrality concerning religion.  The case was brought by the Appignani Humanist Legal Center (AHLC).  Further information is available at the AHA website.

 (7/27/2007) Leading humanistic and influential psychologist Albert Ellis died Tuesday, July 24.  Ellis was named by the American Humanist Association as its 1971 Humanist of the Year. He was a leading sexologist, psychologist, psychotherapist, and psychological theorist. His revolutionary views on psychology and sexual liberation, plus his forthright atheism, made him an iconoclastic figure in the 1960s and 70s.  Read AHA's press release at their website.

(7/24/2007) Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine, the creator of Humanistic Judaism and the 2003 Humanist of the Year, was killed Saturday, July 21, in a car crash while vacationing in Morocco. He was 79.  "Rabbi Wine was a visionary," said Mel Lipman, president of the American Humanist Association. "He inspired generations with the idea that people can be good without belief in a god. And he saw Judaism as a shared culture rather than a religion, helping to build several nontheistic communities that directly guided and shaped thousands of lives."  Read all of AHA's press release on their website.

(6/26/2007) By a 5-4 decision in Hein v. Freedom From Religion Foundation, the Supreme Court found that lawsuits against the federal government's executive branch for unconstitutionally promoting religion can no longer be filed on behalf of taxpayers.  The AHA considers that this decision, overturning precedent, allows the Executive Branch to steamroll over the Establishment Clause and spend our money to promote sectarian causes.  An editorial in today's Los Angeles Times explains the absurdity of the decision.

(6/26/2007) The Atheist Alliance International reminds us that applications for the 2007 Community Cooperation Award must be received by July 31, 2007.   The application form must be completed and sent by U.S. Mail.

 (6/25/2007) The Las Vegas Gleaner writes: Just the other day the Clinton Colossus announced yet another leadership council reflecting the breadth, depth and diversity of her support. This time, for the record, it was the Nevada Asian American and Pacific Islander Leadership Council. Still, if Clinton really wants to demonstrate her genuine commitment to diversity, sooner or later she's going to have to embrace the last group of Americans which it is still acceptable, even desirable, to ignore politically: who wants to be on the Clinton's campaign's Secular Humanist and Non-theist Leadership Council?  (emphasis the webmaster's)

(6/25/2007) In a letter titled "God We Trust?", Bob Hannah writes the Review-Journal about the perversions arising from original sin.  Bob's is the last letter at that link.
   
(6/23/2007) It's not exactly news, but this webmaster encourages humanists and freethinkers to follow Steven Kalas' column Asking Human Matters every Sunday and Tuesday in the Review-Journal Living section.  Steven is a former ordained minister who left, as he explains in his June 19 column, "before he was lobotomized". Steven's June 12 column explores some issues on belief and the meaning of life.  His June 10 column taking issue with 'The Secret' is a decent repudiation of what some call magical thinking.  In all of his columns, he exhibits good insight into human issues from a human perspective. 
    Steven is scheduled to be the speaker at our general meeting on September 16.
    Update: Steven spoke at our general meeting.  He is an extraordinary speaker who explored the importance of emotional honesty with us.  [Webmaster] Everyone I spoke with enjoyed his talk immensely.

 (6/20/2007) Humanists consider Bush's stem cell veto (his third) an attempt to impose religious ideology.  An AHA news release discusses why.   Bush's first veto was also against stem cell legislation.  The AHA has adopted a resolution supporting the use of human stem cells in research and therapy.

(6/17/2007) The winners of the Humanist Video Challenge were announced at the AHA annual meeting, and are displayed on AHA's website.  Ten entries were featured on YouTube, and additional entries can be found there.

 (6/15/2007) The American Humanist Association has released its 2007 Annual Report (pdf file).

(6/12/2007)  At the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Humanist Association, Joyce Carol Oates accepted the 2007 Humanist of the Year Award for her humanist endeavors; and Robin Morgan was named 2007 Heroine of the Year for her tireless work on feminist causes.

 (6/12/2007) The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is hosting a memorial to Clark Adams at Lake Hypatia, near Talladega, Alabama on July 2.  Clark was a Nevada freethought activist and FFRF Life Member originally from Alabama, who worked closely with Pat Cleveland in planning annual July 4th events, and typically emceed the proceedings. Friends and family will be in attendance when Clark's ashes, per his wish, will be spread in Lake Hypatia. 

(6/5/2007) Goodbye, Clark Adams.
    On June 3, the Las Vegas Freethought Society held a memorial for Clark Adams at the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas.  Celebrants were first treated to a beautiful video montage of clips and pictures of Clark in various settings, with music by Rush (Clark's favorite group), lovingly compiled by Briana Setzer (Judy Doolittle's daughter).
    HALVASON President and Humanist Minister Mel Lipman opened the service with a remembrance of Clark, and some remarks about his life and its meaning. 
    Close friend Rob Pickthall then delivered a moving eulogy to Clark, observing that Clark perhaps did not realize the impact he had on those around him, and the love and esteem that others held for him.
    Mel then offered some closing words to the eulogy.
    Friend Raul Martinez described his friendship with Clark, observing that Clark was the ultimate technophile, and that Radio Shack would miss him greatly.
    Mel Lipman read a letter from Sheila Hawthorn, Clark's mother, in which she echoed Rob's observation about Clark perhaps not realizing his impact on others, and in which she urged us to not speculate on what inner pain led Clark to commit suicide, but rather to remember him for what he was and did.
    Goodbye, Clark.  We loved you, and we will miss you.  Thank you for the opportunity to have known you.

(5/23/2007)  Clark Adams is dead, apparently of suicide sometime on or after the evening of May 20.  Clark was, of course, a nationally known atheist, active in Humanism, president of the Las Vegas Freethought Society, a co-founder of Internet Infidels and other groups, and organizer of the Atheist Meetups.
    The Las Vegas Freethought Society website has a page with up-to-date information on Clark with many testimonials, and with information about arrangements and contacts.  Details concerning funeral arrangements are scanty.  Clark will be cremated and his ashes spread on Lake Hypatia (in Alabama) on July 2.  As noted under scheduled events, the Las Vegas Freethought Society will host a memorial at 2:00 p.m. on June 3, at the UUCLV facilities on Lake Mead Boulevard; and HALVASON will provide further opportunity for remembering Clark at its meeting on June 17.   Cards and donations should be sent to the Clark Adams Memorial c/o LVFS, P.O.Box 19146, Las Vegas, NV 89132-0146.
    Cathe Jones at Godless Grief writes in a memorium that "what is important is that he spent the last few hours of his life with friends at a comedy show, surrounded by some great Atheists, and laughing."  Cathe has also written a longer eulogy of Clark, and also keeps up with ongoing events in her blog.
    An American Humanist Association announcement of Clark's death describes his many contributions to the growing community of unbelief.

(5/17/2007)  Jerry Falwell, dead at age 73.  To quote Salon, "One never wants to speak ill of the dead, but in the case of Falwell, how can one not."  Forthwith some comments about him.
 (5/16/2007) Blazing a Humanist Trail:  The American Humanist Association will hold its 66th Annual Conference this coming June 8 through 10, at Red Lion on the River in Portland Oregon. At the Conference, Joyce Carol Oates, the prolific and respected award-winning writer, will accept the Humanist of the Year Award. Oates is Roger S. Berlind Distinguished Professor of English at Princeton University, and is also associate editor of the literary magazine, The Ontario Review. Also, Paul Kurtz, the founder and chairman of the Council for Secular Humanism, the Center for Inquiry, and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, will accept the Humanist Lifetime Achievement. In addition to his work for several organizations he is also the editor in chief of Free Inquiry magazine. Many other noted humanists will also be speaking at this conference.
    Register for the conference at:   http://www.americanhumanist.org/conference/index.php, or contact a board member if you do not have online access.

(5/10/2007) A Brief History of Disbelief is a groundbreaking documentary, co-sponsored by the American Humanist Association, that premiered on public television stations in some markets on May 4, and will appear in other public television stations at later dates.  The British documentary traces the history of atheism and skepticism in Western culture and features interviews with Richard Dawkins, Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg and Arthur Miller.  The AHA website carries a further description of this two-part series.
    Unfortunately, the majority of PBS stations are not airing the series, concerned about backlash from Christian viewers.  Vegas PBS is among these.  HALVASON encourages members (and others) to contact Vegas PBS to request that they change their policy on this.  A very fine letter to the secular_coalition group on Yahoo! Groups provides some excellent reasons for airing "Disbelief", noting in particular that "education is the best way to counter (and change) bigotry." 
    Vegas PBS may be reached by mail at 4210 Channel 10 Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89119; by phone at (702) 799-1010; by fax at (702) 799-2960; and by email at taxtell@klvx.org.
    Update: HALVASON treasurer Bill Jacobs wrote a letter to Channel 10 expressing his desire that Disbelief be aired in Las Vegas. (06/12/2007)
    Update: A Brief History of Disbelief may also be downloaded from the net.  Thanks to John Powers for this link. (6/12/2007)
(5/09/2007) Humanists call for flags to fly at half-mast until war ends -- the headline speaks for itself.

(5/07/2007) Matthew LaClair is a student at a high school in Kearny, New Jersey.  Matthew's history professor preached to his class, telling them (among other things)  that there were dinosaurs on Noah’s ark, that evolution was not scientific, that if they did not accept Jesus, they belonged in Hell.  Matthew captured it all on a voice recorder.  What happened then is described in a newspaper account and in various blogspots.  After much stonewalling on the issue, the school has finally to provide training to its teachers in the handling of religious matters.  AHA President Mel Lipman wrote an open letter to Matthew LaClair commending him on his courage in dealing with the issue, and congratulating him on reaching possibly the best possible outcome to it.

(5/05/2007) Come celebrate the life of  Kurt Vonnegut, one of America's preeminent humanists, authors, and social critics.  The celebration will begin at 7:30 p.m. on May 31 in the main hall of the New York Society for Ethical Culture building.  Confirmed speakers include Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!, longtime friend and renowned historian Howard Zinn, American Humanist Association Director of Communications Fred Edwords, and author Donald Farber, Vonnegut's personal friend and lawyer.

(4/15/2007) Honorary Humanist President Kurt Vonnegut died April 11 in New York.  "I am a humanist," he wrote in a letter to the organization's members, "which means in part that I have tried to behave decently without expectations of rewards or punishments after I am dead."  AHA Executive Director Roy Speckhardt said "By those who knew him, Kurt will be remembered for his direct personal approach; he will also be remembered for his acerbic wit and humor, and his unflagging support for humanist concerns."

(3/23/2007) In a letter to the Las Vegas Sun, Writer William Jacobs hails Congressman Stark as ushering in a new era where patriotism is not defined by religious belief.

(3/20/2007) Register for a once-in-a-generation celebration of the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard, April 20-22, 2007.  The Humanist Chaplaincy is a unique chapter of the AHA founded by Tom Ferrick 30 years ago.  AHA will honor Tom and his historic vision by hosting a major Humanist conference titled "The New Humanism", and featuring novelist Salman Rushdie, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, 2-time Pulitzer Prize winner E.O. Willson, Professor Steven Pinker (Time's "100 Most Influential People in the World," 2004) and many other notable speakers.  Register at http://thenewhumanism.org early to insure attendance at this event.  To get more insight into "The New Humanism" and what it is about, read the article in this month's Humanist magazine (pdf).

(3/16/2007) Humanists were alarmed to learn today of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling against a California woman's access to life-saving medicine. Executive director Roy Speckhardt, of the American Humanist Association responded, "In light of this inhumane decision, we call on Congress to introduce legislation that will respect California's right to self-determination in legalizing medicinal marijuana."  Read the full story about Angel Raich, who is suffering from scoliosis, a brain tumor, and other ailments, and who may very well lose her life if she is unable to use medicinal marijuana at the AHA press release.

 (03/15/2007) Humanists are praising Congressman Pete Stark for “coming out” as a nontheist, the first in history to do so.  Stark affirmed his nontheism in a response to an inquiry from the Secular Coalition for America.  In response, the American Humanist Association has launched an advertising campaign congratulating Stark.  The full text of the Secular Coalition's announcement and the AHA announcement are at the links and on their websites.  Anticipating substantial negative reaction, the Secular Coalition asks humanists to thank Congressman Stark for his stand, and provides an email address and sample letter on their website to help them do so.

(03/03/2007) Nationally syndicated columnist Paul Campos ignited a firestorm of controversy with his article asserting that atheists should not be president.  Read Campos' original article, and also published comments by AHA and HALVASON president Mel Lipman about how faith is not a requirement to care about the human condition; and further a very good reply to the article by an LVFS member about why the world owes atheism a debt of gratitude.  You can also read the offered, but unpublished views of this website manager.

(03/01/2007) Join the Humanist Video Challenge.  Express a Positive Vision of Humanism and Win $500!

(02/28/2007) The case of Hein v. Freedom From Religion Foundation concerns the issue of federal funding of religious institutions under the Faith Based Initiative office.  Congress passed legislation authorizing this that is tangled and requires many steps to overcome.  The Hein v. FFRF case begins the process by seeking to establish standing to sue.  Read about this case here.

(02/28/2007) What do humanists do on May 3, 2007, National Prayer Day?  They might follow the lead of some atheists and do something of value to their communities by giving blood instead, as described in this press release from the Center for Atheism.