Campaigns

Towards a secular Australia

HSQ is committed to campaigning on behalf of non-religious people. We wish to see an Australia where our laws are reflective of a modern secular democracy not a theocratic state. We seek a constructive, rational approach to ethical issues in order to contribute to a society in which decisions are based on evidence rather than on superstitious beliefs or religious doctrines.
We campaign on the basis of human rights and on the principles of a democratic society.  A fair, just and equitable society is our ideal but the present reality is different. Whilst we uphold an individual’s right to freedom of belief (including religious belief), we do not see why the government should afford religious groups powerful legal and economic privileges.
Campaigns only work when persuasive arguments are backed by public support, furthermore statewide campaigns often depend on local action to maximise their effect. Each campaign on this page clearly states what you can do to help us achieve our aims. If you wish to be involved in campaigning, please contact our Secular Action Collective coordinator.

 

HSQ is committed to campaigning on behalf of non-religious people. We wish to see an Australia where our laws are reflective of a modern secular democracy not a theocratic state. We seek a constructive, rational approach to ethical issues in order to contribute to a society in which decisions are based on evidence rather than on superstitious beliefs or religious doctrines.
We campaign on the basis of human rights and on the principles of a democratic society.  A fair, just and equitable society is our ideal but the present reality is different. Whilst we uphold an individual’s right to freedom of belief (including religious belief), we do not see why the government should afford religious groups powerful legal and economic privileges.
Campaigns only work when persuasive arguments are backed by public support, furthermore statewide campaigns often depend on local action to maximise their effect. Each campaign on this page clearly states what you can do to help us achieve our aims. If you wish to be involved in campaigning, please contact our Secular Action Collective coordinator.

 

 Go

Recommended Reading

Realising Secularism: Australia and New Zealand

Christianity is declining inexorably in Australia and New Zealand. Despite this fact both nations are often characterised as ‘Christian nations’. In 2008 conferences were held in Sydney and Wellington to put that claim to the test.
The conferences were organised by the Australia New Zealand Secular Association, the New Zealand Association of Rationalists and Humanists and the New Zealand Humanist Society. This book is a collection of papers from those conferences with some appropriate additions.
Secularism is government dramatically enhanced by true separation of church and state: constitutionally, financially and symbolically. Hence the removal of the Union Jack with its Christian crosses from the flags on the front cover of this book.
Secular republican governments are not beholden to any belief. They are more likely to achieve better outcomes for all regardless of class, race, gender, sexuality and belief.
As matters stand, our constitutional monarchies sell our nations short to favour the privileged few whose members usually overlap with religious elites.
This book is a new attempt to see Australia and New Zealand through secular eyes.

 

Realising Secularism: Australia and New Zealand

Christianity is declining inexorably in Australia and New Zealand. Despite this fact both nations are often characterised as ‘Christian nations’. In 2008 conferences were held in Sydney and Wellington to put that claim to the test.
The conferences were organised by the Australia New Zealand Secular Association, the New Zealand Association of Rationalists and Humanists and the New Zealand Humanist Society. This book is a collection of papers from those conferences with some appropriate additions.
Secularism is government dramatically enhanced by true separation of church and state: constitutionally, financially and symbolically. Hence the removal of the Union Jack with its Christian crosses from the flags on the front cover of this book.
Secular republican governments are not beholden to any belief. They are more likely to achieve better outcomes for all regardless of class, race, gender, sexuality and belief.
As matters stand, our constitutional monarchies sell our nations short to favour the privileged few whose members usually overlap with religious elites.
This book is a new attempt to see Australia and New Zealand through secular eyes.