A step forward in religious freedom? Federal prisons agree to recognize humanism as religion

2015-07-29T09:58:18-04:00

PORTLAND, Ore. — Federal prisoners who identify as humanist can now celebrate Darwin Day and get accommodations typically afforded to those inmates who believe in a deity.

The federal Bureau of Prisons agreed in the settlement of a lawsuit to add a section on humanism to its manual on inmate beliefs and practices. Officials in the prison system will also consider requests from humanist inmates for access to study materials, observance of holy days, and time and space for religious activities.

Inmate Jason Michael Holden and the American Humanist Association filed the lawsuit last year, saying Holden and other humanist prisoners were prohibited from forming a study group at a federal prison in Sheridan, Ore.

Humanism is similar to atheism. But rather than simply reject belief in a god, humanists advocate rational thinking.

“There’s not much to talk about in respect to just atheism,” Holden’s attorney, Monica Miller, said by phone from Washington, D.C. “It’s really about what you do believe, and what those worldviews are and what those philosophies are.”

The settlement comes a little more than a year after the U.S. Army added humanist to its list of religious preferences.

It is unknown how many inmates identify as humanist. But giving them the ability to choose that preference, and to have it entered in the federal prison database, will allow the number to be calculated.

Holden has been imprisoned since an armed robbery in Washington state more than a decade ago. He explained in a May 2014 interview with Uptown Radio that not all atheists — such as those who are white supremacists — are humanists.

“As humanists, we believe in the ability of mankind to transcend their differences and find some common ground, you know, make the world a better place,” he said.

Sheridan prison officials allowed Holden to form the study group after the lawsuit was filed. Under the settlement, Holden can maintain the group as long as there are at least two like-minded prisoners, and the option will be afforded to humanist prisoners elsewhere.

Darwin Day is celebrated Feb. 12, the birth date of Charles Darwin. Those who observe the day use it to highlight science. Miller said the inmates could perhaps watch a video to mark the occasion and have some type of snack.

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/federal-prisons-agree-to-recognize-humanism-as-religion/

Federal prisons agree to recognize humanism as religion

With the settlement of an Oregon case, federal prisoners can now celebrate Darwin Day and get accommodations typically afforded to those inmates who believe in a deity.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 10:05 AM

2015-07-29T10:05:41-04:00

Darwin Day? Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, I just hope this does not cost us millions of dollars to support.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 29 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-07-29T13:47:37-04:00

Some of these articles have really cracked me up today!
"Humanism is similar to atheism. But rather than simply reject belief in a god, humanists advocate rational thinking."
LOL! So the humanists think that if an atheist does not believe in a deity (or God), that's "irrational thinking"? How so? Is that any more irrational than believing in God? or is neither of those (definition of humanist I guess) the only "rational" way to think? WOW!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-07-30T09:27:58-04:00

Cue the right-wingers screaming "This is offensive! It's an attack on Christianity!" in 3....2....1................

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 19 at 2016 5:14 PM

2016-05-19T17:14:51-04:00

Wow! I would say, Yes that is a Giant Leap in Religious Freedom or Freedom of Expression.