AAI News

AAI Position Statement: Government Support For Religion

Written by administrator | 30 October 2012

Following consultation with members, AAI is pleased to announce that it has finalised its position statement on government support for religion. This statement is intended to provide a concise reference and coherent argument that members and other atheists may use in situations in their own countries, and refute the common accusation that 'atheists stand for nothing'. Thank you everyone who contributed their views!

Vale Paul Kurtz

Written by administrator | 22 October 2012

The influential thinker known as the "father of secular humanism", Paul Kurtz, died on 20 October 2012 at age 86. His numerous book, articles and talks substantially contributed to the development of secular, humanist values as an alternative worldview to religion, and encouraged people to think critically about religion and its impact on society. This valuable work will be continued by many organisations that Paul Kurtz helped develop, including the American Humanist Association and the International Humanist and Ethical Union.

Atheist Alliance International offers its condolences to Paul Kurtz' family, friends and colleagues.

New episode of Secular World podcast!

Written by administrator | 10 October 2012

In this episode, Jake and Han talk Muslim outrage; the astonishing ways prayer "changes your brain"; Call to end Sharia courts in the UK; anti-blasphemy laws, and Jake talks to the awesome Holly Warland about being an atheist in a wheelchair... and so much more. Lastly, listener feedback.

The Secular World podcast is produced by Han Hills and Jake Farr-Wharton, the opening theme for Secular World is Beat 144 by Lamont Coal, featured on by Philosophy Major at http://www.philosophymajor.bandcamp.com and closing theme is In A Bind, by Chloe and Darren Sinclair. All music is used with permission.

Congress of Free Thought of the Americas

Written by administrator | 13 October 2012

Attention atheists in Argentina! The Congress of Free Thought of the Americas will be held in Mar del Plata, Argentina 16-18 November. Enjoy a full weekend of rational thinking, including a talk by Carlos A. Diaz, President of Atheist Alliance International. For more information: Congress website (English) / Congress website (Español).

Just One More Example

Written by administrator | 23 September 2012

Recently, Atheist Alliance International was contacted by an atheist in an Islamic country. He had made a video criticising his government's position on human rights and posted it online. We received this email from him today and publish it with his permission, with identifying information redacted, to illustrate just one more example of the threat to freedom of expression and thought posed by Islamists.

Hi, I have previously contacted you and submitted a video on [redacted] government and its human rights violation. Unfortunately, after much pressure from my family and the prospect of my getting a heart attack because of my Atheism, I have decided to pull the video down. I have to close down all of my email and twitter account and Atheist Nexus account as well. I just wanted to apologize to you because I would have continue leaving the video up but the pressure is so much that I have succumbed. The lesson that I have learn is, Muslims will never tolerate Atheism, Atheist, Apostate even basic human rights - freedom of faith. I guess I really have no choice but to remain hidden and under the radar and just let my rights taken away from me. It is hard, especially when I am feeling all alone and I don't even have any real friends here in [redacted]. My family still hoping that I will repent and become a Muslim again but after our heated debate on human rights and Atheism, I don't think I will ever look at Islam the same way again. I apologize again for the trouble I have caused.

Obviously, it is not this man who should be apologising.