Lords to debate reports calling for secular approach to public service

Both reports are published by the British Humanist Association which campaigns for what it describes as an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief, and for a secular state.

Lord Harrison, Lord Macdonald of Tradeston, Baroness Massey of Darwen, Lord Taverne, Baroness Turner of Camden and Lord Graham of Edmonton are all supporters of humanism taking part in the debate which is expected to cover issues such as faith schools, social cohesion and the role of bishops in the House of Lords.

Other Members taking part in the debate include:

• The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds
• Lord Parekh (Labour), emeritus professor of political philosophy at Westminster University and former chair of the Commission on the Future of Multi-Ethnic Britain
• Lord Patten (Conservative), former Secretary of State for Education
• Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat) who was superintendent minister of the Methodist Church in Llandudno for 20 years
• Lord Goodhart (Liberal Democrat), former QC who sits on the Lords Constitution Committee [check] and was a member of the Reform of the House of Lord Joint Committee 2003

The BHA reports are Quality and Equality: Human Rights, Public Services and Religious Organisations (2007); and, The Case for Secularism: A Neutral State in an Open Society (2007).

Further information

• List of speakers - Lords Government Whips Office (external site)
• Lords Hansard - debate transcript available approximately three hours from the start of the debate
• Alphabetical list of Members of the Lords
• Parliamentary calendar