BHA mourns the death of Andrew McIntosh, politician and distinguished supporter of Humanism

The British Humanist Association (BHA) has expressed its sorry at the death of Lord (Andrew) McIntosh of Haringey, following a long fight with cancer.

Andrew was a committed humanist, a distinguished supporter of the British Humanist Association, and a dedicated and active member of the All Party Parliamentary Humanist Group. In June 2010, Lord McIntosh was re-elected as Treasurer at the Annual General Meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG), the cross party grouping of over 100 MPs and Peers with an interest in Humanism, and humanist issues, to which the BHA provides the secretariat.

Andrew Copson, BHA Chief Executive, said, ‘Andrew was well respected for his commitment to equality, rationalism and Humanism. He was the Minister responsible for the inclusion of Humanism as a ‘belief’ in the Communications Act 2003, since when public service broadcasters have been obliged by law to include coverage of Humanism.’

‘Andrew was particularly interested in education, being actively involved over many years in British education legislation and, as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, he supported a motion condemning the teaching of creationism in schools as a part of science. Andrew, with his passion for promoting humanist perspectives on issues such as education and his support for the All Party Humanist Group in Parliament will be sorely missed.’

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For further comment or information, please contact Andrew Copson, 020 7079 3583.

The British Humanist Association was founded in 1896 and is the national charity promoting Humanism, campaigning for a secular state and an open society and representing and supporting non-religious people.