FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pat O’Brien
Humanist Canada
604.328.1271
humanist.canada@gmail.com
www.HumanistCanada.com

Denied Again: TransLink Blocks Humanist Ad

Vancouver, BC, February 9, 2009 -- Humanist Canada is disappointed by the decision of Translink (South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority) to prohibit the display of their poster containing the phrase “You Can Be Good Without God”.

The reason given for the prohibition was rule #8 from Translink’s advertising policy:

“No advertisement will be accepted which promotes or opposes a specific theology or religious ethic, point of view, policy or action;”

Humanist Canada president Pat O’Brien says, “Our slogan does not support or oppose any religion or theology. Further, Humanism is neither a religion nor a theology. Finally, the fact that a person can live a moral life, without deferring to any deity, has been recognized and accepted by religious and secular communities.”

The “You Can Be Good Without God” transit campaign was created to reach out to non-believers everywhere that there is an organization that will protect their rights, values, and the separation of religion and state.

“Therefore, as Translink’s rule #8 does not apply in our case, we will be appealing their decision,” continued O’Brien.

Humanist Canada would also like to request an editorial correction in TransLink’s February 6 press release that erroneously named the B.C. Humanist Association as the applicant, whereas, it was actually Humanist Canada that was the applicant.

Founded in 1968, Humanist Canada is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that promotes ethics, rationality, justice and equality for all Canadians. Its mission is to promote the separation of religion from public policy and foster the development of reason, compassion and critical thinking for all Canadians through secular education and community support.

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Pat O’Brien
President, Humanist Canada