Humanist perspective: Discrimination and prejudice

We are all part of the same species and share many of the same needs, feelings, and values. The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself. Don’t treat others in a way you would not like to be treated yourself. Act with empathy, compassion, and respect for the dignity of each person. Promote social justice and equal opportunities for all. It is unjust to discriminate against people for things that are not a matter of choice. Equality, tolerance, and the opportunity for everyone to flourish, lead to healthier communities, and a more prosperous and peaceful society. Humanist perspective: Discrimination and prejudice

Our sexual orientation and gender identity are not simply a matter of choice. Being LGBTI cannot be ‘cured’, just like heterosexuality cannot be cured. Being LGBTI is not unnatural. Being LGBTI causes no harm. When the rights of LGBTI people and religious people come into conflict, we should recognise that religious beliefs are a choice, while our sexual orientation and gender identity are not. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex (LGBTI)

1)What kinds of discrimination are against the law? What kinds are legal? Has the law got it right? 2)Have you ever disliked someone on sight, without really knowing them? Was this prejudice? 3)Is it OK to think prejudiced thoughts so long as you never act on them? 4)What can we, and what can’t we, choose about who we are? 5)Are young people unfairly discriminated against? 6)Are certain jobs only suitable for certain types of people? 7)If some people are born LGBTI, does that mean if there is a god, he/she is happy with it? 8)Should the rights of LGBTI people be put above the rights of religious communities? 9)Are the non-religious unfairly discriminated against? 10)Humanist marriages are not legally recognised. Is that unfair discrimination? 11)Should blasphemy or being non-religious be a crime? 12)Should schools be allowed to select students and staff based on their religion or does this discriminate against those from a different religion or with no religion? 13)How is the humanist view on this issue similar or different to that of other worldviews you have come across? 14)How are you deciding your answers to these questions? What principles and arguments influence your answers? Questions for discussion

Is it OK to discriminate on any of these features if... 1)You are recruiting for a job? 2)You are deciding who is free to live in your country? 3)You run a business and are deciding who your customers are? 4)You are deciding who can vote? 5)You are deciding who can get married? 6)You are choosing who to be friends with? Is discrimination ever OK? Features Race Sex or gender Age Religion or belief Sexual orientation Disability Wealth / social class

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