Speakers announced for launch of Freedom of Thought Report 2023

Nicole Carr is the Interim Executive Director of the American Humanist Association, Editor of the Humanist magazine, and Senior Editor of TheHumanist.com.

Lily Bolourian is the Legal and Policy Director for American Humanist Association. The proud daughter of Iranian asylees, Lily is a seasoned strategist, policy wonk, and advocate with over 15 years of experience working to promote secular democracy and progressive values.

Gary McLelland has served as the Chief Executive of Humanists International since 2017. McLelland will be presenting the findings of the 2023 Freedom of Thought Report.

Humanists International ‘Case of Concern’ humanist Panayote Dimitras faces judicial harassment, threats of violence, and smear campaigns in an apparent attempt to prevent his work to defend human rights in Greece. Humanists International fears that humanist human rights defender Panayote Dimitras is being subjected to such antagonism in retaliation for his peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression.

Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-2) identifies as a Humanist, and is proudly the only open non-religious Member of Congress. Representative Huffman founded the Congressional Freethought Caucus, which he co-chairs, to promote sound public policy based on reason, science and moral values, while protecting the secular character of government and championing the value of freedom of thought worldwide.

Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-8) is a co-chair of the Congressional Freethought Caucus and a champion of freedom of religion and belief. Representative Raskin understands the importance of defending freedom of expression, freedom of thought and human rights around the world, and recently announced the sponsorship of Nigerian political prisoner and humanist Mubarak Bala in an effort to urge his pardon.

Ambassador Hussain serves as principal advisor to the U.S. Secretary of State and advisor to the U.S. President on religious freedom conditions and policy. He leads the U.S. State Department’s efforts to monitor religious freedom abuses, persecution, and discrimination worldwide. He also oversees policies and programs to address these concerns and works to build diverse and dynamic partnerships with the broadest range of civil society, with equitable and meaningful inclusion of faith actors globally.

Appointed to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom by U.S. President Biden, Commissioner Magid has focused on promoting freedom of religion or belief, preventing violence against women, and preventing violence and hate in our societies. The Commissioner is involved in multiple Islamic and interfaith initiatives that aim to promote peace, pluralism, and the protection of religious minorities.