Homosexuality

The International Humanist & Ethical Union, assembled at its 8th World Congress in Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany, August 1-5, 1982,
Considering that humanism stands for individual freedom, development of the self, and solidarity with fellow-men and women,
Considering that sexual experiences, in themselves not bound up with time, age or place, nor with the function of procreation, are among the fundamental human rights,
Considering that everyone should have the freedom to have the kind of relationship that allows the fullest possible development of those involved in it, retaining their individual and social responsibilities,
Therefore urges all its member organisations to

1. Advance the possibilities for homosexual men and women to develop themselves fully, also with regard to their sexual lifestyle
2. Combat legal and social discrimination of people with homosexual behaviour, wherever this is necessary on a national level,
3. Use their influence with national sections Amnesty International in order to achieve that they also work for those people who are persecuted because of their homosexuality, since freedom to shape one’s own existence, also with regard to sexuality is one of the fundamental human rights,

And declares to strive for the implementation of the above mentioned recommendations on an international level.

IHEU congress 1982

Suggested academic reference

'Homosexuality', Humanists International, World Humanist Congress, Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany, 1982