The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) has presented Stephen Fry with its 2009 award for services to Humanism and LGBT rights, in recognition of his long record of standing up both for LGBT rights and for wider humanist values.
The presentation took place on Saturday, Nov. 14, at a celebratory lunch, attended by almost 100 GALHA members and guests, held at Brown’s Bar and Brasserie in St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, London.
Andrew Copson, Chair of GALHA, presenting the award, said:
“Both as a public figure and in his professional career as an actor, writer, comedian and broadcaster, Stephen has exemplified the best of humanism. His thirst for knowledge backed by intellectual rigour, laced with wit, erudition, moral seriousness, compassion and a willingness to go against the grain if he has to, are all qualities that humanists prize and promote.”
Accepting the award, Stephen Fry said:
“I’m immensely proud to be given this award from the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association. I accept on behalf of all those who want to stand up and be counted as proud of their sexuality and secularity.”
Previous recipients of the award have included Britain’s first out Lesbian MP Angela Eagle, journalist and broadcaster Polly Toynbee, activist and MP Evan Harris, and organiser of the first Moscow Pride Nicolai Alexeyev.
NOTES
Founded in 1979, GALHA is a democratic membership organisation based in the UK with members worldwide, providing fellowship and a voice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Humanists and those who share their values. www.galha.org
ENDS
Note to Editors:
GALHA provides a voice for the many non religious in the LGBT community in the United Kingdom and elsewhere and promotes a rational approach to LGBT Rights as human rights. For its 30th Anniversary in 2009 GALHA is holding a series of special public meetings and events including an exhibition of its work in Central London .