CAHS Melbourne Convention 2003 Media Release

The following is the media release issued immediately after Convention in Melbourne on Ray Dahlitz's Computer.

1.  OATH TAKING

Australian Humanists strongly recommend that the option of oath-taking in courts of law and tribunals be abolished: in our secular society the solemn promise or affirmation to tell the truth is quite sufficient. The old religious oath is an anachronism, these days, when our country has great plurality of religion, belief and life-stance.

This resolution was made on Saturday 5 April at the annual convention of Australian Humanists, held at Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre, Melbourne. Humanist Societies throughout Australia have been holding such meetings since 1965.

2.  FIRST STRIKE

Australian Humanists request the Commonwealth Government to repudiate the strategic doctrine of the right to pre-emptive first strike, and to ensure that all its military actions abide by United Nations policy. These are minimum requirements for the rule of international law as presently constituted.

3.  DECRIMINALIZATION OF DRUGS

Australian Humanists call for the progressive decriminalization of the use of recreational drugs, beginning with marijuana. It is clear that the so-called war on drugs is unwinnable and completely counter-productive.

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