Amendment 2020 to the Humanist Society (Singapore) Constitution: An Update

22 April 2020 by

Following approval from the Registry of Societies, the proposed ‘2020 Amendment’ to the Constitution of the Humanist Society (Singapore) has been voted upon and accepted at the Annual General Meeting on 14 March 2020.

Here are the broad changes:

1. Associate Membership.

Associate Membership is now available for our friends, allies, and partners who are religious and subscribe to the values of humanism. A separate Declaration is available for applicants to ratify, in lieu of the Minimum Statement of Humanism. Associate Members enjoy the same fees, requirements, and privileges as our regular, Full Members, but will neither be eligible to vote nor run for office in the Executive Committee.

2. Membership Grace Period.

Previously, members were not eligible to vote at any general meeting unless membership dues had been paid at least one month before the meeting. With this ‘grace period’, members will be eligible to vote as long as all membership fees have been paid before the general meeting.

Members will also be allowed to pay their annual subscription fees during the extended six-month ‘grace period’ to prevent their membership from lapsing.

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A Christian among Humanists: A Chat over Easter #2

12 April 2020 by

Today, Christians worldwide celebrate Easter, one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Although the Humanist Society (HSS) was founded as an organisation for the non-religious, small numbers of Christians have been regularly attending our events for years. They are independent-minded, well-read, and supportive of many Humanist causes. Their perspectives are valuable because they have spent considerable time in both Christian and Humanist environments. 

Three years ago, we conducted an interview with John Hui on his experience as a Christian and a regular participant of HSS events. This Easter, we had a chat with our good friend Dr Mathia Lee (left), another Christian who had attended many HSS events over the years. 

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Supporting frontline staff

12 April 2020 by

As part of our #HumanismAtHome initiative, we encourage you to show your moral support to frontline staff, especially medical staff, who are risking their lives to keep us safe. You may do one of the following:

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Announcements, Blog

ST: Police probe Facebook post linking holy texts, toilet paper

21 March 2020 by

In March 2020, the Singapore Police began investigating a Facebook post linking holy texts to toilet paper. Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam deemed the post offensive to Muslims and Christians.

The Facebook page named NUS Atheist Society had posted an image of the Bible and Quran, which are holy texts in Christianity and Islam respectively. An accompanying caption read: “For use during toilet paper shortages.”

Read the news article here:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/police-probe-facebook-post-linking-holy-texts-toilet-paper

The Straits Times quoted the Humanist Society (Singapore) statement:

In a statement on its website, the Humanist Society (Singapore) said the post was “neither reasoned nor compassionate” and unhelpful given Covid-19, which affects all regardless of race or religion.

“We would like to encourage productive and rational dialogue during this crisis. We should focus on disseminating facts, providing comfort, and promoting public unity amidst the pandemic.”

Our full statement can be read here.

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Statement on a Facebook post made by NUS Atheist Society

20 March 2020 by

You may have seen the article regarding a recent police investigation involving a post made by an ‘NUS Atheist Society’ Page on Facebook.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/nus-atheist-society-facebook-post-offensive-shanmugam-police-12560286

The Humanist Society (Singapore) finds this post unhelpful amid the current crisis. We are a community of non-religious people, founded upon values of reason and compassion. The post made by NUS Atheist Society is neither reasoned nor compassionate. NUS has also since stated that the Page is not affiliated with the university.

The evolving Covid-19 situation affects us all, regardless of race or religion. We would like to encourage productive and rational dialogue during this crisis. We should focus on disseminating facts, providing comfort, and promoting public unity amidst the pandemic.

Executive Committee
Humanist Society (Singapore)

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Getting “the people thing” right

16 March 2020 by

Seven years is a long time, as long as three of the four MNCs I used to work for in my 26 year career before HSS. I see things like Darwin sees evolution, something that volunteers with a couple of years at a stretch do not and cannot see.

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ST: Law governing National Anthem allows other dignified versions

21 December 2019 by

Our President Tatt Si wrote a letter to ST Forum, wading into the debate over what is the true national anthem of Singapore.

https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/law-governing-national-anthem-allows-other-dignified-versions

Tatt Si argued that there must be many versions of the anthem, with people being free to express their feelings for our country in our personal way.

Featured Articles/Letters, Press

20|20 VISION Calendar

29 November 2019 by

Based on the series of photographs taken by TattSi (the Society’s current president), the A5-size desktop calendars will be sold at S$30 each, 50% going to Limitless- ZDKF, and 50% to HSS, to help both organizations do good for the community. For Singapore mail orders , there will be a surcharge of $2.50, to cover stationeries , postage and logistics.

How to buy :

(1) Pay to our UOB A/C# 373-302-759-0 , or through PayPal to info@humanist.org.sg

(2) Send an email to services@humanist.org.sg , to inform us of the payment and the way to receive your calendar.

(3) You can also specify if you want the photographer to autograph on it.

Limitless (UEN 201713769M) is a non-profit organisation that helps youths build hope, find worth, and live destiny-driven lives. Through Limitless, the Zen Dylan Koh Fund (ZDKF) was set up to help at-risk youths deal with poverty, mental illness, social inequality and bullying.

Get your 20|20 VISION Calendar now, and begin to help youths who need support !

(20|20 VISION is a personal project, not an HSS merchandise, but benefits both HSS & Limitless-ZDKF)

Announcements, Featured Articles/Letters

Separating Science from Nonsense: A Guide for Dummies

20 October 2019 by

“There’s so much uncertainty in life,” said Dr Teja Celhar, a research scientist at A*STAR, at the end of the latest public lecture held by the Humanist Society Singapore (HSS) on Saturday (Sep 28). “Knowing how some parts of life works – that is comforting to me.”

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Speech: Protecting Vulnerable Groups against Religious Intolerance, Overreach of Minister’s Powers and Inclusion of Non-Religious Persons

9 October 2019 by

The following speech was delivered by NMP Anthea Ong on 7 Oct 2019 in Parliament, in support of the Maintenance of Religious Harmony (Amendment) Bill. The speech marks the first time the Humanist Society (Singapore) was mentioned in Parliament, in recognition of our many years of interfaith efforts.

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