Contact: Brian Magee, 202-238-9088 ex. 105, mobile: (202) 681-2425
bmagee@americanhumanist.org
(Washington, DC – March 23, 2012) – The American Humanist Association welcomes humanists, atheists, freethinkers and nonbelievers from across the United States and abroad to Washington DC this weekend for the Reason Rally—anticipated to be the largest secular gathering on the National Mall in history.
The American Humanist Association (AHA) is proud to be a major sponsor of the Reason Rally, taking place on Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on the National Mall. The AHA, founded in 1941, has been headquartered in Washington DC since 1999 and advocates on behalf of humanists and nonbelievers in America. AHA Executive Director Roy Speckhardt will be one of the event’s speakers, scheduled to speak to the crowd at 4:25 p.m. He will be talking about atheists and humanists coming out of the closet, clearly stating that we don’t rely on a higher power to govern our lives.
“The Reason Rally is our coming out party!” Speckhardt said. “We’re excited to welcome our humanist and atheist friends and allies to Washington DC—a fitting location for the political change we nonbelievers need in America.”
Park Service estimates 30,000 to 50,000 people will be in attendance. Protesters from over a dozen religious organizations such as the Westboro Baptist Church are also expected to attend.
“Despite the planned intrusion by extremist religious groups, this event will be a positive experience for everyone. Reason will prevail,” Speckhardt added.
The American Humanist Association will be staffing a table in the main tent during the Reason Rally and will be giving away hundreds of bags with surprise goodies. Speckhardt will also be available throughout the day for interviews.
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The American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists and atheists in the United States. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., its work is extended through more than 140 local chapters and affiliates across America.
Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity.