Open up Thought for the Day

As Sue Blackmore wrote recently in The Guardian, "Morality is not the sole prerogative of the religious – there are even reasons to think that the irreligious are more moral," but the BBC continues to refuse to allow secular thinkers to contribute to ‘Thought For The Day’ on the Radio 4 news programme Today.

In February 2008, the UN Special Rapporteur on Religion & Belief published a report claiming that the 2001 census findings can no longer be regarded as accurate and that two thirds of British people do not admit to any religious affiliation.

As the BBC has a charter obligation to reflect and represent its audience, we believe that it should invite secular contributors to join the pool of Thought for Day presenters and offer moral and ethical insights that will resonate with an increasing proportion of the British Population.

Until such time as they do, The Humanist Society of Scotland, supported by The British Humanist Association will launch a campaign on Monday 9th February 2009 called 'Thought for the World' where alternative, secular thoughts for the day will be made available as podcasts. The podcasts can be also downloaded at the Guardian's Comment is Free website.