Berlin Schools Acknowledge World Humanist Day

[rug]

Posted: 12/11/2014 9:02 am EST
Updated: 12/11/2014 9:59 am EST

BERLIN (AP) — Schools in Berlin have recognized World Humanist Day as a holiday on a par with All Saints' Day, Yom Kippur and Eid al-Fitr.

The decision means Berlin pupils who subscribe to humanism — a philosophy that rejects the existence of deities — can apply for a day off to celebrate their belief in the same way as Christians, Muslims and Jews do for their holy days.

Arik Platzek, a spokesman for Germany's Humanist Association, said Wednesday the decision "is a positive signal and a good example."

He says it will be the first sanctioned holiday for humanists in any of Germany's 16 states "and as far as we know worldwide."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/11/berlin-world-humanist-day_n_6303140.html

[cbayer]

1. This is very cool, imo.

Embracing diversity makes the world a better place.