The Humanist Vegetarian Group aims to bring an understanding to both the humanist and vegetarian communities that the underlying principles and logic which are the moral corner stones for each are, in fact, a shared philosophy between the two groups.

Humanism is an approach to life based on humanity and reason; Humanists recognise that moral values are properly founded on human nature, reason and experience. Our decisions are based on the available evidence and our assessment of the outcomes of our actions, not on any dogma or sacred text.

Some humanists as well as religious adherents believe that Homo sapiens are such a special case in nature that they have unique rights over animals which they can exploit as they wish. The Humanist Vegetarian Group refutes this.

Vegetarianism in its ethical form is an approach to life based on compassion for all animals. The Humanist Vegetarian Group understands that humans are merely animals and that the capacities which evolution has bestowed upon us for survival give rise to compassion, fairness and morality, which we apply as well as we are able to all animals.

In addition to the ethical position the Group welcomes members who are motivated to promote Vegetarianism for a variety of reasons including environmental concerns, economics, dietary preferences, aesthetics and health. We use the term Vegetarian to include Vegan.

Some vegetarians give justification for vegetarianism by wrapping it in spiritual and superstitious beliefs. The Humanist Vegetarian Group rejects these beliefs and seeks to promote a rational case for Vegetarianism.

News

Speciesism: Vivisection and Factory Farming

New writer for HVG Julian Bennett examines 'Specisim'.

UK minister opposed to religiously slaughtered meat

Food and Farming Minister Lord Rooker provoked controversy Monday by expressing his opposition to halal and kosher meat, which he said should not be allowed to slip into the country's food chain.

Check out this story on mathaba.net.

Revealed: the vegetarian Eden that was home to Adam, Eve and T Re

"What do you think Adam was doing while T rex was considering lunch?" asked one sceptic in the audience.

"Read the book," said Ham patiently. In Genesis, God decreed that eating flesh was not allowed. So humans, T rex and everything else in the Garden of Eden munched on foliage and fruit.

Check out this story on www.guardian.co.uk.

Parents win a meaty victory

The school has now decided to offer youngsters a choice of normal meat, a halal option or a vegetarian dish, and will use a wristband system to make sure pupils get the correct meal.

Check out this story on www.oxfordmail.net.