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

'Allah meat' astounds Nigerians

Diners have been flocking to a restaurant in northern Nigeria to see pieces of meat which the owner says are inscribed with the name of Allah.

Check out this story on news.bbc.co.uk.

Grunting fish have helped scientists to date the origins of vocal sounds to about 400 million years ago.

Grunting fish have helped scientists to date the origins of vocal sounds to about 400 million years ago.

Check out this story on news.bbc.co.uk.

India: Scientists go under social microscope

Most scientists in India are likely to believe in evolution and have no ethical qualms about stem cell research. Yet, about half of those same scientists are also likely to believe that prayer is effective and nearly all of them approve of university degree courses in Ayurvedic medicine.

Check out this story on www.indianewengland.com.

The Blood Type Diet: Fact or Fiction?

Created by naturopath Dr. Peter D'Adamo, the Blood Type Diet has received rave reviews from big-name celebrities like Liz Hurley, Courtney Cox-Arquette and Martine McCutcheon – and D'Adamo’s New York Times bestselling book on the subject, Eat Right 4 Your Type, has been translated into over 50 languages, making the Blood Type Diet one of the most talked about weightloss trends on the planet for years. But does it actually work?

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

  • Priest attacks "occult" PETA

    Describing animal rights campaigner group PETA as "occult", Bombala priest Fr Mick McAndrew has given his blessing to the act of sheep mulesing.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.