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Chronology of Events
This chronology of events was compiled by former Board members and members of the HAI Reform Group
March 2003: The HAI engages in dialogue with government with regard to upcoming legislation on civil registration. However, despite the efforts of a committee set up specifically to lobby on the issue the Civil Registration Act 2004 the provision concerning recognised solemnisers is confined to religions only (see the HAI publication Equality for the Non-Religious April 2009, pages 10-11).
Over the years members of the committee cease to be members of the board and thus Brian Whiteside, board member and HAI Director of Ceremonies, becomes solely in charge of liaising with Government Departments & key decision-makers during the lead-up to the publication of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2012.
May 31st 2012: Brian Whiteside reported to the HAI board meeting on the Civil Registration Amendment Bill, and how it had changed from the first version that began at end 2011. Several directors including Peter O'Hara said that a director doing negotiation for the HAI should report to the board and seek fresh permission to negotiate if the negotiations change a lot from what was expected. That day Brian Whiteside disagreed - he did not expect his judgement to be reviewed by the board; but at the next meeting on June 28th 2012, after Peter O'Hara proposed that a director noticing a big change in negotiations must report back to the board, Brian Whiteside seconded it, and this rule was unanimously passed.
June to December 2012: The HAI board did not discuss the amendment to the Civil Registration Act. Brian Whiteside gave some news that he was discussing this with Ivana Bacik. He emailed the full text on November 30th 2012 to only Ann James and Peter O'Hara. Ann James pointed to the section that would disqualify a body from being a “Secular Body” if it espoused a political cause. Peter O'Hara agreed this could be a problem, and now regrets not making the whole board discuss this.
November 4th 2012 HAI AGM: Whilst there was a general discussion about ceremonies, including reference to general lack of information e.g. on the website, and a general reference to the plans to achieve legal status for humanist weddings, there was no detailed information given by the board at the AGM on any draft wording under consideration in the context of drafting legislation.
Nov/Dec 2012: Senator Ivana Bacik and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, are involved in the drafting of the Bill, with the intention of amending existing legislation in order to allow secular bodies, which meet certain criteria, to accredit celebrants who can be added to the General Registrar’s list of accredited marriage solemnisers.
Nov 2012 (end of November): The draft legislation is sent to the Attorney General’s office by the Minister for Social Protection, where it is understood the “political cause” clause was added.
On behalf of Atheist Ireland Micheal Nugent raises concerns with HAI Board, through Brian Whiteside, regarding Section 3. 45A.(2)(b) of the Bill which stated that for a secular body to qualify under the planned legislation it cannot be a “body that promotes a political cause”. Michael Nugent is assured by Brian Whiteside, on behalf of the HAI Board, that these concerns will be taken care of before the Bill goes before the Dáil.
However, the controversial section is not changed and the Bill goes before the Dáil. Politicians who have been lobbied by Atheist Ireland speak against certain aspects of the Bill. Nevertheless, the Bill is passed.
Dec 13th 2012: Aaron Keohane of Cork Humanist gives presentation to Board on proposal for funding for "Cork Experiment", essentially a diversification of the events currently run by the group to include regular film screenings and 'Think and Drinks'. He suggests a capital investment in a projector (€200) as the group's venue does not have the facilitate for guest speakers to include a presentation. He also suggests that the Board facilitate the establishment of two Dublin based Humanist Communities as it would provide opportunities for Dublin HAI members to get involved and would free up time for Board members. The Board did not have a positive response to any of these suggestions stating that "we have heard all these suggestions before" and that they did not believe that any investment in the Cork Humanists would result in an increase in HAI membership. To date Aaron has received no further communication from the Board on his proposals.
December 20th 2012: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2012 passed by the Oireachtas.
December 26th 2012: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2012 signed into law by President Higgins and becomes the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act, 2012.
Early 2013: HAI board submits relevant paperwork to the Department of Social Protection / Registrar in order to comply with the Act, which indicates the HAI board's agreement to the Act's provisions.
Subsequently, Brian Whiteside is added to the General Registrar’s list of temporary recognised solemnisers, but, unlike four other temporary solemnisers added to the list on the day Brian Whiteside does not have an end date for his temporary status.
Brian Whiteside, presides over first ever, and to date only, legally recognised humanist marriage ceremony which is solemnised by a humanist celebrant.
April 10th 2013: Andrew Devine-Rattigan writes an open letter to his fellow HAI members calling for support for an EGM
April 15th 2013: The HAI Board send out a letter calling on the membership to endorse their position on the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act, 2012 (minimum cost of this mailout = €300). Kevin Sheehan, current Board member, director of membership and member of Galway Humanists, is systematically excluded from communication on the matter of the letter as he had expressed dissenting views on various issues.
April 21st 2013: Kevin Sheehan, one of the seven current board members, sends out an email to the membership in response to the board’s letter.
HAI member Andrew Devine-Rattigan emails the HAI Board requesting access to the names and addresses of HAI members so that he may contact them regarding the EGM which he wishes to requisition. Any person is entitled to this information under the Company Law Act, 1963, as amended. The Board responds by stating that any communication that Andrew wants to have with members must go through them.
Andrew Devine-Rattigan is given access to the membership list by Board member Kevin Sheehan.
April 23rd 2013: Andrew Devine-Rattigan sends an email to HAI members and a letter to those who do not have email addresses requesting their support for his call for an EGM.
The Board state that according to the HAI Articles of Association 33% of members must agree to an EGM for it to take place. However, they later change this position as they are reminded that section 132 (1) of the Companies Act, 1963 supersedes any stipulation in any one company's Articles of Association and so only 10% of members are needed to requisition an EGM for it to be legally recognised.
June 5th 2013: The Board send a letter detailing the date of the EGM and the agenda. The date is Wednesday 26th despite requests to hold it on a suitable weekend in July to facilitate regional member's attendance. Without consultation with Andrew the Board change the wording of the motions, here you can find a comparison of the motions.
June 6th 2013: Aaron Keohane, co-founder of Cork Humanists, creates a petition, which currently has 78 signatories, calling on members to support his call for an adjournment of the EGM to a suitable weekend to facilitate regional members attendance.
June 8th 2013: Ann James, Chair of the HAI Board, sends an email to the membership.
June 19th 2013: Humanist Celebrants send a letter to all HAI members stating their position.
June 20th 2013: Micheal Nugent responds to the celebrants letter with an article entitled: Humanist celebrants should reconsider harming the cause of secularism in Ireland.
June 16th 2013: HAI Reform Website is launched by disenfranchised HAI regional members.
March 2003: The HAI engages in dialogue with government with regard to upcoming legislation on civil registration. However, despite the efforts of a committee set up specifically to lobby on the issue the Civil Registration Act 2004 the provision concerning recognised solemnisers is confined to religions only (see the HAI publication Equality for the Non-Religious April 2009, pages 10-11).
Over the years members of the committee cease to be members of the board and thus Brian Whiteside, board member and HAI Director of Ceremonies, becomes solely in charge of liaising with Government Departments & key decision-makers during the lead-up to the publication of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2012.
May 31st 2012: Brian Whiteside reported to the HAI board meeting on the Civil Registration Amendment Bill, and how it had changed from the first version that began at end 2011. Several directors including Peter O'Hara said that a director doing negotiation for the HAI should report to the board and seek fresh permission to negotiate if the negotiations change a lot from what was expected. That day Brian Whiteside disagreed - he did not expect his judgement to be reviewed by the board; but at the next meeting on June 28th 2012, after Peter O'Hara proposed that a director noticing a big change in negotiations must report back to the board, Brian Whiteside seconded it, and this rule was unanimously passed.
June to December 2012: The HAI board did not discuss the amendment to the Civil Registration Act. Brian Whiteside gave some news that he was discussing this with Ivana Bacik. He emailed the full text on November 30th 2012 to only Ann James and Peter O'Hara. Ann James pointed to the section that would disqualify a body from being a “Secular Body” if it espoused a political cause. Peter O'Hara agreed this could be a problem, and now regrets not making the whole board discuss this.
November 4th 2012 HAI AGM: Whilst there was a general discussion about ceremonies, including reference to general lack of information e.g. on the website, and a general reference to the plans to achieve legal status for humanist weddings, there was no detailed information given by the board at the AGM on any draft wording under consideration in the context of drafting legislation.
Nov/Dec 2012: Senator Ivana Bacik and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, are involved in the drafting of the Bill, with the intention of amending existing legislation in order to allow secular bodies, which meet certain criteria, to accredit celebrants who can be added to the General Registrar’s list of accredited marriage solemnisers.
Nov 2012 (end of November): The draft legislation is sent to the Attorney General’s office by the Minister for Social Protection, where it is understood the “political cause” clause was added.
On behalf of Atheist Ireland Micheal Nugent raises concerns with HAI Board, through Brian Whiteside, regarding Section 3. 45A.(2)(b) of the Bill which stated that for a secular body to qualify under the planned legislation it cannot be a “body that promotes a political cause”. Michael Nugent is assured by Brian Whiteside, on behalf of the HAI Board, that these concerns will be taken care of before the Bill goes before the Dáil.
However, the controversial section is not changed and the Bill goes before the Dáil. Politicians who have been lobbied by Atheist Ireland speak against certain aspects of the Bill. Nevertheless, the Bill is passed.
Dec 13th 2012: Aaron Keohane of Cork Humanist gives presentation to Board on proposal for funding for "Cork Experiment", essentially a diversification of the events currently run by the group to include regular film screenings and 'Think and Drinks'. He suggests a capital investment in a projector (€200) as the group's venue does not have the facilitate for guest speakers to include a presentation. He also suggests that the Board facilitate the establishment of two Dublin based Humanist Communities as it would provide opportunities for Dublin HAI members to get involved and would free up time for Board members. The Board did not have a positive response to any of these suggestions stating that "we have heard all these suggestions before" and that they did not believe that any investment in the Cork Humanists would result in an increase in HAI membership. To date Aaron has received no further communication from the Board on his proposals.
December 20th 2012: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2012 passed by the Oireachtas.
December 26th 2012: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2012 signed into law by President Higgins and becomes the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act, 2012.
Early 2013: HAI board submits relevant paperwork to the Department of Social Protection / Registrar in order to comply with the Act, which indicates the HAI board's agreement to the Act's provisions.
Subsequently, Brian Whiteside is added to the General Registrar’s list of temporary recognised solemnisers, but, unlike four other temporary solemnisers added to the list on the day Brian Whiteside does not have an end date for his temporary status.
Brian Whiteside, presides over first ever, and to date only, legally recognised humanist marriage ceremony which is solemnised by a humanist celebrant.
April 10th 2013: Andrew Devine-Rattigan writes an open letter to his fellow HAI members calling for support for an EGM
April 15th 2013: The HAI Board send out a letter calling on the membership to endorse their position on the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act, 2012 (minimum cost of this mailout = €300). Kevin Sheehan, current Board member, director of membership and member of Galway Humanists, is systematically excluded from communication on the matter of the letter as he had expressed dissenting views on various issues.
April 21st 2013: Kevin Sheehan, one of the seven current board members, sends out an email to the membership in response to the board’s letter.
HAI member Andrew Devine-Rattigan emails the HAI Board requesting access to the names and addresses of HAI members so that he may contact them regarding the EGM which he wishes to requisition. Any person is entitled to this information under the Company Law Act, 1963, as amended. The Board responds by stating that any communication that Andrew wants to have with members must go through them.
Andrew Devine-Rattigan is given access to the membership list by Board member Kevin Sheehan.
April 23rd 2013: Andrew Devine-Rattigan sends an email to HAI members and a letter to those who do not have email addresses requesting their support for his call for an EGM.
The Board state that according to the HAI Articles of Association 33% of members must agree to an EGM for it to take place. However, they later change this position as they are reminded that section 132 (1) of the Companies Act, 1963 supersedes any stipulation in any one company's Articles of Association and so only 10% of members are needed to requisition an EGM for it to be legally recognised.
June 5th 2013: The Board send a letter detailing the date of the EGM and the agenda. The date is Wednesday 26th despite requests to hold it on a suitable weekend in July to facilitate regional member's attendance. Without consultation with Andrew the Board change the wording of the motions, here you can find a comparison of the motions.
June 6th 2013: Aaron Keohane, co-founder of Cork Humanists, creates a petition, which currently has 78 signatories, calling on members to support his call for an adjournment of the EGM to a suitable weekend to facilitate regional members attendance.
June 8th 2013: Ann James, Chair of the HAI Board, sends an email to the membership.
June 19th 2013: Humanist Celebrants send a letter to all HAI members stating their position.
June 20th 2013: Micheal Nugent responds to the celebrants letter with an article entitled: Humanist celebrants should reconsider harming the cause of secularism in Ireland.
June 16th 2013: HAI Reform Website is launched by disenfranchised HAI regional members.
Who Are We?
We are members of the Humanist Association of Ireland based in Cork and Galway and we represent a group dedicated to a comprehensive reform of the HAI. We represent important strands in what should be a vibrant, national organisation, yet our “branches” have never been granted formal status or recognition by the Board of HAI. For several years, we have been frustrated by the lack of organisation and leadership shown by the current Board, as it has at best not sufficiently engaged with our policies on various issues and at worst simply ignored them. Rather than risk destabilising Humanism in Ireland, we have chosen to seek reform from within to address many of the major issues facing ordinary members. Recently, members in Dublin and ourselves have become unhappy with how the current Board has dealt with the matter of the discussion of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2012 and we are supporting our fellow member Andrew Rattigan in his call for an EGM and we are urging you to lend him your support too.
We are Kevin Sheehan (Humanists West),
Tom White (Humanists West),
Peter Ferguson (Humanists West),
Aaron Keohane (Cork Humanists),
Sean Murphy (Cork Humanists),
Bryan Wall (Cork Humanists),
Micheál O'Riordáín (Cork Humanists).
Micheal Nugent (Dublin),
Jane Donnelly (Dublin).
If you would link to have your name included here you can click on the contact us button below.
We are Kevin Sheehan (Humanists West),
Tom White (Humanists West),
Peter Ferguson (Humanists West),
Aaron Keohane (Cork Humanists),
Sean Murphy (Cork Humanists),
Bryan Wall (Cork Humanists),
Micheál O'Riordáín (Cork Humanists).
Micheal Nugent (Dublin),
Jane Donnelly (Dublin).
If you would link to have your name included here you can click on the contact us button below.