The Humanist Association of Germany (HVD) has drawn up election test stones for the 2019 European elections and sent them to various parties. As a worldview community of humanists in Germany, self-determination from the beginning to the end of life is particularly important to us, which is reflected in our election test stones. We also focus on the separation of state and religious institutions as well as the equal treatment and public inclusion of humanists and non-denominational and non-religious people.
Which parties advocate a Europe in which people from different cultures work together in the spirit of the European idea and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and assume responsibility in order to create a peaceful and just world? We asked the parties, among others:
What measures will you implement to protect non-believers in Europe and worldwide?
Will you campaign for unrestricted access to legal abortion for unintended pregnant women in all member states?
Will you campaign for the legalization of assisted suicide and for the right to dignity and self-determination at the end of life?
What is your action plan in the fight against economic inequality and social dumping?
Will you campaign for the introduction of fair minimum wages throughout the EU?
The answers to the election test questions provide information on how the parties surveyed stand on humanist values and whether they take into account the interests of non-denominational people in Germany, Europe and the world. With the election test stones, we want to support all interested voters in making an informed decision. However, we are not making a recommendation to vote for a particular party.
The following parties have responded to the election test questions: CDU/CSU, SPD, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, Die Linke, FDP and the Pirate Party. We made a conscious decision not to offer the AfD a platform, as this party cultivates a world view that is incompatible with our humanist values.
The HVD’s election touchstones are made up of the following 14 topics:
- Upholding the rule of law and democracy
- Civil society as a bearer of European values
- An impartial secular Europe
- Defending freedom of thought for all
- Defending freedom of opinion
- Free and pluralistic media
- Ensuring freedom of choice
- Standing up for a society that values all people for who they are
- Social justice and fairness
- Secular and public education
- Scientific research
- A solidary and responsible immigration and asylum policy
- A strong Europe for peace and human rights
- Solidarity with future generations: Climate change and sustainable development
The parties’ responses are now available here for download.
