Human-Etisk Forbund

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Human-Etisk Forbund (HEF), the Norwegian Humanist Association, is currently one of the largest Humanist associations in the world, with 72,000 members^[1]. In relation to the size of the national population (Norway has around 4.5 million inhabitants), it is by far the largest such association per capita.

Founded in 1956, the HEF is a member of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU).

Former HEF secretary general Levi Fragell was president of the IHEU (1988 – 2003) and is currently Chair of IHEU’s Committee for Growth and Development.[1] In June, 2007 Åse Kleveland became chairman of the Board of the organization.

According to its bylaws, the organization works for a separation of church and state (Norway has a Protestant Lutheran Christian state church^[2]), ensuring access to humanist ceremonies, and spreading knowledge of humanism. A civil confirmation organised by HEF has gained popularity among the Norwegian young during the last years. About 17 percent of Norwegian 15-year-olds are now taking part in HEF's civil confirmation.

On July 9, 2006 a prominent member of HEF, Jens Brun-Pedersen, called for the Prime Minister to advocate the separation of church and state. He argues that the 2nd article of the constitution which defines the "Evangelical-Lutheran Religion" as "the official religion of the State" and the 12th article of the constitution which requires half of the ministers of the cabinet to be members of the State church is discriminatory, and that Norway can't criticise countries advocating sharia law when the constitution favours Lutheran members of society.^[3]