A feature of news and events from a selection of SPI Coalitions
by Deanna Cantrell
Do you live in the Philadelphia area and would like an alternative activity to the upcoming Pope Francis visit September 24? SPI Coalition member The Freethought Society and Ethical 
Humanist Society of Philadelphia have just the event in store to stimulate your mind. Join them for a speech by Annie Laurie Gaylor entitled, “Why Women Need Freedom From Religion.” Please see their website for more details on this no cost event.
SPI Coalition member The Dorset Humanists are proud to welcome Losing My Religion, a speech by founders, Clive and Lola, of the London Black Atheists. All are welcome to this Bournemouth event accounting Clive and Lola’s journeys from belief to reason and the tribulations which they encountered along the way. It should be noted that secularists of all races are encouraged to attend. This event takes place September 12, you can read more at the Dorset Humanists event page. 
Can any organization use its religion as an unholy shield to justify human rights violations and discrimination which would be unacceptable in any other situation? What if that institution receives several million dollars a year in direct and indirect public support and subsidies? SPI Coalition member The Canadian Secular Alliance is asking for your help to prevent a law school from banning members of the LGBTQ community from admission. Read about their initiative here, a link to where to donate is provided. Take a stand for human rights!
Would you enjoy communing with like minded individuals from around the world? SPI Coalition member Atheist Centre is hosting their 9th World Atheist Conference, January 6-7 2016, in Andhra Pradesh, India. Check out their website for highlights of past conferences and find information on this upcoming event here.