Administrative/biographical history

Founded in 1979 in the aftermath of the Gay News blasphemy trial, GALHA is the only autonomous national organisation worldwide for gay and lesbian Humanists. It has members in many parts of the UK and in other countries. GALHA is affiliated to the International Humanist and Ethical Union and the International Lesbian and Gay Association. GALHA is also affiliated to Amnesty International, whose UK section has its own active Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Network.

GALHA provides a fellowship and voice for the many non-religious in the lesbian and gay community. It aims to promote an awareness and understanding of the Humanist outlook in that community, as well as bringing gay and lesbian rights to the attention of its kindred Humanist organisations.

GALHA plays a part in the campaign to combat prejudice and discrimination against lesbians and gay men and to achieve their complete legal equality with heterosexuals. It also takes up issues of concern to Humanists. It lobbies MPs, the media and others. It makes submissions to government committees and responds to government consultative documents concerning lesbian/gay and Humanist rights. It takes part in demonstrations and rallies concerning these rights.

GALHA is an integral part of the British Humanist movement and has close links with other organisations in it. These include the British Humanist Association and the National Secular Society, which have each consistently backed homosexual law reform and supported making the age of sexual consent for gay men equal to that for heterosexuals. GALHA is represented on the Humanist Forum (a liaison committee) and it co-sponsors Humanist functions

Scope and content

• Accounts and financial records, 1980-2005.
• Chair and annual reports, 1979-2007.
• Annual general meeting minutes and papers, 1980-1997.
• Nomination forms, membership and attendance records, 1985-1996.
• Legislative submissions, 1980-2001.
• Papers, press cuttings and other material regarding various GALHA campaigns concerning "cures" for homosexuality, Coventry County Council and their ban on a Campaign for Homosexual Equality meeting, the armed forces, Section 28 and the age of consent, 1978-2000.
• Press releases, 1990-1993.
• Papers deposited by founder members George Broadhead and Jim Herrick including papers, journals, photographs and other material, 1979-1995.

Quantity

10 boxes and 1 oversize Item.