On Feb. 12, 2008, the Institute for Humanist Studies (IHS), hosted the first ever Humanist Legislative Advocacy Day.
Humanist activists in New York state came to Albany to persuade their elected representatives to support such issues as: access to emergency contraceptives; same sex marriage legislation; comprehensive sex education in the schools; and expanding therapeutic embryonic stem cell research.
"Today, you've made history, the largest minority group never to be counted was heard," said Matt Cherry, at an afternoon press conference in the Legislative Office Building.
"Get in the game," urged Cherry. "It's past time to fight back."
Throughout the day, approximately 20 humanists from all over the state met with more than 20 legislators and their staffs.
"It's something I've always wanted to do," said Ben Dreidel, 36, of Saratoga County, N.Y.
Dreidel is a member of the American Humanist Association, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and has started his own local atheist group. He heard about the advocacy day from the Humanist Network News.
