I was honoured to jointly receive the International Atheist of the Year 2017 award, along with Fauzia Ilyas of the Pakistani Atheist Association, at the Polish Days of Atheism in Warsaw this weekend. I accepted the award on behalf of all of the work done by everybody in Atheist Ireland.
The Polish Days of Atheism include an international conference on atheism and secularism, and an annual commemoration of the execution for Atheism of 17th Century Polish philosopher Kazimierz Lyszczynski. Jane Donnelly and I attended this year, and we spoke on freedom of belief, women’s rights and the right to die.
A jury of atheist activists from different countries decide on the annual award. It is intended to recognise and encourage the promotion of Atheism and secularism, as well as international cooperation between atheist and secular organisations. Previous recipients are:
2014 – Maryam Namazie, Council Ex-Muslims of Britain
2014 – Sanal Edamaruku, Indian Rationalist Association
2015 – Waleed el-Husseini, Palestinian writer
2016 – Mario Ramadan, Freethought Lebanon
It is indeed an honour to be associated with such dedicated and principled activists for atheism, secularism and human rights.
Well deserved Michael! Keep up the good work.
Congratulations Michael, well deserved.
Thank you, Joe and Mark.
My most sincere congratulations for a well-deserved award, Michael!!
(Sorry I didn’t post this sooner. I’m afraid I’ve been a bit under the weather since mid-March. You must know how difficult it can be to handle other illnesses while also undergoing treatment for cancer. My common cold required urgent care and emergency room visits.)
Congratulations, once again!!! Please, keep up the award winning work. It’s needed!!!
Congratulations Michael! It is well deserved for all your tireless work on behalf of atheists and other minorities in Ireland and elsewhere.
An incredible achievement.
Well done, Michael. You’re an exemplar of atheist activism as it should be.
Fantastic news for you and Fauzia!
Congratulations. PZ must be fuming 🙂
Thank you to everyone who has commented here. As I said, I see it as a recognition of the work everyone in Atheist Ireland has been doing.
Ardent Skeptic, I appreciate that you are taking time to comment given what you are going through. I hope you are feeling strong.
Thanks, Michael!!!
I’m feeling much better even though I ended up with pneumonia. I’m very fortunate to be receiving treatment from one of the top oncologist in her field. I’m even more fortunate that my niece works for my oncologist as a nurse so I’m getting very personal service. 🙂
Two weeks ago I spent the night in the emergency room as I was having very severe chest pains and difficulty breathing. My niece spent the night with me while also keeping the emergency room staff on their toes, and the oncologist was keeping herself fully informed of my condition and all of my test results despite being at a party to celebrate her own wedding anniversary. I couldn’t possible ask for better care.