The 2026 World Humanist Congress, originally scheduled to be hosted in Washington D.C. will now convene in Ottawa, Canada, from August 7-9, 2026. This relocation, announced by American Atheists in partnership with Humanists International and Humanist Canada, is claimed to be the result of an increasingly inhospitable environment for secular and humanist organizations in the United States.
Stated Rationale: A “Hostile Environment” in Washington, D.C.
Organizers attribute the move to what they describe as a sharp rise in “religious nationalism” and U.S. policies they believe threaten civil society groups. They point in particular to:
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tighter immigration vetting that could delay or block visas for attendees,
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federal initiatives that scrutinize nonprofits for alleged “anti-Christian bias,” and
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a broader political climate they view as dismissive of secular perspectives.
American Atheists argues it could not “guarantee the safety or even the admissibility” of participants—especially those from Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and Central Asia—if the gathering remained in Washington.
Visa Hurdles: Data Gap vs. Anecdote
The decision hinges largely on expected visa difficulties. Yet specific refusal or delay statistics for humanist-affiliated events have not been released, making it hard to weigh whether Ottawa will in fact solve the problem. Canada’s own visa process can be slow for some regions, though organizers contend they received “encouraging signals” from Canadian officials.
Further details about the 2026 World Humanist Congress, including registration information and program highlights, will be released in the coming weeks. The event promises to be a landmark gathering for humanists, atheists, and secular advocates from around the world—a testament to the enduring power of free thought and rational inquiry.
Leadership Statements
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Gary McLelland (Humanists International) called the relocation “a necessary step” and praised Canadian cooperation.
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Nick Fish (American Atheists) framed it as evidence of a U.S. administration “fundamentally opposed” to pluralism.
Neither statement detailed any negotiations with U.S. authorities that might have mitigated the cited concerns.
Implications and Open Questions
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Safety vs. Symbolism – Is Ottawa demonstrably safer, or does the move serve primarily as a political statement?
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Precedent for Future Events – Will other international conferences follow suit, or is this an isolated case tied to one organization’s risk assessment?
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Measuring Success – Organizers promise a “global and inclusive event,” yet it remains to be seen whether attendance from the very regions they hope to protect will in fact increase under Canadian jurisdiction.
For more information, read the original press release: https://www.atheists.org/2025/06/announcing-relocation-of-the-2026-world-humanist-congress/
