American Atheists, in close coordination with Humanists International and Humanist Canada, announces the 2026 World Humanist Congress will no longer be held in Washington, D.C., but will instead take place in Ottawa, Canada, August 7-9, 2026.
The decision to relocate comes after a thorough assessment of the social, political, and economic environment in the United States under the current administration. Escalating religious nationalism and executive actions restricting movement, targeting civil society, and eroding human rights protections have created an inhospitable environment for an international gathering rooted in the values of secularism and inclusion.
American Atheists planned to host the 2026 World Humanist Congress in the United States capital but concluded it is no longer possible to ensure the admissibility or security of attendees — especially those from South and Central America, the Middle East and Northern Africa, Central Asia, and other key regions.
The Trump Administration’s increasingly aggressive stance toward legal immigration, its creation of ideological commissions to police “anti-Christian bias,” and retributive actions against nonprofit advocacy organizations — including humanist groups — pose serious risks to both domestic and international participants. Reductions to the U.S. Department of State’s visa application and approval capacity, combined with attendees’ reluctance to travel to D.C. and American Atheists’ inability to predict and mitigate future threats pose too large a risk to event attendees, staff, and volunteers.
In response to the developing circumstances in the U.S., American Atheists, Humanists International, and Humanist Canada have worked quickly and collaboratively to secure a new location for the 2026 World Humanist Congress.
“Humanists all over the world are alarmed by the escalating religious nationalism and decline in human rights protections in the United States. As a stable, inclusive, and rights-affirming environment, Canada will allow us to convene an event that truly reflects humanist values,” said Gary McLelland, Chief Executive of Humanists International. “We’ve already had very positive discussions with Canadian authorities about how they can help humanists come together in their country, and Canadian humanists are eager to welcome our global community.”
“The necessity of this relocation reflects a deeply troubling reality,” said Nick Fish, President of American Atheists. “The current U.S. government is fundamentally opposed to the ideals of pluralism, religious liberty, and free thought. They are damaging our nation’s reputation overseas and dismantling the institutions and constitutional rights that undergird our democracy here at home.”
“Nonetheless, our ability to convene in Canada next year demonstrates the tireless resilience of the secular community,” added Fish. “At a time when our people and values are increasingly under attack, the World Humanist Congress will carry on — not in retreat, but with a renewed purpose to peacefully yet powerfully reaffirm our unshaken support for reason, religious freedom, and equal rights for all.”
Further details about the 2026 World Humanist Congress will be available in the coming weeks.
