The production of the first Make Love, Not War badges in Britain during the 1960s was personally financed by Barbara Smoker. A lifelong activist born in Catford in 1923, she transitioned from a Roman Catholic upbringing to a prominent career as a secularist philosopher, human rights campaigner, and influential voice for atheism within the United Kingdom.
Early Activism and World War II
Before her commitment to humanist philosophy, Smoker served in the Women's Royal Naval Service between 1942 and 1945, spending time in southeast Asia. She moved away from her religious background in 1949 after reading works by Hector Hawton. By 1950, she had joined the South Place Ethical Society and the West London Ethical Society, marking the start of a long involvement in the ethical movement.
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Smoker held the presidency of the National Secular Society for nearly 25 years, from 1972 until 1996. During this period, she engaged in public debates, lectures, and media appearances to defend atheist and secular viewpoints. Simultaneously, she served as the chair of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society between 1981 and 1985. Her broader campaign work included advocating for the abolition of the death penalty, nuclear disarmament, prison reform, and the legalization of abortion.
Contributions to Education and Ceremony
She established herself as a popular celebrant for non-religious life events, including weddings, baby-namings, gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies, and funerals. She also contributed to formal education through her textbook titled Humanism, which was widely utilized in secondary schools. In 1986, she became the final Appointed Lecturer for the South Place Ethical Society, holding the position exclusively for several years following the 2014 death of Dr. Harry Stopes-Roe.
Fast facts
- Born: 1923, Catford, London
- Died: 7 April 2020, Lewisham Hospital, London
- Presidency: National Secular Society, 1972–1996
- Chair: Voluntary Euthanasia Society, 1981–1985
- Military service: Women's Royal Naval Service, 1942–1945
- Key award: Distinguished Humanist Service Award, 2005
- Autobiography: My Godforsaken Life - Memoir of a Maverick, 2018
Questions readers ask
What organisations was Barbara Smoker affiliated with?
She was associated with the National Secular Society, the South Place Ethical Society, the Voluntary Euthanasia Society, and the British Humanist Association (now Humanists UK).
Did Smoker hold academic positions?
She served as the final Appointed Lecturer for the South Place Ethical Society, a role she held from 1986 until her death.
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