americanatheists

Reacting to a study by the University of Minnesota, a nationwide Atheist civil rights group today said that by promoting religion, government is partly to blame for the negative perceptions of nonbelievers in American Society.

Researchers found that “Americans rate atheists below Muslims, recent immigrants, gays and lesbians and other minority groups in ‘sharing their vision of American society.’ Atheists are also the minority group most Americans are least willing to allow their children to marry.” Dr. Penny Edgell is quoted in a U. of M. press release adding that Atheists “offer a glaring exception to the rule of increasing social tolerance over the last 30 years,” and suggests that today‘s Atheists “play the role that Catholics, Jews and communists have played in the past.”

Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, said that one reason for the findings is the unconstitutional promotion of religion by government and political leaders. “Politicians have draped themselves in the mantle of religiosity, and shamelessly promote the myth that religious belief is the basis for ethical, sensible behavior.”

The survey found that “acceptance or rejection of atheists is related not only to personal religiosity, but also to one’s exposure to diversity, education and political orientation …”

Dave Silverman, Communications Director for the group, said that educated Americans were more likely to accept Atheists. He added that the study may indicate that the growing activism and visibility of Atheists may be responsible.

“Nearly 30 million Americans profess no religious belief,” said Silverman. “A smaller number may use the term ‘Atheist,’ but over the past five we've been building coalitions, lobbying in Washington and forming political action committees. Controversy and hostility are always the first steps for any group fighting for its rightful place in society, whether it‘s people of color, women, or sexual minorities.”

“We’re just the last group, the ‘last minority’ to be speaking out,” said Silverman. “Americans are generally a tolerant group. I think in five or ten years, studies will show that Atheists are being accepted in our culture just like everybody else.”