AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
STUDY OF "MOST DISTRUSTED MINORITY" UNDERSCORES NEED FOR GOV'T TO STOP
PROMOTING RELIGION -- ATHEIST GROUP
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."
AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for
Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses
issues of First Amendment public policy.
American Atheists, Inc. P. O. Box 5733 Parsippany, NJ 07054-6733
Tel: (908) 276-7300 Fax: (908) 276-7402
