I think atheists in Canada and the U.S. would agree with your observations about what's happening in the U.K census.
And as a result we see politicians talking about how this is a Christian nation, and the U.S. Constitution established this country as such (McCain during the 2008 Presidential campaign).
And it's all because of the numbers, and often it appears because of the deference to Christianity. "In God We Trust" on our currency, and even in the halls of power and our court houses where, often enough one is asked to swear to tell the truth in their testimony, swearing on a Bible and god. Though in some jurisdictions there's the option to affirm and yet in other's there's the affirmation followed by the oath; so help me god.
I don't recall what the last census had as options for marking, with regard to religious affiliation. However, if atheist isn't there I'll certainly write in.
There's a campaign for the 2011 census, calling for atheists to stand and be counted. Hopefully we will, given the census is suppose to be anonymous, so that those who may still be in the closet in some respect, should or will know they can come out and lend their voice to the count so that perhaps in the next tally, we'll have a stronger registered number. And the Christians shall be surprised.
We are everywhere. Sadly, that seems to only be news to Theists.
Mark "No religion" Campaign Begins - The 2011 Census
And as a result we see politicians talking about how this is a Christian nation, and the U.S. Constitution established this country as such (McCain during the 2008 Presidential campaign).
And it's all because of the numbers, and often it appears because of the deference to Christianity. "In God We Trust" on our currency, and even in the halls of power and our court houses where, often enough one is asked to swear to tell the truth in their testimony, swearing on a Bible and god. Though in some jurisdictions there's the option to affirm and yet in other's there's the affirmation followed by the oath; so help me god.
I don't recall what the last census had as options for marking, with regard to religious affiliation. However, if atheist isn't there I'll certainly write in.
There's a campaign for the 2011 census, calling for atheists to stand and be counted. Hopefully we will, given the census is suppose to be anonymous, so that those who may still be in the closet in some respect, should or will know they can come out and lend their voice to the count so that perhaps in the next tally, we'll have a stronger registered number. And the Christians shall be surprised.
We are everywhere. Sadly, that seems to only be news to Theists.
Mark "No religion" Campaign Begins - The 2011 Census
