Atheist Acceptability on the Rise in America

[Robert_S]

Atheist Acceptability on the Rise in America
More than half would now vote for a nonbeliever.
Published on June 28, 2012 by David Niose in Our Humanity, Naturally

The good news for nonbelievers is that, for the first time ever, more than half the American population would vote for a qualified, open atheist for president. A recent Gallup poll shows that 54 percent of Americans would not consider a candidate’s atheism to be a disqualification for holding the nation's highest office.

This shows remarkable progress, a nine-point increase from 2007 and 36 points higher than the 18 percent acceptability figure that nonbelievers received when the question was first asked in 1958. Clearly, seculars are making huge strides in gaining acceptance. If the trend continues, we can expect that other open nonbelievers may soon join Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) as elected lawmakers in the nation's capital.

The bad news, however, is that atheists still rank lowest among the groups listed. Muslims (58 percent), gays and lesbians (68 percent) and Mormons (80 percent) all ranked higher. While no fair and rational observer would suggest that membership in any of those groups should disqualify a candidate for office, to secular activists it is nevertheless troubling that nonbelievers still occupy the cellar of American public opinion.

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Nicked from: http://freethoughtblogs.com/butterflies ... +Wheels%29

[Animavore]

I have a dream that right here in America little atheist boys and little atheist girls will be able to join hands with little theist boys and little theist girls.

[Jason]

I have a headache.

[Drewish]

Less despised than Muslims? Clearly we haven't blown up enough civilians.

[Bella Fortuna]

Atheists: we'd rather blow up balloons.