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In many religious countries and even irreligious countries there is a stigma related to [[atheism]] and as a result many atheists are reluctant to: call themselves atheists and/or be outspoken atheists (see: [[Views on atheists]]).  

In many religious countries and even irreligious countries there is a stigma related to [[atheism]] and as a result many atheists are reluctant to: call themselves atheists and/or be outspoken atheists (see: [[Views on atheists]]).  

Atheists in religious countries or religious subcultures often face family and social pressure to be silent about their atheism and for many young people the thought of telling their parents about their atheism causes them a great deal of anguish.<ref>[http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2008/07/30/us-atheists-to-have-coming-out-party/ U.S. atheists to have ‘coming out party’]</ref> It is not uncommon for [[Islam|Muslims]] who become atheists to be disowned by their family and to sometimes receive death threats.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/allah-vs-atheism-leaving-islam-was-the-hardest-thing-i-ve-done-9069598.html Allah vs atheism: ‘Leaving Islam was the hardest thing I’ve done’], The Independent</ref>

Atheists in religious countries or religious subcultures often face family and social pressure to be silent about their atheism and for many young people the thought of telling their parents about their atheism causes them a great deal of anguish.<ref>[http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2008/07/30/us-atheists-to-have-coming-out-party/ U.S. atheists to have ‘coming out party’]</ref> It is not uncommon for [[Islam|Muslims]] who become atheists to be disowned by their family and to sometimes receive death threats.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/allah-vs-atheism-leaving-islam-was-the-hardest-thing-i-ve-done-9069598.html Allah vs atheism: ‘Leaving Islam was the hardest thing I’ve done’], The Independent</ref> See also: [[Persecution of atheists]]

The [[We Are Atheism]] campaign was launched by atheists to address the widespread prevalence of closet atheism. [[David Silverman]], the president of the [[American Atheists]]  mentioned the issue of "closet atheists" in a publicity piece promoting the campaign.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/23/we-are-atheism-atheists-campaign_n_1109080.html 'We Are Atheism': Atheists Launch Campaign To Get Unbelievers To 'Come Out'], ''Huffington Post''</ref>  

The [[We Are Atheism]] campaign was launched by atheists to address the widespread prevalence of closet atheism. [[David Silverman]], the president of the [[American Atheists]]  mentioned the issue of "closet atheists" in a publicity piece promoting the campaign.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/23/we-are-atheism-atheists-campaign_n_1109080.html 'We Are Atheism': Atheists Launch Campaign To Get Unbelievers To 'Come Out'], ''Huffington Post''</ref>