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Line 34: + − Recent research indicates that atheists are the least-liked minority group in the United States.{{fact}} Research by Penny Edgell, Joseph Gerteis and Douglas Hartman in the American Sociological Review [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asoca/asr/2006/00000071/00000002/art00003 indicates] that most Americans would be more willing to vote for a gay or Muslim presidential candidate than an atheist. The same study indicates that 47.6% of Americans would disapprove of their child marrying an atheist. More recent [http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=26611&pg=1 Gallup polls] confirm this finding. In addition to discrimination in voting practices and marriage, George H.W. Bush has previously [http://www.positiveatheism.org/writ/ghwbush.htm stated] that he does not believe atheists should be considered citizens of the United States. − + − Given the extremely negative stereotype of atheists,{{fact}} it is unsurprising that most choose not to advertise their faith.{{fact}} Additionally, given the wide dislike of atheists and the relatively [http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1131 small numbers] of atheists in the population (frequently estimated at 4%-5%{{fact}}) claims of a discriminatory conspiracy of atheists are almost certainly false.{{fact}} It is, mathematically speaking, far more likely that atheists are facing persecution from theists than the reverse.{{fact}} − − −
→Prejudice Against Atheists
== Prejudice Against Atheists ==
== Prejudice Against Atheists ==
Research by Penny Edgell, Joseph Gerteis and Douglas Hartman in the American Sociological Review [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asoca/asr/2006/00000071/00000002/art00003 indicates] that most Americans would be more willing to vote for a gay or Muslim presidential candidate than an atheist. The same study indicates that 47.6% of Americans would disapprove of their child marrying an atheist. More recent [http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=26611&pg=1 Gallup polls] confirm this finding. In addition to discrimination in voting practices and marriage, George H.W. Bush has previously [http://www.positiveatheism.org/writ/ghwbush.htm stated] that he does not believe atheists should be considered citizens of the United States.
However this is not the case around the world, in the United Kingdom 2001 census 14.6% of the population identify themselves as having no religious beliefs.{{fact}} It is rare to find discrimination against atheists in the United Kingdom, in private life or the public eye,{{fact}}
However this is not the case around the world, in the United Kingdom 2001 census 14.6% of the population identify themselves as having no religious beliefs.{{fact}} It is rare to find discrimination against atheists in the United Kingdom, in private life or the public eye. {{fact}}
== The Problem of Evil==
== The Problem of Evil==