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Matt Cherry of the International Humanist and Ethical Union tells Alan about a new report on discrimination against the nonreligous.
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Some say -- that is out there.
Just atheists around the world are being persecuted.
Much more then believers are atheist -- non -- being persecuted.
And met -- is editor of the report freedom of thought 2012.
Meant to tell me who you are and what -- your present -- decided to this study.
I.
Much -- -- from the international humanist and ethical union which is say.
Worldwide organization for any serious about non religious groups.
We decide to do this report because you're the best of our knowledge.
There's never been a report that focuses just on the rights of the -- -- -- thank -- -- around the world.
And we know there are a lot of violations.
Against -- rights and we thought it was time to document at all.
I was shocked at some of the things this report but you know I put -- -- my web -- a couple of days ago and I -- angry comments from Christians.
Who feel they -- the most persecuted group and that.
It really bothered them to see that there's another more persecuted group is this being your broad experience -- in terms reaction to what you put out.
Well we didn't claim that we -- the most prosecuted group we just claimed it was a great -- the prosecution against atheists.
I -- through my work at the UN that would -- prosecution against.
Old -- groups including Christians and Muslims and Hindus and Jews.
-- -- -- people cinco.
That's some discrimination somewhere in the world -- of it is really quite horrific so I don't want to get into race.
Competition that through most victimized I think we should all agree.
Any of that to migration -- anyone for the beliefs is wrong.
I don't should work together to -- That's a good point in a good point of view.
-- really surprise me before -- get some of the international ramifications that you point out.
Then at least seven US states constitutional provisions.
Are in place to -- atheist from public office.
And in Arkansas there's a law that bars and atheist from even testifying as a witness at a trial item -- -- this took place in our country.
That's right and -- -- laws are really unconstitutional.
According to the US concentration which around.
I think the only reference to religion in the constitution and so -- it's a bit.
Any requirement strong religious -- for public office.
But respectful situations.
Should be struck down but the fact that I -- -- -- the fact that those -- it's still on the books.
-- and so I think a strong level of social discrimination public discrimination.
Against among the Jewish.
But they're not enforcing those laws were -- -- the.
-- Was not to say because we don't have many atheists who have the courage.
People -- Risks -- that political crib to run for office I had a colleague who tried to run.
For office in South Carolina.
Purely to challenged that law on the books truly to show that this -- unconstitutional.
When he went before a judge or judgment well you know your own -- -- -- That your share from.
Yankee country your company get elected so why should we struck down as -- it doesn't really -- you because we have now which counts anyway.
And he he orchestra you and eventually engulf the Supreme Court eventually they said the cost of unconstitutional.
And yet -- still remains on the books because.
To change a tough situation in South Carolina needs.
Public so and -- about -- Outcry that not a politician who was released to charge -- change the constitution to object equal rights to -- yes.
So I think it.
A level of discrimination even one as well -- possible.
In about sixty countries you point out.
Where it is expression of atheist views -- defection the official religion can bring capital punishment.
And I'm sorry -- is at seven countries or stick to.
Seven countries are you the survey was sixty countries but there -- seven.
-- only be clarinet but there are seven countries Afghanistan Iran.
-- -- Mauritania Pakistan Saudi -- Sudan where you can be executed.
For having -- his views correct.
Her.
And then a bunch of other countries.
Such as Bangladesh Egypt Indonesia Kuwait and Jordan publication of -- We're human his views on religion or banned or limited what's meant -- a humanist view on religion.
Among -- view is someone who doesn't believe in god that does have a moral system does believe in human rights and don't believe in human potential.
But -- -- somehow grounded in any religion or anywhere from -- God.
Can you be -- humanist and believe in god.
Not the way we define human -- some people may call themselves humanist you stick.
But that way that would normally used it means someone who's much values are grounded in humanity without reference to -- dietary.
And a lot of religious people would say we -- -- believe in the god.
You can't be moral that morality comes from some kind of religious organizations.
-- issue fight that battle -- right.
Absolutely yes but I think the more that people.
Some public figures little cup to -- serious.
The more they realize that basis.
Aren't that different from people affects that if you if so.
Try to do the right saying they still.
How to love for humanity in the actual.
Act morally.
Much is that -- people will.
Fall short of that.
As I understand -- I think Pete Stark of California my and -- -- -- voted out -- the only atheist.
And wasn't -- I think one other was elected this past.
Election Day right.
Right what we should say the only open atheist because shall much you know about 40% of the American population that if you sort of seems unlikely that.
No -- in congress.
Would represent that demographic.
But we know that no one police place so because.
In that view it it's political suicide than dial which you know -- -- direct.
All right so.
-- what do you think -- come out of this survey a better understanding of what what's the goal here in terms of coming out with his information.
Joey got several goals waters just to raise awareness of -- I see is how the same rights and religious people want to come to freedom of conscience.
I'm just points out so -- -- those rights are being violated all around the world.
We also hope that you.
National governments such as the US government.
Who do mall to stand up leisure arts.
And do mall that you can't protect the rights -- patriots equally serious -- -- my nonreligious equally with the religious about all of our rights.
As human -- are protected around the world.
All right -- thank you very much we have an open -- -- -- also freedom of thought when he twelve is available at the international humanist and ethical union.
Which is your organization I think agreements -- for a speaking to us tonight.
That that's like Timothy time.
