No religion census campaign
The Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA) has launched an online campaign to encourage people whose faith has lapsed to make it official by marking ‘No Religion’ in the 2011 census.
CensusNoReligion.org gives people information about how incorrect answers about a person’s religion question can be misused to allocate funds, overstate the number of actively religious people in Australia, and exaggerate the importance of religion in modern Australia.
AFA president David Nicholls said many people thought by skipping the question their non-belief would be recorded, but instead they are recorded separately as ‘not defined’.
“Unfortunately, because of the wording, many others will select the religion of their baptism or initiation at youth, despite not being a religious person at all,” Nicholls said.
“The coming census in Australia is an important chance to make sure your interests are met in decision-making and funding and that views you do not hold are not overrepresented in the coming years. I encourage everyone to visit the website and make sure they are informed of the implications of their answers and if you are not religious now to mark ‘No religion’ on August 9.”
info: Visit www.CensusNoReligion.org