As an atheist, you can sometimes feel like you’re a minority. Even with all the protections of free speech in America and Canada, you may still believe you’re being persecuted, especially as the holidays approach. There’s a long way to go in gaining understanding for your beliefs. And yet, no matter how bad things get in the United States, the situation is much more grim internationally.
Countries That Deny Rights to Atheists
Even though many countries have signed United Nations agreements to treat their citizens equally, there are still 13 that have laws on their books that deny basic rights to atheists. You can be put to death for switching religions or blasphemy in these countries:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritania
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- Sudan
- United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
Bangladesh Evacuation
Sudan may be in a current refugee crisis, but Bangladesh has had at least 12 bloggers flee the country in recent weeks because they were being persecuted for their atheist beliefs. Four bloggers have been murdered. Bangladesh has a constitution that guarantees freedom of speech, but in a country where 90 percent of the population is Muslim, atheism is a taboo that the government does not want to confront.
Up until 2013, only two writers had been singled out for criticizing Islam. The first was a journalist who wrote a poem against religion. He was forced to flee the country in 1974. In 1994, another writer was forced to leave. The 2013 Shahbag protests changed the atmosphere of the country. Bloggers wanted the government to guarantee a secular society, and Islam fundamentalists began targeting these “new enemies.” They have published a list of 84 bloggers that they intend to kill, which includes the four that were already killed. Some of the others on the list have been attacked.
Room for Debate?
The situation in Bangladesh will continue to unfold as the government tries to find a way to deal with the problem. Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu believes that the government may clamp down on freedom of speech to prevent blasphemy because “writing or doing something to defame religion is a punishable crime in this country.” However, he also believes that atheists should not be harassed for their beliefs — they just can’t disparage Islam in their writing or speaking.
With this attitude, it doesn’t seem as if there is any room for debate. It’s impossible to have a dialogue about the problem when the political environment is not conducive to an informed conversation. Many Muslims have the perception that atheists are anti-religious.
Atheist Discrimination Around the World
Atheists may not face death in Europe, but there is still severe discrimination in many European countries, including Denmark, Austria, Germany, and Poland. Jail sentences are allowed for up to three years for those who offend religious beliefs. Belgium and the Netherlands are two countries that are classified to be free and equal for atheists. The situation isn’t much better in Latin America, with Brazil, Jamaica, and Uruguay having the most favorable attitudes toward atheists.
The situation in the United States is nowhere near as bad as that in Bangladesh, but it should be noted that seven states have laws that prohibit atheists from holding office. These laws may be unenforceable, but it’s sad that no one has thought to remove this form of discrimination. Atheists have a long way to go before they will be on the same playing field as Christians.
Keep hanging on when you feel discouraged. More and more people are choosing not to affiliate themselves with an organized religion, but it’s still threatening to those who don’t understand. Just try to have an informed dialogue with those who will listen. Move on from those who won’t. Find a community where you feel valued. And remember that you have rights not accorded to others around the world.