diversity in congress

Even though the religious landscape of Congress is more diverse than in years past, atheists and agnostics are still underrepresented.

Or are they? In 2006, the Secular Coalition of America offered a $1,000 prize to whoever identified the highest-ranking political official who is also an atheist. More than 60 Congressmen were nominated, and 22 admitted they did not believe in God – even though they were religiously affiliated. Only one was willing to admit this publicly – Northern California Rep. Pete Stark.

There is a widespread belief that public admittance of atheism in politics spells certain death for one’s political career. I certainly wish this weren’t so, but I am glad we atheists are more represented than it seems.