“Atheism is quite acceptable on this forum, but in society at large, it is still one of the most looked down upon category of people. e.g. in the US, ppl would prefer an Muslim POTUS before an atheist POTUS (and they don’t want a Muslim POTUS).”
Yair, I’m aware of the broadly held American prejudice against atheism. Ironic when you consider some of the founding fathers’ religious beliefs (or lack of 'em)
That prejudice exists in Australia, but is not widespread. It’s almost a tradition that labor politicians be atheists. This is probably because of the socialist origins of the party, which began as the political arm of the trade union movement in Australia. Today, the party is more centrist, with a left-ish faction.
There are several high profile openly atheist politicians Australia. Perhaps the best known is Penny Wong, current leader of the opposition in the Senate, and shadow minister for Foreign Affairs. Penny is an atheist and lesbian, married , with a child.
There are also a few openly gay politicians. BUT, homophobia is still alive and just as repulsive as ever in Oz.
Australia is I think a much more secular society than the US. Churches have little influence over Australian Life .“Big ‘C’” christians, such as the happy clappy churches, are tolerated with a wry amusement ,–until they start preaching.