Discrimination against atheists

Discrimination against atheists is unfair treatment or disadvantage directed at people because they do not believe in a god or gods.

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Religious discrimination: Unfair treatment based on a person's actual or perceived religious beliefs, practices, or identity. Discrimination against atheists is one form of unequal treatment based on belief.
Employment discrimination: Unfair treatment in hiring, pay, promotion, or working conditions because of a personal characteristic. Employers may penalize known or presumed atheism in hiring or advancement.
Torcaso v. Watkins: A 1961 U.S. Supreme Court case that invalidated Maryland's requirement that public officials profess belief in God. The case directly struck down a religious qualification that excluded atheists from public office.
Antitheism: Opposition to belief in gods or to theism as a system of belief. Discrimination targets people for nonbelief; antitheism is an ideological position, not a protected group.
Freedom of religion: The right to hold, change, practice, or reject religious beliefs without coercion. Protecting the right to reject religion is central to opposing anti-atheist discrimination.
Political discrimination: Unequal political rights or opportunities imposed on people because of identity or belief. Religious tests for office can exclude atheists from public service.
McCreary County v. ACLU: A 2005 U.S. Supreme Court case holding that courthouse Ten Commandments displays violated the Establishment Clause. It illustrates disputes over government endorsement of religion and equal civic standing.
Secularism: The principle that government and public institutions should be independent of religious authority. Secular governance can limit religious privilege without requiring hostility toward religious people.
Freedom of thought: The liberty to hold beliefs and opinions without coercion or punishment. It grounds protection for both religious belief and nonbelief.
Religious test: A requirement that a person affirm a religious belief to hold office or receive a public benefit. It turns nonbelief into a formal barrier to civic participation.