Atheists underrepresented in 111th Congress

 

The 111th Congress is being sworn in today. The Los Angeles Times reported that while this Congress “reflects greater religious diversity in the U.S.” atheists are underrepresented.

It was reported that 1% of the new congress did not specify religious belief on the survey but that

because of how the question was worded, it was unclear whether the lawmakers were atheist or agnostic or simply didn't want to answer the question.

It isn’t surprising that there aren’t more atheists in political positions. After all, many states have in place religious restrictions on holding political office. That is to say that no atheist is allowed to hold office in certain states. It makes sense that atheist would not seek careers in politics.

Until states recognize that it is wrong to require that someone profess a belief in God as a prerequisite to holding office, atheists will likely continue to be underrepresented in the political arena. According to the US Constitution

…no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.