Australia’s Heathen Prime Minister

Jun29 Australia’s Heathen Prime Minister
Category: News, Ramblings

As I read Pharyngula today, I noticed an article about Australia’s PM Julia Gillard. I could really care less that she isn’t married and has a boyfriend ect. The interesting news was her response to a question on a radio show:

This morning during a Melbourne radio interview, the new Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard was asked point blank:
“Do you believe in God?”
Her reply:
“No I don’t, John”

Interesting. Now while an atheist doesn’t necessarily make a superior leader, it does give me hope for humanity. Australia’s citizens apparently don’t really care about a secular leader though:

A Nielsen Poll last year found three-quarters of Australians do not care whether political leaders believe in God or not.

I’m now wondering when America will get its first atheist President. Hmmm… Perhaps I should hit the campaign trail.

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Tags: atheism, Julia Gillard, politics

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Shaun
Good for the PM!
But I don't think you got the memo… the US of A is a Christian nation, was founded as such and therefore you are out of luck in running for office.
You saw it with Obama. Early on in his presidency he was hounded because he wasn't a christian. What I saw was a concerted, public display of him going to church, adding in an extra "god bless America" here and there.
BewdyCall
Yes, there was much controversy over Obama's faith, even during his presidential campaign. Here's a quote I have extracted from "Fight the Smears" blog: "Obama has never been a Muslim, was not raised as a Muslim, and is a committed Christian. Further, this myth perpetuates unfortunate falsehoods about the Muslim-American community that are offensive to people of all faiths." We still have "In God We Trust" on our currency and emblazoned across the entrances to several Federal buildings, although there are atheist groups lobbying to have that declaration removed, as well as The Ten Commandments wherever displayed, as they claim it contravenes the 1st Amendment by exclusively promoting the Christian faith and does not serve to "separate church and state". Personally, I think GOD would prefer not to be mentioned on money; HE hates the stuff.
Justin
If you hear some of the things she says with regards to religion, she is a bit of an accommodationist style atheist. The "everyone's ideas are equally valid/religion must be respected" kind of non-believer. I also believe she isn't pro gay rights (e.g. marriage) which is a bit of an odd position for a non-believer (at least in my experience)

I'm happy being an Australian we do have a non-believing, female, unmarried leader. Let's just hope if she wins the upcoming election she can lead the country.
Jessica Sideways
Don't you have to be like at least 40 to run for President of the United States? Try running for mayor, state senator, governor and US senator first. ;-P
godlessblogger
Well exactly! You have to start somewhere on the ladder. :p