Dawkins

I disagree with that too, and often feel that
those I have come across that claim atheism
to be a religion don't understand the
difference between rejection of a concept based
upon available evidence, and acceptance of a
concept based upon conditioning.

I don't think we have that sort of formal protection
in the UK, but I can see your point.Perhaps referring to atheism as a religous position might
be accurate enough, provided that people do not confuse
that with 'religion'.

I wasn't necessarily thinking of scientific evidence,
but I suppose one could claim that this is forced upon
us in school etc. ... although the further through
the education system one goes the more one is encouraged to
think critically.