An atheist group will soon begin using London buses to spread its message of disbelief after raising nearly £50,000 in less than a day - nearly ten times the total amount that it hoped to raise.
The British Humanist Association aims to have two buses carrying its message, 'There's probably no God', for a month and also plans to advertise in other areas. It says that its campaign is intended to counter religious messages.
Ariane Sherine, a writer who is involved in the campaign, said an atheist bus campaign would provide a reassuring counter-message to religious slogans threatening non-Christians with hell and damnation.
She said: "Ours is a fun and light-hearted message but it does have a serious point to it: that atheists want a secular country, we want a secular school and a secular government. The strength of feeling has been shown with so many people willing to pay for this campaign."
Richard Dawkins, a prominent atheist who has also supported the campaign, said: "Religion is accustomed to getting a free ride - automatic tax breaks, unearned respect and the right not to be offended, the right to brainwash children.
"Even on the buses, nobody thinks twice when they see a religious slogan plastered across the side.
"This campaign to put alternative slogans on London buses will make people think - and thinking is anathema to religion."
