So I was going through my Facebook feed and found this little tidbit that a friend had shared from some atheist YouTuber named Thunderf00t (the video is here)

The Reason Rally, likewise…. its goals…..
1) LGBTQ equality
2) climate change
3) womens reproductive rights
Just what you want to see at the ‘largest gathering of the non religious in history’!

Ironically…..I would normally be a naturally ‘ally’ to something like the Reason Rally. Sadly however, when the code of conduct tells me I must listen to trans stories and respect peoples pronouns……sorry but thats a deal breaker. I just wish ‘the largest gathering of the non-religious in history’ had chosen better targets to focus on.

Now, I don’t follow the atheist YouTube community, but I do know they tend to be pretty hyperbolic in their outrage. I suppose this behavior is an effort to get more views, and thus more revenue. However, from what I have heard, this particular personality is not that extreme. Well, until now apparently.

The Reason Rally, for those who are unfamiliar with the event, is according to their website

…a celebration of fact-driven public policy, the value of critical thinking, and the voting power of secular Americans.

That seems innocuous enough. Different voting blocs have gatherings all the time to demonstrate their strength and solidarity. This is what citizens should be doing in a healthy democracy. However, apparently this particular incarnation of Reason Rally has been infiltrated by duh duh DUH! THE SJW AGENDA (cue screams of horror and despair).

Apparently, buried in the depths of the official Code of Conduct for the Rally lies the  Apocalypse of Atheism as we know it! And what are these nefarious Rules that lead to the Gotterdamerung of the Godless? The entire text is here, but this is the summary

The Reason Rally Coalition is committed to presenting spaces that are fun, friendly, and informative for all participants.

This includes creating an atmosphere that is and harassment-free. All attendees, including speakers, sponsors, and volunteers, are required to adhere to our code of conduct for the duration of the Reason Rally festivities at all ticketed events and venues.

The Reason Rally Coalition does not tolerate harassment of or by participants in any form. Prohibited conduct may include—but is not limited to—harassment related to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, sexual images in public spaces (not related to convention sessions or materials), deliberate intimidation, stalking, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

The Reason Rally Coalition recognizes that mockery of religion occurred at Reason Rally 2012, and we welcome such discussion. However, the harassment of individuals for their religious beliefs will not be tolerated. Racist, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic conduct will not be tolerated.

Failure to abide by our code of conduct will result in ejection from the event without refund at the sole discretion of organizers.

The Reason Rally Coalition understands that human interaction can be complex and confusing. Please give each other the benefit of explaining behavior you find offensive or unwelcome. However, participants asked to stop any prohibited conduct are expected to comply immediately.

Yes, that’s it. These are the pronouncements that are causing such wailing and gnashing of teeth among a subset of the ‘movement’. Apparently, treating people with common human decency is something that will not be tolerated among the Purists of the community. Atheism has been hijacked by a bunch of bleeding heart crybabies! Hyperbole aside, these guidelines seem, at least to this humble observer, to be common sense. An argument has been made that there is too much emphasis on social issues and not enough on ‘atheist’ issues. I am not sure how entertaining a rally would be if that was the only thing that was celebrated. ‘Woo hoo, I don’t believe in a personal God! Now let’s get drunk!’ That’s not to say that such a celebration wouldn’t be entertaining, but it hardly seems worth having a massive gathering.

The truth is, the secular community isn’t a monolith, and it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It embraces many varied and vital interests. Above all else, this community is a gathering of humans who deserve respect and love, who just all happen to believe logic and reason should dictate national policy. If this sounds unacceptable to some, then, frankly, I don’t want them in the community.