Billboard campaign mocks religious dogma

Madison, USA - The Freedom From Religion Foundation yesterday unveiled in Madison, Wis., what it said was believed to be "the first-ever nontheistic billboard."

The 18-foot billboard mimics a stained-glass window and warns, "Beware of Dogma." The foundation, which is the nation's largest association of atheists and agnostics, called the design "whimsical."

"We are launching a campaign to place free-thought billboards up around the country, wherever an irreverent billboard is needed, which is practically everywhere." spokeswoman Annie Laurie Gaylor said.

"We think it is time for the rest of us to use the mass media to counter the ubiquity of religious messages on roadsides everywhere," said Dan Barker, co-president of the foundation.

The foundation said it plans to erect another billboard next week to greet those attending its 30th national convention Oct. 12-13 in Madison. The second billboard will carry the "Beware of Dogma" message on one side, while the other side will sport the stained-glass motif and the words "Imagine No Religion."