We are not going backwards

[Worldslaziestbusker]

Some folks seem a mite disheartened by the census results and the outcome of the Ron Williams case. While things could be better, that is always the case and I take heart in the following:
Change only occurs quickly through revolution and this usually results in a nett decrease in enfranchisement and societal happiness. The census results indicate change in the direction I am happiest with, and while having a greater proportion of non-believers on show is a boon, the argument that no religion deserves special consideration on any front can be made even if there is only a single dissenter from that belief framework. Even a change a thousandth the size of that which was measured in the desired direction would be more welcome than a move in the opposite direction.
I think it is likely that the AFA campaign, and the religious attempts to counter it, had a positive effect, but even if no statistically significant signal shows up in the data, I am happy that my dues contributed to the census campaign. The AFA effort was positive, it was inoffensive and it was a talking point for many months. Awareness, while not the only thing, is a thing.

The Ron Williams outcome leaves scope for much chicanery from the present and future governments, and the uncertainties it throws on funding for other social programmes could see some people aim resentment at atheists for rocking the boat. Fuck that noise. If someone tries pinning that bullshit on you, make the argument about why it is important to get a fair deal for everyone, not about why it is best to avoid rocking boats in case the gold trim falls off the gunwales.
Again, I see awareness arising from this situation as valuable, even if the outcome itself is less than people might have hoped for. The government has been employing people with specific religious qualifications by proxy. The proxy bit does not make it right and you can point that out to anyone who tries to argue the toss with you on the matter. If we have to fight the same case at state level, so be it. Keep the argument on message and don't ever avoid rocking a boat just because someone else gets queasy. Tell them to take a constitutional Kwell tablet and to shut the fuck up while you get on with the business of improving the society you are part of.