Richard Dawkins Resigns from Freedom From Religion Foundation Over Support for Transgender ‘Religion
Islamabad:Renowned atheist and evolutionary biologist **Professor Richard Dawkins** has resigned from the **Freedom From Religion Foundation** (FFRF) following the organization’s support for transgenderism, which he referred to as a “new religion.” Dawkins accused the American foundation of imposing this “new religion” on its supporters.
### **Resignation Over Censorship of Article**
Dawkins resigned from the board of the foundation on Saturday after FFRF censored an article he had written, in which he argued that gender should be understood biologically. The article, which defended the biological definition of sex, was removed from the foundation’s website, with FFRF claiming it was a “mistake” to publish it in the first place.
In response to the censorship, Dawkins criticized FFRF for succumbing to “cancel culture,” claiming that the foundation had drifted towards promoting ideas that stifle free expression and scientific truth.
### **Other Scientists Follow Suit**
Dawkins’ resignation follows those of other prominent scientists, **Jerry Coyne** and **Steven Pinker**, who had also accused the foundation of attempting to impose a religious ideology on its followers. These resignations came after an article by **Kate Grant** published on the foundation’s website, titled *”What is a Woman?”* which sparked widespread controversy.
The article argued that the definition of a woman should not be limited to biological terms and that “a woman is someone who identifies as a woman.” This claim led to significant criticism, especially from the scientific community, which sees it as disregarding biological facts.
### **Dawkins’ Statement and Position**
In his resignation statement, Dawkins emphasized that the growing trend of rejecting biological truths was unacceptable. “What is happening here is intolerable,” he said. “We must not accept any ideology, whether religious or otherwise, as absolute truth. We must stand by science, logic, and empirical evidence.”
Dawkins further condemned the trend of silencing dissenting views within academic and intellectual circles, asserting that such actions undermine both scientific integrity and freedom of thought.
### **What’s Next for the Foundation?**
With Dawkins and other leading scientists resigning, it remains to be seen how FFRF will respond to these challenges. Will the organization reconsider its stance on transgenderism, or will the dispute continue to deepen the divide between science and social movements? The outcome of this debate will likely shape the future of scientific discourse and the role of ideologies within secular movements.
The controversy has highlighted the growing tension between scientific principles and certain ideological movements that seek to redefine fundamental concepts, such as gender, based on subjective beliefs rather than objective facts.
