Eric Pickles has sparked controversy by claiming that Britain is a Christian country and “militant atheists” should “get over it”.
The MP for Ongar and Brentwood was speaking at the Conservative spring forum in London on Saturday.
Mr Pickles said: “I've stopped an attempt by militant atheists to ban councils having prayers at the start of meetings if they wish.
“Heaven forbid. We're a Christian nation. We have an established church. Get over it. And don't impose your politically correct intolerance on others.”
Darrell Thomas, chairman of Essex Humanists said: “Since the Thirty Years War the evolution of civilisation in Europe has been characterised by growing religious tolerance. It is sad that a government minister seems unable to follow in that tradition.”
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