I've mentioned this many times here before, and now there is something we can all do to publicise the issue and stimulate debate. Religious indoctrination of children is child abuse, pure and simple. Stop the Nightmares has now set up an e-petition on the 10 Downing Street website requesting the Prime Minister "to update harassment laws to prohibit religious bullying aimed at children". Here are the details:

"The current laws on harassment are not sufficient to protect children from the sort of bullying that religious groups use every day to coerce children into obedience and belief. Threatening an adult with eternal torture may be distasteful but is not likely to result in psychological damage. This is not the case with children. The effects of religious bullying can be long-term and serious, from nightmares and depression to anxiety disorders and even suicide.

The fact that threats of damnation, torture and other extreme punishment are used routinely is clear evidence that existing laws are insufficient. We call on the Prime Minister to clarify the existing harassment laws by adding clauses outlawing any form of threat, supernatural or otherwise, aimed at children; and to provide guidance to the police and other authorities on the enforcement of these laws."

I urge all readers who care about the welfare of children to sign the petition. If you have any doubts, look at the video on the Stop the Nightmares website. Chilling stuff, and difficult to watch.