If you belonged to a political party or a social club that was tied to as much bigotry, misogyny, homophobia, violence, and sheer ignorance as religion is, you'd resign in protest.

The quote "If you belonged to a political party or a social club that was tied to as much bigotry, misogyny, homophobia, violence, and sheer ignorance as religion is, you'd resign in protest" by Bill Maher is a sharp critique of organized religion and the perceived negative influence it has had on social issues. Maher, a well-known comedian and social commentator, has often expressed his skepticism about religion and its role in shaping public attitudes and policies. In this quote, he argues that if a political party or social group exhibited the same characteristics of bigotry, misogyny, homophobia, violence, and ignorance that he associates with certain religions, people would rightfully resign in protest.

Maher is highlighting the hypocrisy he sees in religion's ability to perpetuate harmful ideologies and behaviors, despite its claims of promoting love, peace, and compassion. He points out that bigotry and ignorance have been historically tied to many religious institutions, which have sometimes fueled or justified discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minority groups. By drawing a comparison to political parties and social clubs, Maher suggests that if any other institution displayed such harmful tendencies, people would quickly recognize it as intolerable and distance themselves from it.

The origin of this quote reflects Maher’s broader views on religion, which he often expresses in his documentaries like Religulous and in his comedy. His criticism stems from his belief that organized religion has historically obstructed progress on issues of human rights, equality, and tolerance. He views religion as often complicit in maintaining social systems that marginalize certain groups and perpetuate prejudiced views. For Maher, religion serves as a distraction from rational thought, and it holds back the advancement of a more just and enlightened society.

Ultimately, this quote serves as a provocative challenge to examine the negative effects that religion can have on social progress. Maher is urging people to be critical thinkers, questioning the foundations and impacts of belief systems that are often taken for granted. His call to resign in protest emphasizes the need to reject harmful ideologies, especially when they conflict with the values of tolerance, equality, and human rights.