ATHEISTS have accused the Brumby Government of discriminating against them by refusing to fund the movement's global conference in Melbourne but giving $2 million to a religious conference.

The Parliament of the World's Religions begins on December 3 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. It has received $2 million from the Federal Government and $500,000 from Melbourne City Council.

The Atheist Foundation of Australia says it approached all three levels of government for a total of $270,000 for its conference, to be held at the same venue early next year, but has received no funding.

''This is a world-class event with world-class academic and intellectual speakers,'' foundation president David Nicholls said.

''If I was the Catholic Church they'd be all over me like a rash. This is an ideological decision.''

KATE LAHEY