In Seven States, Atheists Look to End Long Forgotten Bans
Although the Supreme Court decided in 1961 that states could not have any sort of ‘religious test’ in order for a person to hold public office, seven states still have language in their constitutions that require a belief in God for anyone wanting to hold public office, be a juror, or even a witness.
Atheists argue that while the Supreme Court decision would prevent these articles from being upheld, their existence is still offensive to non-believers. Says Todd Stiefel, the chairman of the Openly Secular coalition:
“If it was on the books that Jews couldn’t hold public office, or that African-Americans or women couldn’t vote, that would be a no-brainer.”
For more on the drive to remove the outdated language, visit nytimes.com
A pair of bills filed in the Ohio House would allow for religious expression anywhere or at any time secular expression is allowed in school, as well as allowing students to use religion, without penalty, when completing homework or other assignments. Permission for religious groups to meet and promote their events on school property would also be allowed if the two bills pass.
On behalf of four Colorado residents, the atheist group┬áFreedom From Religion Foundation has lost its case in a bid to ban what they felt was an unconstitutional “State Day of Prayer” proposed by the governor, with the state Supreme Court citing a lack of standing to file suit.
Religion scholar and atheist Navy chaplain candidate Jason Heap has decided to fight the rejection of his application with support from the Humanist Society. Heap argues that he was not passed over because of a lack of qualifications, but for non-belief of a traditional religion.
Under new policy guidelines, 500 of Australia’s school chaplains┬ámay not have their positions federally funded. The new rules state that all student welfare officers must possess “religious qualifications or endorsements by a recognised or accepted religious institution”, potentially barring employment of any secular chaplains.
A new Pew study shows that nearly a full third of the Earth’s 196 countries currently display religious symbols on their national flag. Christian symbols are the most used followed by those of the Islamic faith. Regional analysis of these countries as well as insight into the religious nature of several state flags in America, is also available.
In this Fox News ‘First on the Kelly File’ video clip featuring Megyn Kelly, see a spirited discussion between Kelly and Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation over the proposed removal of the word ‘God’ from the Air Force Oath.