An Atheist civil rights group today criticized the Kentucky Attorney General's office for appealing a case challenging laws that it says allowed the Commonwealth to establish religion.
Statutes passed after the September 11, 2001 faith-based attacks ordered the state Office of Homeland Security office to display a plaque citing dependence on God as an essential tool in fighting terrorism, and to incorporate that theme in its training materials. American Atheists and 10 other plaintiffs filed suit; two weeks ago, a Circuit Court Judge rejected a state request to dismiss the case, and ruled in favor of the Atheists.
On Friday, the Kentucky Attorney General's Office announced that it would appeal.
Edwin Kagin, National Legal Director for American Atheists, accused state officials of wasting money. "We're in an economic crisis, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky continues to squander taxpayer revenue to defend a bad and unconstitutional practice."
Mr. Kagin challenged a claim by one state attorney that the plaque was "about God, not religion."
"If this isn't a violation of state-church separation, what is?"
Kagin added, "This case is all about whether the state has the right and duty to promote religion. I look forward to fighting this case all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States if necessary."
Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists, said that the suit is being watched closely across the country.
"The outcome could determine if, and how far, states can go in promoting belief in a deity and sectarian religion," said Buckner. "Saying that 'God is on our side' in the war on terror sends the message that millions of non-religious people -- Atheists, Freethinkers, Humanists and anyone else who does not believe in a god or attend church (roughly half of all Americans) -- is a slacker when it comes to being patriotic."
"As a military veteran, I resent that, and so do other non-believers who have worn the uniform and fought for this country."
AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.
Comments
If only there were more true believers, then 9/11 wouldn't have happened... :\
d, believing in the "truth" does not mean believing in every conspiracy theory out there. What you are saying, is that there is 0 terrorism out in the world, which is really wrong. Of course 9/11 could have been the trojan horse for the war in the middle east, but claiming that no terrorism exists in this world is just plain ignorant.
separation of church and state is best for both church and state
- a claim by one state attorney that the plaque was "about God, not religion."
This is what religion can do to a human mind.
to d: on the other hand, if only there were fewer true believers, namely 10 particular believers in Islam fewer, then 9/11 wouldn't have happened...
"As a military veteran, I resent that, and so do other non-believers who have worn the uniform and fought for this country."
As a retired veteran, I second that
Isn't it religion that put us here in the first place? Nothing is more evil than organized religion ie Christianity, Islam, etc.
I am delighted that the Kentucky Attorney General's office is appealing the ruling. The more publicity that this gets, the better... and hopefully, it WILL make it to the Supreme Court. This sort of 'teaching moment' only comes but rarely, and should prove to be a rich source of material for a few years, calling attention to the utter stupidity of religion in general, and the Abrahamic death cults of desert monotheism, in particular. Yippee.
I'll wager that the AA 'position' behind closed doors is a lot different than their 'official' stance. They're probably snickering and laughing at those KY dimwits. This course should have ranked as the 'most desirable' outcome at this stage of the game, in pre-suit strategic planning sessions at AA.
In some ways it is great news for Atheists that the state of Kentucky is appealing this... There should be no way that theists can win on this one.
The theists are arguing that it is ok to create a law that mandates that all people in the state believe in a God that is protecting them. Thus, it is government institutionalization of a deity, which is unconstitutional.
“Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God.”—HEBREWS 3:4.
@Micahrhett: Your quote from the Bible carries about as much clout as saying "'Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall' - Mother Goose".
It's just another fairy tale.
"As a military veteran, I resent that, and so do other non-believers who have worn the uniform and fought for this country."
I am sure this did not cross your mind when you were in your foxhole.
I feel sorry for atheists living in Kentucky...such institutionalised and outspoken ignorance in your government is amazing.
Gman,
The saying that "There are no atheists in foxholes" is pure rumor. there are, even in the heat of battle.
Is Kentucky a 3rd world country or something?
Steve-n-SA, the foxhole turns an atheist into an intercessor.
I don't see how that follows. If you're in a foxhole, the time for intercession is over, and you're not considered vital to further mediation. If war comes to our foxhole, we'll fight just like everybody else, because the only other option is dying, and that would greatly curtail the only life we get. We just don't plead for our lives to some sky fairy that hasn't shown a propensity for answering prayers in the past.
Gman...
Logically-speaking, "There are no atheists in foxholes" is functionally equivalent to (and just as stupid as) saying "Everybody who occupies, has occupied, or ever will occupy a foxhole believes, did believe, or will believe that bridge trolls exist."
Only stupid people utter such inane slogans... and only stupid people nod sagely when they hear them.
DuckPhup, we'll never know will we ? But i suppose i'll have to take your intellectually honest word and give you the benefit of the doubt.
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