In what many find to be an open display of bigotry, Rhode Island State Representative Peter Palumbo recently referred to teen atheist Jessica Ahlquist as “an evil little thing."
In addition to calling Ahlquist an “evil little thing,” Palumbo also made the claim that “she (Ahlquist) is being coerced by evil people;” the implication being that atheists and other secular Americans are “evil.”
Palumbo made his offensive and insulting remarks late last week on the John DePetro Radio Show, a Rhode Island talk radio program.
Palumbo’s wholesale slander of an entire community is being challenged by atheists, freethinkers and other secular Americans. This weekend an intense campaign of protest began to register complaint and disgust with Palumbo’s derogatory and disrespectful remarks.
Back Story - Prayer Banner Saga
Rep. Palumbo is angry with Jessica Ahlquist because Ahlquist has led a successful fight to remove an unconstitutional prayer banner being displayed in the auditorium of Cranston High School West where Ahlquist is currently a student.
Ahlquist has been at the center of a media firestorm since last Wednesday when U.S. District Court Judge Ronald R. Lagueux ordered the “immediate removal” of the prayer banner.
A brave Jessica Ahlquist has faced prejudice, adversity, and religious intolerance from Christian extremists in her fight to remove the unconstitutional prayer banner. Since the ruling Ahlquist has faced a blizzard of taunts, abuse, and even threats of physical violence, threats which are currently under police investigation.
And now she must face slander and insult from her elected state representative.
Secular America Responds to Slander and Insult
Palumbo’s remarks imply that atheists like Ahlquist and other secular Americans are “evil” for standing up for the separation of church and state enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Palumbo’s remarks perpetuate a pernicious and ignorant stereotype of atheists and other secular Americans. Palumbo’s remarks are offensive, and should not be tolerated.
Secular Americans believe a public official like Representative Palumbo should be held accountable for his slander. To insult and demean a 16 year old girl acting in good faith is in itself a despicable act unworthy of any adult, much less an elected official. But to insult and deman an entire community is simply intolerable.
Feel free to let Rep. Palumbo know what you think about his insulting and offensive remarks.
Palumbo’s email address is rep-palumbo@rilin.state.ri.us. His office phone number is (401) 785-2882.
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