Rhode Island: Teen atheist Jessica Ahlquist has faced a blizzard of taunts, abuse, and threats of physical violence after a federal court ruled a controversial Christian prayer banner hanging in her high school auditorium must come down.
On Friday, Rhode Island police began investigating the threats.
Jessica Ahlquist has been the public face behind a much publicized battle to remove the unconstitutional prayer banner displayed at Cranston High School West. Jessica, a student at Cranston High, has faced prejudice, adversity, and religious intolerance from Christian extremists in her fight to remove the unconstitutional prayer banner.
The abuse and threats have only intensified since a federal judge ordered the “immediate removal” of the controversial Christian prayer banner located in the auditorium of Cranston High School West.
William Hamby, Atlanta Atheism Examiner, offers examples of the abuse and threats being directed against Jessica via social media. The following is but a small sample:
How does it feel to be the most hated person in RI right now? Your a puke and a disgrace to the human race.
shes not human shes garbage
I think everyone should just fight this girl
F**k Jessica alquist I'll drop anchor on her face
Let's all jump that girl who did the banner
But for real somebody should jump this girl
I want to punch the girl in the face
I hope there's lots of banners in hell when your rotting in there you atheist f**k
jessica alquist is gonna get punched in the face
Screenshots capturing some of the abuse and threats directed towards Jessica can be seen at Jesus Fetus Fajita Fishsticks.
By standing up for what she believes is right, Jessica is paying a price. Yet despite the abuse from those who call themselves Christians, Jessica is not alone. Many in the secular community have rallied to Jessica’s defense. And many Americans appreciate Jessica’s courage in standing up for the separation of church and state enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
For those interested, the Friendly Atheist is conducting a Jessica Ahlquist college scholarship fundraiser.
Update:
R.I. State Rep calls teen atheist ‘evil little thing’ - secular America responds
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