The Secular Coalition for America, in conjunction with 19 member organizations, has released its “Secular Agenda for the 117th Congress and Biden Administration,” which includes the repeal of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), the passage of the controversial Equality Act, and the restoration of Title X funds to Planned Parenthood. “The comprehensive plan includes strengthening […]
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Four atheists have filed a federal lawsuit to challenge language on Alabama’s voter registration form that includes an oath ending with “So help me God.” “The Alabama Secretary of State is violating basic First Amendment freedoms by unconstitutionally compelling Alabama — and United States — citizens who want to register to vote to swear […]
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned a lower court ruling that would have allowed atheists to present invocations before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “A group of non-theists have challenged the theists-only policy under the Establishment, Free Exercise, Free Speech, and Equal Protection Clauses of our Constitution. As to the Establishment Clause, […]
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A federal judge appointed to the bench by then-President George W. Bush has ruled that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives may not continue to deny atheists the opportunity to present an invocation before the House, as doing so “intentionally discriminates” on the basis of religion in violation of the First Amendment. “We […]
(Standard Digital) — “We want a day to clearly illustrate to you that there is no God, or any Supreme Being worth honouring and worshipping.” That is a plea that has been made by Atheists In Kenya to the government as they seek to have a national holiday that will be devoted to them. Atheists […]
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, representing four female atheist and agnostic complainants, and the Arkansas Society of Freethinkers, along with the American Humanist Association and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, have filed lawsuits challenging the placement of a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of the state capitol building. “The […]
(Premier) — It has emerged young UK Guides members are not being invited to thank God during grace, under guidance being issued to leaders in a bid boost inclusivity. While acknowledging that it “may be traditional to say or sing grace before a meal” during a residential event, the advice urges leaders to consider “how […]
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A federal judge appointed to the bench by then-President Bill Clinton has ruled that Brevard County, Florida’s board of commissioners can’t disallow atheists from delivering invocations at public commission meetings. “By opening up its invocation practice to volunteer citizens but requiring that those citizens believe in a ‘higher power’ before they will […]
OIL CITY, Pa. — An atheist group in New Jersey is seeking the removal of a bench at a Pennsylvania park that is meant to honor veterans due to an inscription of a quote attributed to the state’s founder that mentions God. American Atheists (AA) recently sent a letter to the mayor of Oil City to […]
(CNN) — Sweden has opened its first neutral cemetery, free of any religious symbols, to cater to the country’s large number of atheists. The founder of the site in Borlänge, in central Sweden, said it is open to believers and non-believers alike as long as they don’t have any religious symbols or markings on their […]