Boot These Bigoted Bans: Movement Seeks To Remove Anti-Atheist Bias From State Constitutions
Rob Boston printable version print page     Bookmark and Share
Mon Dec 08, 2014 at 10:33:22 AM EST

Eight states still have provisions in their constitutions that either bar atheists outright from holding public office or require people to believe certain things about God and religion before they can be elected.

These provisions can't be enforced. They were declared invalid by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 1961 ruling in the case of Torcaso v. Watkins. Yet they linger on, a testament to the bigotry of bygone days.

Non-believers argue that if these provisions barred Jews, Catholics or members of just about any other faith from holding office, they would have been removed long ago. It is only because bias against atheists/humanists/freethinkers persists in American society that they survive.

Now a movement is under way to scrub these bans from state constitutions. The New York Times reports that the group Openly Secular is mounting a campaign to make people aware of the bans and have them removed.

Openly Secular's chairman, Todd Stiefel, told The Times, "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. You'd have politicians falling all over themselves to try to get it repealed. Even if it was still unenforceable, it would still be disgraceful and be removed. So why are we different?"

Americans United is an allied organization of Openly Secular. We agree with and endorse those aspects of the organization's work that further the separation of church and state. (Openly Secular undertakes some activities designed to promote non-belief, which we're not involved in.) We'd love to see these provisions removed from the state constitutions.

It won't be easy. The process for amending state constitutions varies from state to state. In Maryland, the state where the plaintiff in the Torcaso case resided, state Sen. Jamie Raskin has expressed interest in revamping the state constitution to remove the ban on atheists as well as other antiquated provisions. Raskin told Laurie Goodstein of The Times that it would be necessary to call a constitutional convention to do that. That could not happen until 2020 at the earliest.

A second obstacle is lingering bigotry. Even though these provisions are clearly examples of bias and are outdated, some politicians might still fight for them. The Republican minority whip of the Maryland Senate, Christopher B. Shank, told The Times that he believes the people working to remove the ban on atheists want "an affirmation that the people of the state of Maryland don't care about the Christian faith, and that is a little offensive."

I happen to live in Maryland, and I believe Shank is wrong. Ours is a progressive and tolerant state. But consider this: The other states that have these bans are firmly anchored in the Bible Belt: Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. What politician in his or her right mind will go to bat for atheists in Mississippi?

(The final state on the list is Pennsylvania. The language there is most curious. It states that no one shall be disqualified from holding public office - as long as they believe in God and "a future state of rewards and punishments," that is, heaven and hell. Obviously language like that has the effect of keeping atheists out.)

This project is one for the long haul, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth pursuing. The anti-atheist provisions are vestiges of a bigoted past. It is time for them to go.

P.S. Tennessee's Constitution also bars "ministers of the Gospel" from holding public office - a provision that was struck down by the Supreme Court in the 1978 case McDaniel v. Paty. In the interest of fair play, that language should be removed as well. However, I must insist that a provision in the Tennessee Constitution barring public office to anyone who has fought a duel be retained.

 




Display:
P.S. Tennessee's Constitution also bars "ministers of the Gospel" from holding public office - a provision that was struck down by the Supreme Court in the 1978 case McDaniel v. Paty. In the interest of fair play, that language should be removed as well.

Just to note, Thomas Jefferson stated that "ministers of the Gospel" should be banned from holding office.

"Of this General Assembly, the treasurer, attorney general, register, ministers of the gospel, officers of the regular armies of this State, or of the United States, persons receiving salaries or emoluments from any power foreign to our confederacy, those who are not resident in the county for which they are chosen delegates, or districts for which they are chosen senators, those who are not qualified as electors, persons who shall have committed treason, felony, or such other crime as would subject them to infamous punishment, or shall have been convicted by due course of law of bribery or corruption, in endeavoring to procure an election to the said assembly, shall be incapable of being members. All others, not herein elsewhere excluded, who may elect, shall be capable of being elected thereto."

Thomas Jefferson - Proposed Constitution for Virginia. From The Online Library of Liberty: The Jeffersonian Cyclopedia, page 493, #4604.



by Villabolo on Tue Dec 09, 2014 at 08:55:45 PM EST

Very useful post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up. buy xanax bar 3mg

by asad on Thu May 21, 2020 at 04:05:46 PM EST

I was reading your article and wondered if you had considered creating an ebook on this subject. Your writing would sell it fast. You have a lot of writing talent. voyance gratuite

by asad on Fri May 22, 2020 at 10:25:43 PM EST

I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy. buy spotify plays

by asad on Mon May 25, 2020 at 04:46:43 PM EST

There is so much in this article that I would never have thought of on my own. Your content gives readers things to think about in an interesting way. Thank you for your clear information. escort

by asad on Tue May 26, 2020 at 02:04:00 PM EST

Start with commencing any strategy built to build links. Promotions regarding link building is as different since moment and also price range can let, nonetheless many link building professionals consent in which a good option to start out will be simply by wanting to acquire back links coming from well-respected areas, and also constructing back links coming from as much areas since are usually strongly related your internet site. backlinks

by asad on Fri May 29, 2020 at 04:18:14 PM EST

It is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I will be back for the more great post. agen bandarqq

by asad on Sun May 31, 2020 at 08:12:03 AM EST

All your hard work is much appreciated. Nobody can stop to admire you. Lots of appreciation. wer hat angerufen

by asad on Mon Jun 01, 2020 at 03:02:28 PM EST

I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement the concept. Thank you for the post. a course in miracles free online resources

by asad on Tue Jun 02, 2020 at 04:59:34 PM EST

nice post, keep up with this interesting work. It really is good to know that this topic is being covered also on this web site so cheers for taking time to discuss this! Private investigator Markham

by asad on Thu Jun 04, 2020 at 10:42:22 AM EST

This type of message always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content, so happy to find good place to many here in the post, the writing is just great, thanks for the post. satta-matka.com

by asad on Sat Jun 06, 2020 at 07:11:26 PM EST

Great knowledge, do anyone mind merely reference back to it Bitcoin-Handelsbot für Handy und PC

by asad on Sun Jun 07, 2020 at 04:32:42 PM EST

Thanks so much for this information. I have to let you know I concur on several of the points you make here and others may require some further review, but I can see your viewpoint. overtime lawyer los angeles

by asad on Wed Jun 10, 2020 at 09:08:56 AM EST

I can set up my new idea from this post. It gives in depth information. Thanks for this valuable information for all,.. hotmail login account

by asad on Fri Jun 12, 2020 at 06:01:49 AM EST

Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. once-tech.com

by asad on Sat Jun 13, 2020 at 04:36:09 AM EST

Its a great pleasure reading your post.Its full of information I am looking for and I love to post a comment that "The content of your post is awesome" Great work. detective privado en Madrid

by asad on Fri Jun 19, 2020 at 07:36:48 PM EST

I've read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a great informative website. 먹튀검증

by asad on Sat Jun 20, 2020 at 05:31:11 PM EST

I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. seamless gutters

by asad on Sun Jun 21, 2020 at 01:33:33 PM EST

Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I'll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I'll definitely return. online cna programs

by asad on Sun Jun 21, 2020 at 05:59:58 PM EST

An interesting dialogue is price comment. I feel that it is best to write more on this matter, it may not be a taboo topic however usually individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers. bitcoin

by asad on Tue Jun 23, 2020 at 03:01:59 PM EST

How to calculate Injection mold costs . Injection mould quotation from injection molds china company step by step. website

by asad on Wed Jun 24, 2020 at 05:11:02 AM EST

KlikJoin Adalah Penyedia Layanan Alternatif Daftar & Login Agen Judi Online PKV Poker domino99 AduQ QQ kartuvipqq

by asad on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 04:12:48 PM EST

This is the type of information I've long been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information. Buy Instagram likes

by asad on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 05:25:22 PM EST

Hey what a brilliant post I have come across and believe me I have been searching out for this similar kind of post for past a week and hardly came across this. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you. WWENews.com

by Anusak on Tue Jul 14, 2020 at 11:41:08 AM EST

I'm glad I found this web site, I couldn't find any knowledge on this matter prior to.Also operate a site and if you are ever interested in doing some visitor writing for me if possible feel free to let me know, im always look for people to check out my web site. 123movie

by Anusak on Fri Jul 17, 2020 at 05:08:53 AM EST

Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. m88

by asad on Mon Jul 20, 2020 at 02:35:22 PM EST

Mobilbahis yeni giriş adresi, üyelik ve kayıt olma bilgileri, ilk üyelik bonusu ve para yatırma çekme yöntemlerini detaylı incelememizde bulabilirsiniz mobilbahis

by asad on Fri Jul 24, 2020 at 03:11:35 PM EST

Matrimonial - No.1 Indian Matrimonial site for Indian brides & Indian grooms at Getmemarry Matrimonial, Marriage site in India divorcee matrimony

by asad on Sat Jul 25, 2020 at 03:31:10 PM EST

Apart from the good and bad effects, kratom leaf sales are now also easily available in Indonesia. Many parties who sell it through the internet and wrapped as tea powder. High sales make farmers also get similar results. Iksan Maulana, one of the people living in Tuana Tuha, a village in East Kalimantan that is ... Continue reading Benefits of kratom leaves for farmers maeng da Kratom

by asad on Sat Jul 25, 2020 at 05:38:17 PM EST

Bienvenido a la mejor tienda online de artículos plegables. Aquí encontrarás todo tipo de cosas plegables para facilitarte la vida con información actualizada. todopegable.top

by asad on Sun Jul 26, 2020 at 06:05:52 PM EST

Legal Ganja Dispensary strives to be apart of this community that is growing to help people medicate naturally by supplying strains and vape cartridges of the highest quality at the best current market prices. We take pride in our supply chain and take pride in serving complete discretion and satisfaction to our clients. Buy weed online or feel free to chat with our friendly bud tenders who would be glad to assist you with any questions on our strains or products. Kanji Vape

by Anusak on Sat Aug 08, 2020 at 02:49:35 PM EST

Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I'll certainly comeback. International Courier Service

by Anusak on Sun Aug 16, 2020 at 11:18:35 AM EST

Jet Charter Flights For Business Whether your goal is to handle business out of the area and make it home in time for dinner instead of waiting on the schedule of commercial carriers or to get work done in a quiet, focused, and uninterrupted environment, or discuss proprietary information during your flight, jet charter flights with Exquisite Air Charter can help you accomplish all of the above... AND MORE! Charter flights

by Anusak on Mon Aug 17, 2020 at 11:23:10 AM EST

I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative.. Berita Hari Ini

by Anusak on Tue Sep 01, 2020 at 11:30:08 AM EST

I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to understand. Unlike other blogs I have read which are really not that good.Thanks alot! Seoperable

by Anusak on Sun Sep 06, 2020 at 02:54:50 AM EST

You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. Bollywoodbiofacts

by Anusak on Sun Sep 27, 2020 at 11:44:42 AM EST

Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. acim teachers

by Anusak on Thu Oct 01, 2020 at 01:11:09 PM EST

You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. buy targeted traffic

by Anusak on Sun Oct 04, 2020 at 12:33:56 PM EST

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. custom challenge coins

by Anusak on Sun Oct 18, 2020 at 08:20:31 AM EST

Wheat straws are the most compostable and affordable alternatives to paper and single-use plastic straws. Our straws are made from the stem of the wheat stalk compostable straws

by Anusak on Thu Oct 22, 2020 at 04:43:06 PM EST

I was reading some of your content on this website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up. MAX SIZE PRO FUNCIONA MESMO

by Anusak on Sun Nov 15, 2020 at 01:37:49 PM EST

Thank you for some other informative website. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I've been at the glance out for such info. anzuchtset test

by Anusak on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 09:26:13 AM EST

This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I'm sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform! adult whatsapp group links

by Anusak on Sat Dec 12, 2020 at 12:49:53 PM EST

buty na wysokie obcasy polska sklep internetowy by www.obuwie-buty.com pleaser buty

by Anusak on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 09:37:15 AM EST

i love reading this article so beautiful!!great job! SA Gaming

by Anusak on Wed Jan 27, 2021 at 11:40:45 AM EST

Thanks for your insight for your fantastic posting. I'm glad I have taken the time to see this. voyance par telephone serieuse

by Anusak on Sun Feb 07, 2021 at 08:26:59 AM EST

Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. 스포츠티비

by Anusak on Mon Feb 08, 2021 at 08:27:43 AM EST


WWW Talk To Action


Cognitive Dissonance & Dominionism Denial
There is new research on why people are averse to hearing or learning about the views of ideological opponents. Based on evaluation of five......
By Frederick Clarkson (374 comments)
Will the Air Force Do Anything To Rein In Its Dynamic Duo of Gay-Bashing, Misogynistic Bloggers?
"I always get nervous when I see female pastors/chaplains. Here is why everyone should as well: "First, women are not called to be pastors,......
By Chris Rodda (195 comments)
The Legacy of Big Oil
The media is ablaze with the upcoming publication of David Grann's book, Killers of the Flower Moon. The shocking non fiction account of the......
By wilkyjr (110 comments)
Gimme That Old Time Dominionism Denial
Over the years, I have written a great deal here and in other venues about the explicitly theocratic movement called dominionism -- which has......
By Frederick Clarkson (101 comments)
History Advisor to Members of Congress Completely Twists Jefferson's Words to Support Muslim Ban
Pseudo-historian David Barton, best known for his misquoting of our country's founders to promote the notion that America was founded as a Christian nation,......
By Chris Rodda (113 comments)
"Christian Fighter Pilot" Calls First Lesbian Air Force Academy Commandant a Liar
In a new post on his "Christian Fighter Pilot" blog titled "BGen Kristin Goodwin and the USAFA Honor Code," Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan......
By Chris Rodda (144 comments)
Catholic Right Leader Unapologetic about Call for 'Death to Liberal Professors' -- UPDATED
Today, Donald Trump appointed C-FAM Executive Vice President Lisa Correnti to the US Delegation To UN Commission On Status Of Women. (C-FAM is a......
By Frederick Clarkson (126 comments)
Controlling Information
     Yesterday I listened to Russ Limbaugh.  Rush advised listeners it would be best that they not listen to CNN,MSNBC, ABC, CBS and......
By wilkyjr (118 comments)
Is Bannon Fifth-Columning the Pope?
In December 2016 I wrote about how White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who likes to flash his Catholic credentials when it comes to......
By Frank Cocozzelli (250 comments)
Ross Douthat's Hackery on the Seemingly Incongruous Alliance of Bannon & Burke
Conservative Catholic writer Ross Douthat has dissembled again. This time, in a February 15, 2017 New York Times op-ed titled The Trump Era's Catholic......
By Frank Cocozzelli (64 comments)
`So-Called Patriots' Attack The Rule Of Law
Every so often, right-wing commentator Pat Buchanan lurches out of the far-right fever swamp where he has resided for the past 50 years to......
By Rob Boston (161 comments)
Bad Faith from Focus on the Family
Here is one from the archives, Feb 12, 2011, that serves as a reminder of how deeply disingenuous people can be. Appeals to seek......
By Frederick Clarkson (176 comments)
The Legacy of George Wallace
"One need not accept any of those views to agree that they had appealed to real concerns of real people, not to mindless, unreasoning......
By wilkyjr (70 comments)
Betsy DeVos's Mudsill View of Public Education
My Talk to Action colleague Rachel Tabachnick has been doing yeoman's work in explaining Betsy DeVos's long-term strategy for decimating universal public education. If......
By Frank Cocozzelli (80 comments)
Prince and DeVos Families at Intersection of Radical Free Market Privatizers and Religious Right
This post from 2011 surfaces important information about President-Elect Trump's nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. -- FC Erik Prince, Brother of Betsy......
By Rachel Tabachnick (218 comments)

Respect for Others? or Political Correctness?
The term "political correctness" as used by Conservatives and Republicans has often puzzled me: what exactly do they mean by it? After reading Chip Berlin's piece here-- http://www.talk2action.org/story/2016/7/21/04356/9417 I thought about what he explained......
MTOLincoln (253 comments)
Fear
What I'm feeling now is fear.  I swear that it seems my nightmares are coming true with this new "president".  I'm also frustrated because so many people are not connecting all the dots! I've......
ArchaeoBob (107 comments)
"America - love it or LEAVE!"
I've been hearing that and similar sentiments fairly frequently in the last few days - far FAR more often than ever before.  Hearing about "consequences for burning the flag (actions) from Trump is chilling!......
ArchaeoBob (211 comments)
"Faked!" Meme
Keep your eyes and ears open for a possible move to try to discredit the people openly opposing Trump and the bigots, especially people who have experienced terrorism from the "Right"  (Christian Terrorism is......
ArchaeoBob (165 comments)
More aggressive proselytizing
My wife told me today of an experience she had this last week, where she was proselytized by a McDonald's employee while in the store. ......
ArchaeoBob (163 comments)
See if you recognize names on this list
This comes from the local newspaper, which was conservative before and took a hard right turn after it was sold. Hint: Sarah Palin's name is on it!  (It's also connected to Trump.) ......
ArchaeoBob (169 comments)
Unions: A Labor Day Discussion
This is a revision of an article which I posted on my personal board and also on Dailykos. I had an interesting discussion on a discussion board concerning Unions. I tried to piece it......
Xulon (156 comments)
Extremely obnoxious protesters at WitchsFest NYC: connected to NAR?
In July of this year, some extremely loud, obnoxious Christian-identified protesters showed up at WitchsFest, an annual Pagan street fair here in NYC.  Here's an account of the protest by Pagan writer Heather Greene......
Diane Vera (130 comments)
Capitalism and the Attack on the Imago Dei
I joined this site today, having been linked here by Crooksandliars' Blog Roundup. I thought I'd put up something I put up previously on my Wordpress blog and also at the DailyKos. As will......
Xulon (329 comments)
History of attitudes towards poverty and the churches.
Jesus is said to have stated that "The Poor will always be with you" and some Christians have used that to refuse to try to help the poor, because "they will always be with......
ArchaeoBob (148 comments)
Alternate economy medical treatment
Dogemperor wrote several times about the alternate economy structure that dominionists have built.  Well, it's actually made the news.  Pretty good article, although it doesn't get into how bad people could be (have been)......
ArchaeoBob (90 comments)
Evidence violence is more common than believed
Think I've been making things up about experiencing Christian Terrorism or exaggerating, or that it was an isolated incident?  I suggest you read this article (linked below in body), which is about our great......
ArchaeoBob (214 comments)

More Diaries...




All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective companies. Comments, posts, stories, and all other content are owned by the authors. Everything else © 2005 Talk to Action, LLC.