AMERICAN ATHEISTS ACTION ALERT

June 10, 2002

STOP THE MARTIN'S COVE LAND TRANSFER ACT!

Legislation now in the House of Representatives would transfer hundreds of acres of federal public land to the Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An area in Wyoming known as Martin's Cove is considered "sacred" to the LDS, and marks the site where Mormon pioneers perished in a blizzard in 1856.

The "Martin's Cove Land Transfer Act," H.R. 4103, would permit the church to purchase nearly 1,000 acres from the federal government. The legislation was introduced by Utah Rep. Jim Hansen, a member of the LDS. Five of the eight cosponsors are Mormons as well. This bill was custom-tailored to fit the plans of the Mormon Church to continue acquiring public land in order to expand its sprawling system of religionized historical trails and sites.

Learn more about the Martin's Cove Land Transfer Act.

American Atheists and the Salt Lake Valley Atheists in Utah are working along with environmental and public lands groups to defeat this special legislation. Congress needs to hear from you NOW. We urge you to contact your Congressional Representatives and U.S. Senators, and tell them that you oppose legislation that cannibalizes the public lands of our nation in order to benefit religious groups.

Check out our TIPS ON CONTACTING CONGRESS section, and learn who and where to write.

* Make your letters concise and to the point.

* Ask for a reply. Find out where your elected officials stand on this important issue.

* We also encourage you to SIGN THE ON-LINE PETITION to stop the Martin's Cove Land Transfer Act.

Spread the word! Circulate copies of this Action Alert!