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STOP H.R. 3051
-- BILL WOULD DESIGNATE
GOD BLESS AMERICA
AS "NATIONAL HYMN OF THE UNITED STATES"

November 13, 2001

Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would designate the song "God Bless America" as the official, "National Hymn" of the United States.

This measure is clearly unconstitutional, and promotes belief in and recognition of religion. It is listed as H.R. 3051, introduced by Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas), and has 29 cosponsors. The legislation declares: "The composing consisting of the words and music known as 'God Bless America' is designated as the national hymn of the United States. As of last week, the measure was in the House Committee on Government Reform.

We urge you to contact your Congressional Representative with a personal letter and ask him or her to vote NO on H.R. 3051. Check out our sections on Contacting Congress and Tips on Contacting Elected Officials. Keep your letters succinct and brief; and ask your Representative for a response. Remember, "snail mail" and personal phone calls have the most impact. E-mail should be avoided if possible.

TALKING POINTS ON H.R. 3051

* Government violates the separation of church and state when it promotes songs, slogans or "hymns" which call for worship and encourages religious belief.

* The legislation is divisive; it sends the message that America is based on faith in some kind of deity, thus excluding millions of Americans who are Atheists, Agnostics, Freethinkers, Humanists, or otherwise have doubts about religion and religious creeds. The bill does not bring Americans together, or express the sentiment of our nation's first official motto, "E Pluribus Unum" or "One From Many."

* This "feel good" measure does nothing to promote or encourage the sorts policies our nation needs to combat terrorism on either a practical or ideological level.

* America needs to affirm its commitment to secularism and personal freedom -- the sorts of important ideas which often distinguish our country, especially from the faith-based terrorists we confront today throughout the world.

FOR FURTHER BACKGROUND ON H.R. 3051, visit:
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/islam13.htm
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/islam14.htm ("God Bless America Has Modern, Not Colonial Roots")

If you send us a copy of your letters to letters@atheists.org we will consider publishing it on this web page.

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