PRESS RELEASE

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
P.O. Box 81313
STATEN ISLAND, NY 10308-0131

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
MR. RONALD J. BARRIER, NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON
VOICE/FAX (718) 356-8658

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                AMERICAN ATHEISTS CALL FOR OUTLAWING
                    TEACHING OF "GOD" AS FACT

New York, NY-March 1, 1996:

    Ronald J. Barrier, National Spokesperson for American Atheists, Inc.,
called for our elected officials to immediately conduct hearings on the
viability of passing legislation outlawing the teaching of "god and assorted
spirits" as fact.  This is in direct response to a recent bill approved by a
Tennessee Senate committee, which would allow school boards to dismiss
teachers who teach evolution as fact.

    "There is obviously far more evidence that evolution does, in fact, take
place, is taking place, and will continue taking place, than in the existence
of a divine superintendent", stated Mr. Barrier.  "Science has made
tremendous contributions to human knowledge, while religion has contributed
nothing.

    Mr. Barrier noted that the dangers of such a bill were "the implied
assumption that science is not based on reality, but religion is.  Religion is
to be accepted without proof, but science must be proven before acceptance."

    Mr. Barrier, commenting on the Tennessee Senate's Ten Commandments
resolution stated, "Senator Atchley's arrogance is astounding.  The fact that
ethically corrupt politicians and lawyers would deem themselves 'paragons of
morality' to be emulated is laughable."

    Mr. Barrier pointed out the irony of the situation.  "The Senate passed
this billy by a 27 to 1 margin, with the lone dissenter the only Jew in the
Senate.  Even State Senator Steve Cohen didn't want his own religious code
imposed on him by the government."  Mr. Barrier applauded Senator Cohen's
brave stance but predicted that "this will cost him his job".  "These
resolutions by the Tennessee Senate are implied religious tests for public
office, and the fact that Mr. Cohen voted against them makes him prime meat
for the evangelical feeding frenzy thats consuming our political system, and
human civility."

For further information, please contact:
AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
VOICE/FAX (718) 356-8658