American Atheists, Inc.
P O Box 140195
Austin, Texas 78714-0195
(512) 458-1244


December 20, 1996

                              PRESS RELEASE


    American Atheists today called for the immediate removal of the
Christian religious display on the main courthouse square in Weatherford,
Texas because it is a clear violation of the First Amendment's
Establishment Clause.

    Contrary to what Judge Ben Long has stated, our Constitution and the
Republic of the United States were not inspired by religious faith but by
a critical attitude toward religion and a desire to secularize national
life.  Although the Consitution is essentially a majoritarian document,
the Bill of Rights is not.  And, it does not matter at all if the
majority of the residents of Parker County want the display.  The First
Amendment is not something that is subject to a majority vote.

    If creches are such an important issue for the residents of Parker
County, they should display on their own properties and the lawns of
their churches, which they do not.  They do not because this is really
about putting the imprimatur of government on their fantasy.  It is about
associating citizenship with religiosity.

    We support the efforts of Dick Hogan and the Civil Liberties Union in
their efforts to remove mythical symbols from government property because
both Atheist and theist benefit when government remains neutral with
respect to religion.

For further information contact: Ellen Johnson
President, American Atheists
Voice: 201-334-4033, E-mail: ejonband@aol.com
American Atheists  512-458-1244 for local
representative.