AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
                P.O. Box 140195  Austin, TX 78714-0195
                           (512) 458-1244

http://www.atheists.org                               For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE                                         Sept. 11, 1997

            Christian Coalition Using "Selective Indignation"
                         in Fight for FFRPA

    American Atheists charged today that the Christian Coalition is using
"highly selective indignation" in its campaign for passage of the Freedom
From Religious Persecution Act.  Wednesday, the fundamentalist group told
the House International Relations Committee that the legislation is part
of its efforts for "Making the 21st century safe for faith..."
    Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, said, "this is just
another example of where religious rights groups are really 'hypocrites
behind the collars.'  They're not defending free speech per se, only speech
and activities involving Christian groups that want to proselytize in foreign
countries.  This is another case of 'special rights' for Christians over all
others."
    Ms. Johnson added that, "The Coalition and its allies are no friends of
genuine free speech.  They're talking about expanding freedom and democracy
throughout the world, but here at home they undermine our system of education,
embrace censorship, discourage freedom of expression, limit critical thinking,
and meddle in our medical decisions."
    Ron Barrier, National Spokesperson for American Atheists, took issue with
the claims of the Coalition that "the spread of Christianity in underdeveloped
countries...(is) a threat...to totalitarian and authoritarian regimes."
    "They've got to be joking!," said Barrier, noting that Coalition founder
Pat Robertson has a penchant for "schmoozing with dictators."  He cited
Robertson's activities in support of former Zairian strongman Mobutu Sese
Seko and "born again" Zambian president Frederick Chiluba, whose minister of
religious affairs, a Protestant pastor, is currently conducting an assault
against non-Christians in that country.
    "Where is Mr. Robertson and the Christian Coalition in the fight for
complete freedom of expression?," asked Barrier.
    Ms. Johnson said that religious groups can have "freedom of religion"
only in the context of wider civil liberties and social enlightenment --
conditions which the Coalition often disproves of.  "The real issue isn't
selective 'religious rights' only for those who happen to be aggressive
Christian proselytizers, but basic freedom for everyone -- including political
dissidents, social nonconformists, minority groups, and nonbelievers."

For more information please contact:
Ms. Ellen Johnson, President   (201)334-4033    Email: ej@atheists.org
Mr. Ronald Barrier, NMC        (718)356-8658    Email: rbarrier@atheists.org