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

http://www.atheists.org                               For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE                                         Oct. 26, 1997

                    FLORIDA 'BIBLE HISTORY' CLASS
                     "WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING"
                 Prayer "Guaranteed" to be an issue

    American Atheists today warned that a proposed "Bible history" course in
Lee County Florida would amount to little more than a "taxpayer-funded
recruitment program" for churches.  Last week, the School Board -- with heavy
representation from the Christian Coalition -- voted to establish a curriculum
unit in so-called "Bible History."
    Ron Barrier, National Spokesperson for American Atheists, labeled the
Florida proposal "a wolf in sheep's clothing."
    "Describing religious outreach as an 'elective course', and having
taxpayers foot the bill is brilliant.  I guarantee that prayers will become
an issue in this so-called history class.  Why else would the school board have
started the meeting with prayer?"
    Ms. Ellen Johnson, President of the organization, expressed concern that
"as the mother of two young children, I have no doubt the X-rated stories of
the bible are not suitable for young audiences."
    Ms. Johnson added that American Atheists also opposed teaching the
mythical stories and fantastic claims found in the Bible as historical fact.
    American Atheists has long supported the idea of comparative religion
classes in the public schools as long as they were "fair and impartial -
something impossible when applied to religion," concluded Mr. Barrier.

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