AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 18,1999

http://www.atheists.org/
http://www.americanatheist.org/

     ATHEISTS: HOUSE VOTES ON LAWSUITS, AID TO RELIGIOUS GROUPS
                THREATEN STATE-CHURCH SEPARATION

American Atheists today criticized the House of Representatives for
approving legislation to encourage government aid to faith-based social
programs, and attempting to prevent plaintiffs in state-church litigation to
recover the cost of legal fees.

Both measures were passed on Thursday as amendments during debate over the
Child Safety Protection Act. The Souder amendment permits government
entities that make grants to nongovernmental groups to enter into contracts,
or provide financial assistance, to religious organizations. Representatives
approved the measure 346-83. Another amendment offered by Rep DeMint
disallows attorney fees in actions claiming that a public school violated
the constitutional prohibition against establishing religion by "permitting,
facilitating, or accommodating a student's religious expression". That
measure passed 238-189.

Congress also passed legislation permitting the states to order displays of
the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms and other government
buildings, 248-180.

"It's pretty clear that House members are trying to reduce Jefferson's 'Wall
of Separation' between church and state to a picket fence which religious
groups may cross at any time," warned Ellen Johnson, President of American
Atheists. "Thanks to these amendments, Americans are a step closer to being
required to fund religious organizations: and they are being selectively
penalized if they choose to challenge First Amendment violations in the
courts."

Ron Barrier, National Spokesperson for American Atheists, said that the
"religion-friendly" legislation shows that the issue of violence in society
"has been hijacked for purposes of sectarian proselytizing." He added,
"Congress is supposedly concerned about teaching youngsters respect for
others and for the law, while many representatives are busy
passing laws that disrespect and threaten the Constitution and the Bill of
Rights which we all enjoy."

"These amendments are selectively designed to favor religion, and put a
dangerous chilling effect on any legal challenges to violations of
state-church separation in our public schools," Mr. Barrier said.

"Obviously, the Christian god is not as powerful as everyone thinks since he
needs politicians and bureaucrats to run his businesses and pay his legal
bills," mused Mr. Barrier.

For more information, please contact:
Ellen Johnson, President     (973)334-5110
Ron Barrier, Spokesperson    (718)967-6453

American Atheists, Inc. PO Box 5733 Parsippany, NJ 07054-6733
         Tel:(908)276-7300 Fax:(908)276-7402