AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
PRESS RELEASE
Feb. 11, 2000

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


                AMERICAN ATHEISTS: MAYOR GIULIANI ATTACKS
                  FIRST AMENDMENT WITH TEN COMMANDMENTS
       Atheists appeal to First Lady to resist religious pandering

    American Atheists today criticized New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani
for his proposal that a version of the Ten Commandments of biblical lore be
"permitted" to be posted in public schools, according to a letter written by
the mayor and uncovered by the Village Voice this past week.
    American Atheists also expressed surprise at Mrs. Clinton's outrage at
Mayor Giuliani for "playing the religon card" and trying to "out-religion"
the First Lady.
    Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, said "Mrs. Clinton has
been around politics long enough to know that this is the modus operandi of
the American politician - resorting to the emotionalism of religion to
generate voter interest and support.
    "When all else fails, the American politician knows that a few well
placed cries about 'taking god out of the schools' or the need for prayer or
the posting of the Ten Commandments will accomplish what a lack of intelligent
discussion on real issues cannot do," noted Ms. Johnson.
    "Even Mrs. Clinton knows the importance of being seen going to church on
Sundays," continued Ms. Johnson.
    "Let's hope that she will not become the typical politician and do the
typical thing by pandering for support, like the mayor has done on this and
on the issue of his attempted censorship of the "Sensations" art exhibit."
    Ron Barrier, National Spokesman for American Atheists, categorized this
development as "unfortunate but predictable."
    "I'm not surprised by Mayor Giuliani's efforts to undermine our First
Amendment freedoms.  That has been a hallmark of his administration.  Whether
its free speech, free expression, or religious freedom - the mayor just
doesn't tolerate tolerance.
    "Additionally, his suggestion would undermine the balance of cultural
diversity and religious freedom that is a hallmark of New York City," said
Mr. Barrier.
    "New York is a beacon of freedom to the rest of the country, and the
world for that matter, that clearly illuminates the First Amendment as it
should work!  That unique quality should not be used as political football."

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


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