AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 28, 2000

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

              LIEBERMAN SPEECH IN A CHURCH RAISES QUESTIONS
              OVER COMMITMENT TO FIRST AMENDMENT SEPARATION

    American Atheists, a nationwide civil rights and state-church separation
group, expressed concerns today over statements by Democratic Vice
Presidential candidate Joe Lieberman about the role of religion and
government, and his efforts to "reassure" nonbelievers.
    During a campaign appearance Sunday in Detroit, Mr. Lieberman suggested
that the nation had lost its moral compass because the constitutional
guarantee of freedom of religion has been confused to mean "freedom from
religion."  Mr. Lieberman also told his church audience that people of faith
must "reassure" nonbelievers that "we share with them the core values of
America, that our faith is not inconsistent with their freedom and our
mission is not one of intolerance, but one of love."
    Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists was skeptical.
    "The campaign rhetoric about love is fine, but I'd settle for just a
promise to stay away from my pocketbook," said Ms. Johnson, referring to Mr.
Lieberman's support for "faith-based partnerships" between government and
religion.  "Both major parties support schemes like 'charitable choice' and
other programs which will result in the largest wealth transfer in American
history between the public treasury and the coffers of sectarian religious
groups."
    Ms. Johnson also said that Mr. Lieberman "is using a dangerous campaign
strategy in adopting the rhetoric, and in some cases the programs, of the
religious right."
    "The Constitution happens to guarantee us the freedom of the
Establishment Clause, which calls for the separation -- not the
incorporation -- of church and state," Ms. Johnson said.  "It's meant to
prevent some of the very abuses Mr. Lieberman is suggesting, including his
'moment of silence' in public schools or what amounts to a tax on all
Americans to support faith-based social, educational, and recruitment
programs," added Ms. Johnson.
    "Neither of the major political candidates is trying very much to
explain how they will defend and support any portion of the First
Amendment," declared Ron Barrier, National Spokesperson for American
Atheists.  "Mr. Lieberman's remarks are particularly shocking since he comes
from a religion that has suffered centuries of oppression.  His comments
about nonbelievers are equally oppressive and offensive.  He implies that
the 10% or more of Americans  who have no religious interests are somehow
less American, have questionable values, and are second-class citizens.  As
Americans, we do have the right not to worship without sacrificing our
status as taxpaying, law-abiding citizens.  We do vote and take our civic
duties seriously, Mr. Lieberman."
    "We believe that the separation of church and state is more than just a
slogan," added Mr. Barrier.  "Mr. Lieberman's 'assurances' about the role of
religion and politics ring hollow considering his hostility toward rational
thinking Americans."

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