AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCT. 9, 2000

Contact: Ron Barrier, National Spokesperson          (718) 967-6453
         Wayne Aiken, North Carolina State Director  (919) 954-5956

       ATHEISTS TO PROTEST TAX SUBSIDIES FOR FAITH-BASED GROUPS
          THIS WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11 AT PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
             Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC

    American Atheists will hold a peaceful protest this Wednesday night,
October 11 at Wake Forest University, site of the nationally televised debate
between Vice President Al Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush.  The
demonstration is meant to call attention to the policies of the two major
candidates, and their support of constitutionally suspect "charitable choice"
and "faith-based partnership" schemes which use tax money to fund sectarian
groups.
    There will be a "sidewalk press conference" on Wednesday evening, October
11 at 7:00 PM at the North Point Post Office parking lot.  North Point Blvd.
starts directly on the other side of University Parkway where Silas Park
Creek Parkway ends.  American Atheists President Ellen Johnson, recently the
focus of a feature piece in the New York Times, will explain why Atheists and
state-church separationists from across the nation are coming to
Winston-Salem to express their concerns over these important First Amendment
issues.
    Ms. Johnson will also be available for interviews beginning Tuesday
afternoon, October 10.  Following the press conference on Wednesday night,
American Atheists will stage its peaceful protest at the Water Tower Field.
    American Atheists is a nationwide movement dealing with civil rights for
nonbelievers, First Amendment public policy issues and state-church
separation.###

In Winston-Salem, you may reach Ms. Johnson through the Hampton Inn Court at
336-760-1660 beginning Tuesday afternoon, October 10.

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