Washington, DC—Today four national organizations representing atheists, agnostics, humanists, and secular Americans released statements condemning the Trump Administration’s lack of outreach to the nontheist community. In March 2017, leaders representing American Atheists, the American Humanist Association, the Center for Inquiry, and the Secular Coalition for America sent a joint letter…...
American Atheists Statement on Nomination of Sam Brownback as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom
Washington, DC—Today, President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Kansas Governor Sam Brownback to the position of ambassador at large for international religious freedom. In this position, Brownback will lead the State Department’s Office of International Religious Freedom which monitors threats to religious freedom abroad and advocates on behalf…...
Atheists Condemn Trump’s Anti-Trans Military Policy
Cranford, NJ—In response to a series of tweets from President Donald Trump declaring that trans military service members would be banned from serving “in any capacity in the U.S. military,” American Atheists President David Silverman released the following statement: The President is attacking trans members of our nation’s military, men…...
Statement About Wasserman Schultz Amendment to Protect the Johnson Amendment in House Appropriations Bill Markup
Washington, DC—Today, in a 24 to 28 vote, an amendment offered by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) to protect the integrity of the Johnson Amendment failed during a House Appropriations Committee markup session. The amendment would have removed Section 116 of the bill, a rider that prohibits the IRS from…...
Atheists Tells Congress: Hands Off the Johnson Amendment
Washington, D.C.—American Atheists today joined with ten other atheist and secular groups warning the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations against attempts to undermine the so-called Johnson Amendment, an IRS rule that prohibits churches and other houses of worship, as well as 501(c)(3) charities like American Atheists, from engaging…...
Atheists Warn Kentucky Schools About Potentially Unconstitutional Bible Classes
Frankfort, KY—American Atheists today sent a letter to the Kentucky Commissioner of Education reminding him of the state’s obligations under the U.S. Constitution to discuss religion only in an academic context despite the recently enacted “Religious Literacy Law” which allows the teaching of religion and the use of the Bible…...
American Atheists Seeks National Legal & Public Policy Director
Since 1963, American Atheists has protected the absolute separation of religion from government through legal advocacy, innovative education and public relations campaigns, legislative tracking, and community building and engagement. With more than 170 affiliates and local partners nationwide, American Atheists has a network of communities and activists ready to engage…...
American Atheists Bids Fond Farewell to National Legal and Public Policy Director Amanda Knief
Washington, DC—Today, American Atheists announced the departure of National Legal and Public Policy Director Amanda Knief on June 9 after more than five years with the organization. Amanda has served as Managing Director, In-House Counsel, and as National Legal and Public Policy Director during her time at American Atheists....
Atheists Threaten Lawsuit After Trump Executive Order Gives Special Treatment to Churches
Cranford, NJ—After President Donald Trump signed an executive order today instructing the IRS to ignore future violations of the prohibition on electoral politicking by churches and religious groups, American Atheists pledged a lawsuit challenging the unconstitutional preference of houses of worship over secular nonprofits, including American Atheists, in the order.…...
Lawsuit Challenging Pennsylvania House of Representatives Discriminatory Invocation Policy Moves Forward
Harrisburg, PA—A federal district court today has allowed a lawsuit challenging the discriminatory invocation policy of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to move forward. “We’re pleased the court has decided that this lawsuit can continue,” said Amanda Knief, legal director for American Atheists. “There is no question that this policy…...