Washington, DC—The budget agreement that the Senate votes on today includes provisions that would, for the first time, require American taxpayers to directly fund the construction and furnishing of houses of worship....
Before Prayer Breakfast, 145 Groups Remind Lawmakers of the Importance of Nonprofit Nonpartisanship
Washington, DC—Today, in advance of Thursday’s National Prayer Breakfast, 145 organizations including American Atheists called on leaders in the House and Senate Appropriations committees to preserve the integrity of our nation’s charitable nonprofits, houses of worship, and foundations by rejecting any attempt to undermine the Johnson Amendment....
Atheists Denounce Trump Administration’s New “Religious Freedom” Office and Dangerous Rules Promoting Discrimination
Washington, DC—As part of its continued assault on LGBTQ people and women under the guise of “religious freedom,” the Trump administration has announced the creation of a new “Conscience and Religious Freedom Division” within the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights. The new division would be…...
Washington: Help Us Close Religious Loopholes in Child Welfare Laws
It’s hard to believe, but Washington state currently exempts Christian Scientists from child negligence laws that require children in the state to be provided adequate medical care. These exceptions endanger children and shield faith healers from liability for letting children die. We simply cannot let this continue. Fortunately, lawmakers in…...
FEMA Should Stay Out of the Church-Building Business
Washington, DC—Yesterday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that it would change its longstanding policies to allow taxpayer-funded grants to rebuild churches and other houses of worship damaged in natural disasters. This policy change would allow, for the first time, federal funds earmarked for disaster relief to be used…...
American Atheists Applauds Removal of Johnson Amendment Repeal From GOP Tax Bill
Washington, DC—In a statement late Thursday, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced that the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1) will not include a provision that would have permitted churches to engage in electoral politics, after it was blocked by the Senate parliamentarian. The version of…...