Tennessee lawmakers just passed a bill trying to force public schools to promote religion. This extreme bill (HB 2542/SB 2473) requires that schools allow students to leave class for an hour each day for religious instruction....
Ohio’s “Student Religious Expression” Bill Encourages Proselytizing and Interruptions During Class
Columbus, Ohio—Today, the religious equality watchdog American Atheists denounced the Senate’s 32-0 vote to pass HB 164, Ohio’s “Student Religious Expression” bill. This harmful legislation provides special privileges to religious students in public schools, allowing them to engage in religious activities and potentially interfere with the education of other students....
Tennessee Bill Imposes Church Release Time on All School Districts, Harming Every Student’s Education
Nashville, TN—Today, the national religious equality watchdog organization American Atheists expressed grave concern about Tennessee’s church release time bill (HB 2542/SB 2473). This legislation would force all public schools to excuse students from class for up to one hour each school day so that they can attend outside religious instruction....
Trump Administration’s Church Bailout Regulations Force Taxpayers to Fund Discrimination
Washington D.C.—Today, the civil rights organization American Atheists denounced the Small Business Administration (SBA) for forcing taxpayers to bailout religious worship, even as the agency increases churches’ ability to discriminate. American Atheists urged SBA to undo the expansion of religious exemptions from basic nondiscrimination laws....
California Bill Would Give Special Development Privileges to Religious Organizations
Sacramento, California—Today, the religious equality organization American Atheists urged the California Assembly Committee on Appropriations to amend AB 1851. This well-intentioned but unconstitutional bill would allow religious organizations to bypass state zoning restrictions. More specifically, AB 1851 would allow a large church to convert a portion of its parking lot…...
