Des Moines, IA—American Atheists has submitted testimony on behalf of its Iowa constituents opposing Iowa’s SF 2344, the so-called “Campus Free Speech Act,” a proposal that would gut anti-discrimination protections on Iowa’ public college and university campuses. The bill would require the funding of campus clubs and organizations that discriminate…...
Atheists Decry Federal “Right to Discriminate” Bill
Washington, DC—This week, Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID) will re-introduce the so-called First Amendment Defense Act (FADA) in the U.S. House of Representatives, a bill that would legalize and permit discrimination—including discrimination at the hands of federal employees—against LGBTQ people and unmarried parents on the basis of religious beliefs. A companion…...
American Atheists Submits Testimony Opposing Alabama Constitutional Amendment Allowing Ten Commandments
Montgomery, AL—On behalf of its constituents in Alabama, American Atheists submitted testimony opposing HB 144 and SB 181, bills that would seek to amend the Alabama Constitution to ostensibly allow Ten Commandments monuments to be placed on public land. These measures, however, would not change the fact that such monuments…...
American Atheists Submits Testimony Supporting Conversion Therapy Ban in Maryland
Annapolis, MD—On behalf of its constituents in Maryland, American Atheists assistant state director for Maryland, Samantha McGuire, delivered testimony in support of HB 902, a bill that would protect young people in Maryland from the dangerous practice of “conversion therapy,” a typically religious-based attempt to change one’s sexual orientation, gender…...
Atheists Launch Easter Bunny Billboard for OKC Convention
Oklahoma City, OK—American Atheists today launched a billboard campaign in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, advertising its national convention featuring keynote speaker Hugh Laurie, March 29 to April 1, 2018, at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown. Tickets are now on sale and are just $50 for residents of Oklahoma....
American Atheists Submits Testimony Supporting Conversion Therapy Ban in Maine
Augusta, ME—On behalf of its constituents in Maine, American Atheists submitted testimony in support of LD 912, a bill that would protect young people in Maine from the dangerous practice of “conversion therapy,” a typically religious-based attempt to change one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression....
Civil Rights Groups Urge Against Government Honors for Rev. Billy Graham
Washington, DC—On Thursday, February 22, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that the remains of evangelical pastor Rev. Billy Graham would lie in honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda on February 28 and March 1. Graham would be just the fourth private…...
American Atheists Statement on CPAC’s Rejection of Atheist Voices
Washington, DC—After appearing at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) as an exhibitor for the past four years, American Atheists was denied that opportunity this year. In response, American Atheists president David Silverman released the following statement: It has been our position since we first reached out to CPAC’s organizers…...