Columbus, OH—Today, the religious equality organization American Atheists denounced Ohio’s ban on closing churches during this or any future pandemic. The bill, HB 272, was signed into law yesterday by Governor DeWine. More specifically, the law stipulates that “no public official shall issue an order to close all places of…...
Another NY Christian Nationalist Bill Bites the Dust
Albany, NY—Today, the religious equality watchdog American Atheists cheered the New York Assembly Education Committee’s 10-4 vote against New York’s “Student Religious Expression” bill (A5387). This controversial bill would have provided special privileges to religious students in public schools, allowing them to engage in religious activities and potentially interfere with…...
TN Governor Lee Signs Most Extreme Church Release Time Bill in the Nation
Nashville, TN—Today, the national religious equality watchdog organization American Atheists denounced Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s decision this week to sign the most extreme church release time bill in the country. HB 2542/SB 2473 will force public schools to excuse students from class for one hour each school day for outside…...
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....
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…...
