I’m posting in segments this week because I’m running behind schedule. +++ American Atheists has lost its most recent bid to have the cross removed from Ground Zero at the 9/11 Memorial. At the 50th anniversary convention last weekend, David Silverman, president of AA, took the stage upon being informed of the decision. “We will [...]

Religious Freedoms The Kentucky legislature overwhelmingly voted Tuesday night to override the governor’s veto of HB 279, a controversial “religious freedom” bill. The one paragraph bill states: Government shall not substantially burden a person’s freedom of religion. The right to act or refuse to act in a manner motivated by a sincerely held religious belief [...]

The U.S. Supreme Court today is hearing oral arguments in a case about the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a federal law that bars federal government recognition of the marriages of same-sex couples. Yesterday, the justices heard arguments in a case dealing with Proposition 8, a California constitutional amendment that removed the right of same-sex [...]

Religious Freedoms Last week we reported on the Kansas City Atheist Coalition being denied permission to participate in its city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade because of their lack of religious belief. No other non-Catholic or secular groups were prohibited. The KC Atheists went to the parade anyway, holding signs that protested the discrimination and [...]

Reproductive Rights News In a refreshing change from the abortion restrictions imposed elsewhere in the country, the Hawaiian Senate wants to do something different. Hawaii’s senate has just passed SB 526, which mandates that hospitals provide unbiased information and access to emergency contraceptives. Republican lawmakers decried the measure, claiming that it violated the hospital’s right [...]

Here’s a fun read: A 116 page complaint filed in federal court February 1st. Why is it fun? The plaintiffs say all the things we’ve said for years. FFRF is the lead plaintiff. Its press release, issued late yesterday afternoon, follows the giant upvote. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, along with 19 other plaintiffs, is [...]

Reproductive Rights News Arkansas has passed the most restrictive abortion laws in the entire country. Both bills were vetoed by the governor, who said they were unconstitutional,  but the state legislature overrode both vetoes in quick measure. I ranted about this on my own blog earlier this week, and all the depressing details are there. [...]