State Legislation

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....

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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....

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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…...

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Kentucky “Denial of Care” Bill Puts Kentuckians’ Lives in Jeopardy

Frankfort, KY—Today, the national religious equality watchdog organization American Atheists expressed grave concern about SB 90, a controversial bill that authorizes the denial of medical care based on the religious beliefs of insurance companies, providers, and institutions. ...

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Arizona Lawmakers to Give Religious Extremists $3 Million to Deceive Vulnerable Women

Phoenix, AZ–Today, the national religious equality watchdog organization American Atheists and the Secular Coalition for Arizona spoke out against SB 1328/HB 2388, which would give $3 million to religious “crisis pregnancy centers” (CPCs)....

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Atheists: New Hampshire Must Keep Religious Indoctrination out of Public Schools

Concord, NH–Today, American Atheists submitted testimony to support repealing an unconstitutional statue that authorizes recitation of the Lord’s Prayer in public schools....

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Religion is No Excuse to Discriminate Against LGBTQ Virginians

Richmond, VA–Today, American Atheists submitted testimony in support of the Virginia Values Act. This bipartisan legislation would protect Virginians from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity....

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Atheists: End Conversion Therapy in Virginia

Richmond, VA–Today, American Atheists submitted testimony supporting HB 386, a bill that would protect young LGBTQ Virginians from harmful conversion therapy....

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