Public Policy

Statement from American Atheists about Nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court

Despite D.C. Circuit Chief Judge Garland’s almost 20 years as a federal judge, his positions on the separation of religion and government, religious exemptions, and on atheists’ equality need clarification. We therefore encourage the entire Senate to fulfill its constitutional duty and proceed with the confirmation process, including open and…...

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Atheists’ ‘Right to Know Act’ Is Introduced in AZ Legislature

Phoenix, AZ—This week Arizona’s House of Representatives became the first legislative body to introduce the Patient’s Right to Know Act. Dr. Randall Friese, a trauma surgeon and professor of surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, sponsored House Bill 2664. Dr. Friese represents District 9 and is the…...

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Atheists Demand ‘Right to Know Act’ for Patients in America’s Religious Health Care System

Cranford, NJ—American Atheists today announced a campaign to enact legislation that would require health care providers to inform patients, insurance companies, and government agencies about any medical procedures and services the provider chooses not to perform because of the provider’s religious beliefs. “Patients must be able to make fully informed…...

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Atheist Campaign Mobilizes Voters, Targets Political Candidates

Cranford, NJ—American Atheists today announced the launch of the AtheistVoter campaign in the run up to the 2016 election season. AtheistVoter calls on atheists throughout the country to engage with their elected officials, candidates for office, and members of the media about issues relating to the separation of religion and…...

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Asking Trump, Carson, & Santorum About Atheists

Ask any American whether they believe their vote matters to any particular elected official or person running for elected office, and many will say “no.” This is especially true of atheists who would like to have a say in conservative politics. Now, there are strong progressive voices in the atheist…...

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American Atheists Joins Letter Calling for End to Blasphemy Laws

Cranford, NJ—American Atheists today announced that it has joined the American Humanist Association, Center for Inquiry, Secular Coalition for America, and a host of other secularist and atheist organizations to urge members of Congress to co-sponsor a resolution introduced by Reps. Joseph Pitts (R-PA) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) calling…...

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Atheists Decry Bigotry Cloaked in NC ‘Religious Freedom’ Law

Raleigh, NC—In a vote today, the North Carolina legislature overrode Gov. Pat McCrory’s veto of Senate Bill 2, a bill which gave government employees the right to refuse to perform marriage services for any couple as long as the employee cites a deeply held religious objection. “This is yet another…...

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American Atheists Lauds Lack of Religious Exemptions in LGBT Anti-Discrimination Executive Order

Cranford, NJ—On Monday, American Atheists voiced its approval for the lack of religious exemptions in President Obama’s executive order prohibiting companies with federal contracts from sexual orientation and gender identity employment discrimination. “The bottom line for American Atheists is and will always be equality,” said American Atheists President Dave Silverman.…...

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