2006-12-14 05:11:16 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Some states have in their constitutions clauses which require a belief in God in order to hold office. They are no longer enforced (that I've heard of, anyway) and are unconsitutional anyway. Article VI of the US Constitution states:
"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."
It DOES apply to the states, and if anyone wanted to go to court (none have), I cannot see how the US Supreme Court could not strike them down.
2006-12-14 05:31:08 · answer #1 · answered by The Doctor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have heard certain states have some laws but it would not hold up to scrutiny under any court battle.
So an Atheist could hold public office - I'm sure there are some that already do.
2006-12-14 13:17:16 · answer #2 · answered by Sage Bluestorm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no law against it or anything, it just seems a lot folks of any belief other than generic protestant Christian have a hard time getting the votes for some positions.
2006-12-14 13:14:50 · answer #3 · answered by daisyk 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are a lot of blue laws against it, but they were voided by equal rights laws and various court decisions.
2006-12-14 13:17:30 · answer #4 · answered by corvis_9 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. In certain states (My homestate, Texas, being one of them) you can't run for public office if you don't believe in some sort of god.
2006-12-14 13:15:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
False.
2006-12-14 13:13:33 · answer #6 · answered by Evil Atheist Conspirator 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like it is unconstitutional.
2006-12-14 13:28:04 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not from this country, so I dont know
2006-12-14 13:15:46 · answer #8 · answered by Nile Queen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ditto the others
2006-12-14 13:14:49 · answer #9 · answered by epaphras_faith 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
NO...NO...A THOUSAND TIMES...NO!!!!
2006-12-14 13:26:44 · answer #10 · answered by mzJakes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋