I just discovered the state I live in legally forbids an atheist from holding office. What action can I take?

Question

I was just reading an article on Wikipedia titled "Demographics of Atheism" and came across this fact:

"Interestingly, several state constitutions make the protection of persons from religious discrimination conditional on their acknowledgment of the existence of a deity. These state constitutional clauses have not been tested. Additionally, some state constitutions (namely, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and North Carolina ) forbid atheists from holding public office..."

What action can I take to become proactive in fighting against this law?

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_atheism

http://www.rationalrevolution.net/articles/history_of_the_separation_of_chu.htm

I live in North Carolina.

Answer 1

Technically, you can't be discriminated against because of religion based on the constitution of the United States, which takes precedence over the state constitution. You can still have this law repeeled for being unconstitutional. I would suggest writting a letter to the governor of your state along with making the law public notice. Get support behind you if the governor replies negatively to changing the law.

Speaking of that law, what if a person turns atheistic during their term in office, would they then become impeached?

Answer 2

There are a few states like this, and we live in America!!! WTF is wrong with these religious freaks? I don't mean to be mean but it's seriously affecting people's rights. They say that we can have freedom of religion if you run for office EXCEPT for atheism. That's like saying you have freedom of speech but can't say anything against the war, president, or policies. How did the uneducated get a hold of all the power? because the uneducated are the majority unfortunately.

Answer 3

you are able to project the regulation, even nonetheless it may desire to no longer be mandatory. it may desire to no longer be required and should no longer be requiored that anybody state a faith to run for place of work. that's probably why no person has ever challenegd the regulation. If that's no longer enforced, that's no longer lots of a regulation. to truly project this manner of regulation, possible ought to run for place of work, decare oneself to be an atheist, win the election, and be barred from going on of work for being an atheist.

Answer 4

Try running for a public office and if you are denied the opportunity to run, then you can file a law suit against the state for violating your constitutional rights.

Answer 5

Run for office in China. Being an atheist is a requirement there.

Seriously now, there are more important issues to tackle than your personal situation. How about the 9,000 Americans kill last year by drunk drivers? It's a more serious problem than you running for office.

Answer 6

That's absolutely horrific.

I feel very sorry for you. I would approach websites in the US about humanism, ask you to put you in touch with a human rights lawyer - except unless you want to run yourself its gonna be hard to do anything about it.

I didn't realise America was quite that backwards. Sad thing is, its getting worse. So much for the secular nation Thomas Jefferson had in mind.

Answer 7

there is no legal religious test for holding any public office. contact the aclu.

Answer 8

Win an election, and let the rabid Christians know.

Answer 9

Run for office!

Answer 10

The whole country would be that way if we let the Christians get away with it. And they don't understand why we resist them...