Are you from Texas?

Question

Are you aware that Texas law says the following, and what do you think about it?

"No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, in this State; nor shall any one be excluded from holding office on account of his religious sentiments, provided he acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being."

Answer 1

HEY I AM FROM TEXAS! (I just wanted everyone to know) I am an atheist and am very aware of this law. I am seriously thinking about approaching the ACLU to see if something can be done about it. Its probably a moot point, though, as if anyone came out as an atheist they would be totally un-electable.

Answer 2

There are antiquated laws still on the books in most states, but they are not enforced. There were laws in NY until the '70's making adultery a felony, but that law certainly wasn't being enforced then.
There was a story a few years ago about a man arrested (using an antiquated law) in a state or Federal park for "cussing in front of women and children" - of course, the arrest was thrown out when it reached the court room.

Answer 3

No, but that's very interesting. I have some distant family in Texas.

In other words, as long as a person isn't an atheist, they can hold a public office. That's completely unfair, and unconstitutional. I don't understand how states can get away with this.

There would be a major outcry if states didn't allow anyone who DID believe in God hold an office.

Religious persuasion or lack thereof should not be grounds to keep a person from holding a public office.

Answer 4

It's also illegal to drive down city streets without a man on a white horse going ahead of you with a red flag in the daytime and a red lantern at night.
It's illegal for women to drive at all.
It's illegal to drive pigs down the city streets, which makes every cop in the state an outlaw.
It's illegal to spit one's chaw onto the street. You must find a spittoon or swallow it.

Like a lot of states Texas has many laws on the books that are unenforced because they're outdated or no longer applicable. But getting them off the books requires a hefty outlay of tax monies. It's easier and cheaper just to let sleeping laws lie.

Texan and D**N proud of it!

Answer 5

I live in Texas, but I'm not from Texas. I'm aware of the law. Texas used to be an independent republic and some people still consider it a country of its own. Are you aware that many states have laws that really aren't enforced? Some still have adultery and sodomy laws and of course our immigration laws are totally ignored.

God Bless.

Answer 6

This is what I don't understand though, how can they tell IF your believe in a Supreme Being? Is there a test? Are you forced to believe a certain way? Are you asked to show membership in a certain organized religion?

So how does that stop somone running for office?


Still glad I live in the USA, regardless of beliefs or lack there-of.

Answer 7

I am from Texas. I think it goes too far. I believe to be in harmony with the universe and its laws, is a goods thing, and that a connection with God, give you that special attunement.
God is the Universal force that hold the universe harmoniously together as one. But, I believe one does not have to believe in God, as defined by most religions, to have this attunement with this powerful force, and be able to do good in this world.

Answer 8

You ever been to Houston or Dallas "Psychotic Clown"? There is just as big of a cross-section of society as in NY or CA. I know, I have lived in both. I am not from TX, but have lived here for 12 years.

Divine? You aren't talking about me are you?

Answer 9

Thankfully, no, I'm not.

Sorry about that law - it is, of course, un-Constitutional, a direct violation of Article VI of the United States Constitution.

It's too bad that traitors have that kind of power down there. Fortunately most of the rest of the country still supports the United States.

Answer 10

Sounds like another example of the church not really being seperate from the state huh?...Hmmm should we stir up some SH** and start a class action suit against Texas for violating civil rights? Texas...what a sh**hole!