Is it true that the Texas Constitution allows discrimination against atheists? I heard that you had to admit to believing in a 'supreme being' to hold public office in Texas. If so, how is that legal when federal law doesn't allow discrimination?
2007-11-24 16:23:26 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Actually, just googled it. It is true. Hah.
2007-11-24 16:27:27 · update #1
"Article 1 - BILL OF RIGHTS
Section 4 - RELIGIOUS TESTS
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. "
2007-11-24 16:30:39 · update #2
The US Constitution states that no religious test shall be given in order to hold any federal (or state) office.
If the Texas State Constitution states otherwise, the US Constitution overrides it....
But then again, what're the chances of the citizens of Texas voting in an atheist to any state office???
2007-11-24 16:28:38 · answer #1 · answered by Adam G 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh geez, do you know how long the Texas constitution is?? It's the longest of all the states. Like 2 million freaking amendements. LOL And it wouldn't surprise me. I don't remember, I'll have to look it up
The Texas Constitution
Article 1 - BILL OF RIGHTS
Section 4 - RELIGIOUS TESTS
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.
2007-11-24 16:26:59 · answer #2 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The thing is the Bill of rights only state that the Federal government cannot establish a religion.
Technically any state can declare religion X to be the religion of the state. Fortunately while some have tried it has never been done.
As a theist and a native Texan I am embarrassed by this clause in our constitution. I can only say like many laws it has only survived because no one has actively fought for its abolishment. Hopefuly someone soon will take the charge to have this stain removed.
2007-11-24 17:10:46 · answer #3 · answered by Gamla Joe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since Texas is constructed of primarily church-going folk, why would an Atheist be a representative of our great state?
In order to properly represent us, the person in office would have to acknowledge a Supreme Being, or else they would not be representative of its citizens.
2007-11-24 16:36:19 · answer #4 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Where did you hear it? Did you research it? Have you read the Texas State Constitution? I'm not trying to be mean, I'm trying to show you that you can't believe everything you're told, or that you read on the internet or in the news.
2007-11-24 16:26:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nobody's bothered to challenge it. Other southern states have similar laws.
All it would take was one well-heeled atheist in Austin with some time on their hands to run for office as the atheist candidate.
2007-11-24 16:29:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Doesn't matter. In the U.S system of government, the U.S Constitution overpowers all state Constitution.
2007-11-24 16:26:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Hmm. Don't really have a problem with that myself.
2007-11-24 16:35:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋