TENNESSEE CONSTITUTION - ARTICLE IX. DISQUALIFICATIONS
§ 1. Clergy; eligibility to serve in legislature
Whereas Ministers of the Gospel are by their profession, dedicated to God and the care of souls, and ought not to be diverted from the great duties of their functions; therefore, no Minister of the Gospel, or priest of any denomination whatever, shall be eligible to a seat in either House of the Legislature.
§ 2. Atheists holding office
No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this State.
2007-11-27 02:06:50 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
sounds a little dated to me, I love God but atheists are Americans too
2007-11-27 02:13:00 · answer #1 · answered by Ancient Warrior DogueDe Bordeaux 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's true.
While I can't easily defend the first, the second makes some sense, as the offices described are required to take oaths. While some may differ on this, many believe that the oath of an athiest isn't the same as the oath of a Deist.
2007-11-27 02:18:32 · answer #2 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might have found it there, but have you checked to see if it's been repealed by amendment???
That kind of stuff exists all over the place, like a law on the books that makes it illegal to eat an orange in a California hotel room. Live and learn.
2007-11-27 02:12:51 · answer #3 · answered by Shell Answer Man 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is archaic, and if challenged, would probably be struck down. In both cases, it discriminates on the basis of religion, and is therefore a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
2007-11-27 02:13:19 · answer #4 · answered by scottclear 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋