FRANKFORT, Ky., Dec. 2, 2008
Does God Run Homeland Security?
Atheist Group Sues Kentucky Over Law Saying Safety Cannot Be Achieved Without God
-
An atheist group is suing the state of Kentucky over a law proclaiming God's all-important role in protecting the state from homeland security threats. State emergency preparedness materials must also push the concept, under the law. (CBS/AP)
-
Interactive America On Guard The Homeland Security Department, the terror alert system, preparedness quiz and more.
-
State Fast Facts Kentucky Learn about the people, economy and geography.
American Atheists Inc. sued in state court over a 2002 law that stresses God's role in Kentucky's homeland security alongside the military, police agencies and health departments.
Of particular concern is a 2006 clause requiring the Office of Homeland Security to post a plaque that says the safety and security of the state "cannot be achieved apart from reliance upon almighty God" and to stress that fact through training and educational materials.
The plaque, posted at the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort, includes the Bible verse: "Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."
"It is one of the most egregiously and breathtakingly unconstitutional actions by a state legislature that I've ever seen," said Edwin F. Kagin, national legal director of Parsippany, N.J.-based American Atheists Inc. The group claims the law violates both the state and U.S. constitutions.
But Democratic state Rep. Tom Riner, a Baptist minister from Louisville, said he considers it vitally important to acknowledge God's role in protecting Kentucky and the nation.
"No government by itself can guarantee perfect security," Riner said. "There will always be this opposition to the acknowledgment of divine providence, but this is a foundational understanding of what America is."
Quote
Kentucky has been at the center of a series of legal battles involving religious issues in recent years, most involving displays of the Ten Commandments in public buildings. One case went to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in 2005 that such displays inside courthouses in two counties were unconstitutional.I'm not aware of any other state or commonwealth that is attempting to dump their clear responsibility for protecting their citizens onto God or any other mythological creature.
Ed Buckner, president, American AtheistsKentucky isn't the only state dealing with religious issues, but Ed Buckner, president of American Atheists, said it's alone in officially enlisting God in homeland security.
"I'm not aware of any other state or commonwealth that is attempting to dump their clear responsibility for protecting their citizens onto God or any other mythological creature," Buckner said.
State Rep. David Floyd, R-Bardstown, said the preamble to the Kentucky constitution references a people "grateful to almighty God," so he said he sees no constitutional violation in enlisting God in the state's homeland security efforts.
"God help us if we don't," he said.
© MMVIII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
More From U.S.
Best-selling author Mitch Albom on his first nonfiction work since "Tuesdays with Morrie."
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
... - 37
- next
See all 721 CommentsWhat about those behind the Great Cultural Revolution?
What about the Soviet Pogroms?
Posted by txgrouch2007 at 05:41 PM : Dec 03, 2008
I am not offended by people celebrating their religion, but I am offended by their imposing their beliefs on others.
It doesn''t really matter what the majority wants. If it''s right it''s right, if it''s wrong it''s wrong.
Look at all the ways women are abused in the name of religion: forced marriage, child marriage, genital mutilation, honor killings.
Well, Soni6, I am an atheist, and you appear to be making sweeping generalizations about what people you do not know think.
also, regarding your challenge to atheists to prove that there is no god, you cannot prove a negative. prove there are no unicorns.
Posted by yeswedid at 05:38 PM
He''s been put in charge of the Federal Reserve...
Posted by fush2 at 05:02 AM
And God made man in his image? I wonder who God''s favorite NASCAR driver is.....
Posted by IwasHungry68 at 08:03 PM : Dec 03, 2008
So if YOU wouldn''t allow Muslim calls to prayer broadcast from PRIVATE property, then the question about public property is moot. Isn''t it?
Let''s stick to the REAL question.
When the majority of the population practices a particular religion, with or without official government declaration that it is a religious government - then REALLY, if you were in a foreign country and you witnessed an open celebration of that religion on public property, WHY WOULD YOU BE OFFENDED????
Even if the government DIDN''T declare itself to be a religious state, WHY WOULD IT BE OFFENSIVE????
Posted by rudy6543 at 06:45 PM : Dec 03, 2008
How about on private property?
Should Muslim mosques be allowed to broadcast calls to prayer on loudspeakers that can be heard across the city?
I thought we said religious expression is allowed on private property.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by txgrouch2007 at 06:55 PM
Yep, that''s what I am asking you. Is that cool with you?
Posted by rudy6543 at 06:45 PM : Dec 03, 2008
How about on private property?
Should Muslim mosques be allowed to broadcast calls to prayer on loudspeakers that can be heard across the city?
I thought we said religious expression is allowed on private property.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
... - 37
- next
See all 721 Comments