Thanks to Hemant Mehta, our Friendly Atheist, for posting this story.
So apparently the good citizens of Asheville, North Carolina are a bit upset that they elected an atheist to the City Council - so now they want the seat back.
Amazingly, they have a legal claim to do so as the North Carolina State Constitution has a proviso that stipulates in Article VI, Section 8 that the denial of the existence of Almighty God is reason enough to disqualify a person from holding elected office.
Check out the video report - I was shocked to learn that in my own state of Maryland, where I've lived for 19 of the last 22 years, the same holds true! I can't believe I'm so out of touch! As much as I try to stay on top of the news and issues of the day, I always seem to be the last to know...
The Declaration of Rights of the Constitution of Maryland clearly states:
Art. 37. That no religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God; nor shall the Legislature prescribe any other oath of office than the oath prescribed by this Constitution.
And people wonder why I'm so vocal about these issues...
I could believe in Yahweh, Allah, Vishnu, heck, even the Flying Spaghetti Monster and I'm good to go. No belief - unelectable...
Cecil Bothwell, the councilman in question in North Carolina has decided to run for congress - good luck to you on that Cecil! Might want to pick a new state to try and represent...Despite his residency of such a backwards state like North Carolina that puts a religious clause in the state constitution - oh wait, I live in just as similar a backwards state - I'm donating to his congressional campaign right now! If you feel a similar compulsion to show your outrage/support you too can donate here.
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