State Constitutions that Discriminate Against Atheists

[VOLatile]

State Constitutions that Discriminate Against Atheists

I'm sad to see Tennessee included in this. But some of them take it waaay over the lines. Arkansas prohibits Atheists or Agnostics from TESTIFYING AS A WITNESS! Not all of them state, however, that it must be Christian.

Thoughts?

 

[Jewbaccah]

There is nothing in the US constitution that prevents this but taking recent interpretations under consideration. The founders intended that no Christian sect and maybe including Jewish sects (debatable) would discriminate against each other. The recent interpretations have spread this to any religion. What qualifies as a religion is vague. Atheist by there own admission have no religion and agnostics just are not that sure so the Constitution offers them no protection. The US constitution is only applicable to states if it states so or through the 14th amendment. The 1st amendment was not adopted per literal since it specifically references applicability to the federal government thus it is a watered down religious clause when applied to states.

Note the terms Congress and US in the phrases quoted. There is plenty of history and text from the time of its passing that without leaving any doubts places its intended target on the federal government. Schools accept federal aid and therefore feel the full force of these clauses. I am not necessarily agreeing with the state constitution but maybe people should get involved and change things at the state level instead of reaching for non existent federal powers. :salute:

 

[MG1968]

much ado about nothing, methinks. I'd be interested to know if that language can still be found in the various state constitutions. This is sort of like arcane laws that are still on the books.

besides, while Congress shall make no law regarding the establishment of religion, the 10th Amendment clearly allows an individual state to do so.