American Humanist News and Actions
Humanists Celebrate Free Speech Victory in Arkansas
Posted August 12, 2011 at 11:01amLeadership at the American Humanist Association celebrated yesterday after a federal judge ruled in favor of the United Coalition of Reason (UnitedCoR), who had been denied advertising space for an ad reading, “Are you good without God? Millions are.”
AHA Files Supreme Court Amicus Brief Opposing Employment Discrimination Law Exemption for Religious Organizations
Posted August 08, 2011 at 12:29pmThe Appignani Humanist Legal Center has filed an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the American Humanist Association and other allied organizations with the Supreme Court of the United States. The Court is hearing an appeal of a case that turns on the question of whether religious organizations have a constitutional right to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age or disability in violation of employment laws.
Humanists Demand Alternative to “In God We Trust” License Plate Sticker
Posted July 14, 2011 at 11:21amLeadership at the American Humanist Association expressed disappointment with the Georgia Department of Revenue today for its selection of a new license plate design that may include the option of purchasing a sticker with the words “In God We Trust” for an extra $1. The Georgia Department of Revenue recently held a contest in which Georgia citizens submitted and voted on new state license plate designs, with all three finalists including the phrase “In God We Trust" in the images.
American Humanist Association Supports International Day Against Stoning
Posted July 11, 2011 at 8:37amToday, on the International Day Against Stoning, the American Humanist Association is raising awareness of the brutal practice of stoning and demanding the end of stoning as a form of punishment around the world.
Humanists File Amicus Brief Opposing Public School Credit for Religious Classes
Posted July 01, 2011 at 12:05pmThe Appignani Humanist Legal Center has filed an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the American Humanist Association and the Secular Student Alliance with the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is hearing an appeal of a case challenging the issuance of academic credit for religious classes taught as part of the "released-time" program in Spartanburg, South Carolina's public schools, as a violation of the separation of church and state.
In Defense of the Original Pledge: An Open Letter to NBC
Posted June 27, 2011 at 10:36am(June 27, 2011, Washington D.C.)I am writing regarding the controversy over your network airing a version of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag that did not include the wording “under God.” Based on news accounts, it appears that certain religious conservatives are overreacting to your network’s actions, bombarding your network with telephone and email complaints even though your network has already apologized for the incident. I would like to convey the sentiments of millions of other Americans who, while less vocal about the issue, should be heard.
Humanists Mourn Death of Jack Kevorkian, Advocate for Death with Dignity
Posted June 03, 2011 at 10:49am(June 3, 2010, Washington D.C.) Today, leadership at the American Humanist Association mourned the death of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, a physician, humanitarian, and brazen advocate for end-of life choice. Dr. Kevorkian was given the Humanist Hero Award by the American Humanist Association in 1994.
Humanists Denied Advertising Space, File First Amendment Suit
Posted June 01, 2011 at 10:24am(Washington D.C., June 1, 2011) Today the Appignani Humanist Legal Center filed a lawsuit on behalf of the United Coalition of Reason (UnitedCoR) in response to an Arkansas transit organization’s refusal to lease advertising space on account of the proposed ad’s atheist and humanist content, violating of the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment.
Supreme Court Refuses Hearing of “So Help Me God” Case
Posted May 17, 2011 at 12:24pm(May 17, 2011, Washington, DC) Leadership at the American Humanist Association expressed disappointment today with the US Supreme Court’s refusal to hear a case challenging the inclusion of the phrase “So help me God” within the Presidential oath of office. The Appignani Humanist Legal Center was one of the co-plaintiffs along with atheist Michael Newdow in 2008.
Humanists Advocate Alternative to National Day of Prayer
Posted May 04, 2011 at 10:34am(Washington, D.C., May 4, 2011) “The continued government sponsorship of the National Day of Prayer threatens the foundation of church and state separation that this country thrives on,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association, "the President of the United States has no business recommending prayer to a diverse nation, many of whom do not rely on prayer."
