This week at the Freedom From Religion Foundation, we’ve been busy with the nefarious goings-on in several states, but especially Oklahoma. Here’s a quick roundup of what your favorite nonprofit (that’s us!) was up to this week.
A suit that doesn’t fit
On Monday, we learned that Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has sued FFRF. For what, we’re not exactly sure, other than we’ve been a thorn in his side for years.
“We will not stop our work defending the constitutional rights of students and families in Oklahoma,” says FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott. “Walters is mistaken if he thinks free speech and religious freedom are subservient to his religious beliefs.”
Executive order that is not OK
Also in Oklahoma, FFRF has punched back at Gov. Kevin Stitt for his new executive order that prioritizes religious favoritism over constitutional principles.
Stitt’s order, issued Monday, directs state agencies to eliminate laws, regulations and policies that “exclude religious individuals or institutions from public programs, funds or benefits.” It also mandates a full review and revision of any state law or regulations that “exclude religious entities.” FFRF contends Stitt’s executive order is wrong on a number of fronts, such as its contention that faith-based groups are being victimized.
Life’s a beach at FFRF’s convention!
In a more positive bit of news, FFRF invites you to celebrate its 48th annual convention Oct. 17-19 at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort in South Carolina. After delighting in FFRF’s line-up of inspiring and informative speakers, you can fully enjoy the fine beaches, an indoor pool, a boardwalk and nearby attractions.
Speakers (so far) include:
- Mary L. Trump, a sharp critic of the current administration.
- Dr. Maggie Carpenter, a brave abortion rights activist.
- Jamelle Bouie, a distinguished New York Times columnist.
- John Fugelsang, radio and TV personality, who will be the Saturday evening final speaker.
- Mubarak Bala, the Nigerian atheist and human rights activist recently released from prison in Nigeria.
- Nancy Northup, president of the Reproductive Rights Center.
- Two student activists: Bailey Harris, 19, and Eli Frost, 18.
- Katherine Stewart, returning to talk about her recent exposé titled, “Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy.”
- Mickey Dollens, FFRF’s new regional state manager, who will be speaking on “Your Blueprint for Effective Citizen Lobbying.”
- The third annual panel of secular state legislators.
- Dr. Herb Silverman, who overturned South Carolina’s unconstitutional religious test to run for office, who will give a short welcoming address.
No seminary on public school grounds
FFRF insisted this week that the Vail School District Governing Board in Arizona terminate an outrageous agreement that would allow the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to build a 1,300-square-foot seminary school on district property largely at public expense. Public school districts cannot use public resources to benefit favored churches.
Ten Commandments in Kentucky
FFRF denounced the Kentucky Legislature’s misguided decision to reinstall a Ten Commandments monument on the statehouse grounds. It was approved by an overwhelming margin in the Kentucky House and Senate.
FFRF condemns the Kentucky Legislature’s capitulation to Christian nationalism and its failure to uphold the honored principle of separation between religion and government.
Positive litigation result for FFRF, others
FFRF is pleased to announce that it has successfully resolved litigation related to the mismanagement of a donor’s trust to the mutual benefit of all organizations involved. FFRF was the beneficiary of a generous major donation left as part of a trust created by a longtime FFRF member who died in 2021. All beneficiaries, including FFRF and groups such as American Atheists and Planned Parenthood, have agreed on a settlement and have received substantial payments.
African activist on ‘Freethought Matters’
Roslyn Mould, a humanist activist from Ghana who has placed the first atheist billboard in Africa, is this week’s lively guest on “Freethought Matters.” She is co-founder and president of Accra Atheists, which partnered with FFRF to subsidize the billboard, which will be up for one year and says: “Don’t believe in God? You’re not alone.” This powerful message is the first of its kind in Africa, inspiring hope and unity among nonbelievers.
‘Ask an Atheist’
In this week’s “Ask an Atheist” show on YouTube and Facebook, FFRF’s legal staff break down “Catholic Charities Bureau Inc. v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission,” a case the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on this week, which could have sweeping consequences for church/state separation and worker protections. Wisconsin labor and employment attorney Victor Forberger joins the discussion.
Freethought Radio
This week on Freethought Radio, we talk about the state/church issues in Kentucky, Wisconsin and Arizona, and Oklahoma, where Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is suing FFRF for allegedly interfering in the right of his office to promote religion in the public schools. FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott joins us to talk about that case. Three smart young people read their winning entries in FFRF’s freethinking student essay contests. Then, we hear an excerpt of a powerful FFRF convention speech by former New York Times columnist and MSNBC political analyst Charles Blow decrying the dangers of Christian nationalism.
Action Fund recap
Over at FFRF Action Fund, Ryan Jayne, Ryan Dudley and Mickey Dollens, in their weekly “Strongly Stated” column, go over what the new state laws are and where advocates should focus their efforts.
This week‘s focus is on Texas, with its trio of bad bills, and child marriage, which is finally now illegal in Washington, D.C.
Secularist and theocrat of the week
FFRF Action Fund’s “Theocrat of the Week” is U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, representing Tennessee’s 2nd District. Burchett argued that NPR and PBS must be defunded because “they literally hate this country. … They hate our patriotism. They hate our Lord. And they don’t hide it.” Burchett offered no evidence to support his claims.
The “Secularist of the Week” is Anthea Butler, a church historian and University of Pennsylvania professor, who spoke out about white Christian nationalism while appearing on a panel at a Notre Dame conference.
Click here to learn more about FFRF Action Fund’s work this week.
We hope you have a great weekend and, as always, thanks for being a member of FFRF!
