Secular Left Posts

June 11, 2013

Ohio Representative Introduces Law To Give Public School Students Credit For Religious Study

official photo of Ohio Representative Bill Patmon (D-10)
Ohio Representative Bill Patmon (D-10) wants to give credit for religious study during school time

Ohio House Bill 171, introduced by Representative Bill Patmon (D-10), would allow students to receive credit for studying religion during what is called release time. If passed, Ohio would be the second state to give credit for religious study during the school day. It’s too bad that Rep. Patmon reasons for the law are based on false assumptions and it looks like just an attempt to subvert court decisions that keep church and state separate in public schools.

Here is the text for the proposed law as introduced on May 21st 2013:

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June 7, 2013

The IRS Also Targeted Camp Quest

the logo for Camp Quest

The recent media dust up about the Internal Revenue Service doing their job when considering group tax exemptions under the 501(c)4 rules focused on conservative groups being ‘targeted’ for political reasons. What hasn’t been reported as much is that non-conservative groups, including Camp Quest, were also targeted for extra scrutiny. This just shows that the conservative group’s claim of victimhood is more hysterical than the facts support.

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June 6, 2013

Religious Freedom Only Counts If You’re Christian

cartoon showing hypocrisy of those who want unity but exclude Muslims

Two recent church and state stories once again prove that some Christians in this country only believe religious freedom counts if you’re a Christian. Debate over a Defense Department budget bill in Congress and Hecklers at a Muslim Group’s Event In Tennessee shows there are still people on the wrong side of history. This is why we have to remain vigilant against attempts by bigots to violate the separation of church and state.

On Wednesday while Congress was debating a large defense authorization bill, an amendment was offered to allow non-theists to join the armed forces chaplaincy. The reaction from the Christian bigots was intense:

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June 1, 2013

In Twist, American Atheists To Erect Monument On Florida Court House Lawn

screencap of Bradford County, Florida Ten Commandments Monument
Bradford County, Florida Ten Commandments Monument

Usually American Atheists files a lawsuit to have a religious symbol removed from government property. But in a historical first, the resolution of a 1st Amendment lawsuit will include the erection of a monument celebrating atheism on the lawn of a court house in Florida. If a public space is really going to be open to all points of view then the atheist monument should appear along side other monuments and symbols for the religions.

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May 29, 2013

Ohio School District Gives Up Teaching Students Facts

classroom scene clip art

Some religious zealots are so hell bent to force their religion onto public school students that they will try to camouflage the attempt by trying to create a “controversial issues” policy. They include their religious beliefs with other so-called “controversial issues” like global warming and climate change, UN Agenda 21 and sustainable development. This isn’t the first time that Springboro Ohio Community City School District has tried to give up teaching subjects students need to function in the world today. Luckily there are some concerned parents and community members who won’t let this happen without a fight.

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May 21, 2013

Check Out Our New Church & State FAQ

Book cover showing words Church and State FAQ

I made some updates to Secular Left that you might be interested in. A big change is moving the blogroll links previously seen on every page, to a new “Church & State FAQ” page. Also on the page is some basic information about the separation of church and state with links to websites and groups that support the issue for more information. After that information are the blogroll links – blogs and other websites that may or may not deal specifically with church state issues but may be of interest to the reader.

You can access the new page by click on “Church & State FAQ” link in the menu bar at the top of the page or you can click here.

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