American Atheists

American Atheists warns Mahmoud v. Taylor ruling undermines public education, pluralism

American Atheists — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 17:24:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC – American Atheists, a national civil rights organization, condemns today’s Supreme Court decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, agreeing with Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s stark dissent that this decision “threatens the very essence of public education.” The case was brought by a group of Maryland parents who claimed their children should be permitted to “opt out” of reading storybooks featuring LGBTQ+ characters. The plaintiffs claimed these books violated their religious beliefs. In granting parents the broad ability to opt their children out of public school curricula they deem to be objectionable, the conservative justices not only distort the principle of religious freedom but also jeopardize both the ability of schools to serve students and the ability of students to engage with diverse perspectives that are essential in America’s pluralistic society. In April, American Atheists filed an amicus brief in the case, which was joined by the Secular Student Alliance and the Secular Coalition for America. The brief argued that requiring schools and teachers to pre-clear every lesson with every parent for every possible religious objection would be infeasible and antithetical to decades of legal precedent. In her dissent, Justice Sotomayor agreed, “The result will be chaos for this Nation’s public schools… The harm will not be borne by educators alone: Children will suffer too. Classroom disruptions and absences may well inflict long-lasting harm on students’ learning and development.” At a time when classroom censorship and book bans are increasingly prevalent, American Atheists warns today’s ruling will serve as fodder for the far-religious-right’s nationwide campaign to restrict students’ access to inclusive and informative materials. Approximately 90% of kids and teens in the United States attend public schools, and an abundance of research has demonstrated the benefits of multicultural education and culturally responsive practices. Geoffrey T. Blackwell, Legal Director for American Atheists cautioned, “We have two legal systems in this country now. Atheists challenging a 40-foot Christian cross owned and maintained by the government at a major thoroughfare are told “tough luck,” and the Supreme Court says it’s a secular symbol. A high school football coach abusing his authority to force his religion on players? The Court finds he’s just engaging in free speech. But when religious parents object to their children merely being exposed to any idea that conflicts with their beliefs, this Court will tear down our entire public school system to protect their feelings.” As an organization that envisions a pluralistic society where all people can participate fully without fear, American Atheists is gravely concerned about the implications of Mahmoud v. Taylor for free speech, religious freedom, and the rights of students to access information and literature that represents the full breadth of American pluralism and a diversity of perspectives. Since its founding in 1963, American Atheists has argued freethought is foundational to democracy, and the targeted erasure of certain, nonconforming viewpoints in schools is a dangerous step toward silencing the voices of already-marginalized and -maligned communities. “A dangerous precedent has been established today, one that will censor free thought, chill free speech, and fuel the rise of authoritarian policies seeking not just to shelter kids from diverse perspectives […]

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Announcing Relocation of the 2026 World Humanist Congress

American Atheists — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:15:32 +0000

American Atheists, in close coordination with Humanists International and Humanist Canada, announces the 2026 World Humanist Congress will no longer be held in Washington, D.C., but will instead take place in Ottawa, Canada, August 7-9, 2026. The decision to relocate comes after a thorough assessment of the social, political, and economic environment in the United States under the current administration. Escalating religious nationalism and executive actions restricting movement, targeting civil society, and eroding human rights protections have created an inhospitable environment for an international gathering rooted in the values of secularism and inclusion. American Atheists planned to host the 2026 World Humanist Congress in the United States capital but concluded it is no longer possible to ensure the admissibility or security of attendees — especially those from South and Central America, the Middle East and Northern Africa, Central Asia, and other key regions. The Trump Administration’s increasingly aggressive stance toward legal immigration, its creation of ideological commissions to police “anti-Christian bias,” and retributive actions against nonprofit advocacy organizations — including humanist groups — pose serious risks to both domestic and international participants. Reductions to the U.S. Department of State’s visa application and approval capacity, combined with attendees’ reluctance to travel to D.C. and American Atheists’ inability to predict and mitigate future threats pose too large a risk to event attendees, staff, and volunteers. In response to the developing circumstances in the U.S., American Atheists, Humanists International, and Humanist Canada have worked quickly and collaboratively to secure a new location for the 2026 World Humanist Congress. “Humanists all over the world are alarmed by the escalating religious nationalism and decline in human rights protections in the United States. As a stable, inclusive, and rights-affirming environment, Canada will allow us to convene an event that truly reflects humanist values,” said Gary McLelland, Chief Executive of Humanists International. “We’ve already had very positive discussions with Canadian authorities about how they can help humanists come together in their country, and Canadian humanists are eager to welcome our global community.” “The necessity of this relocation reflects a deeply troubling reality,” said Nick Fish, President of American Atheists. “The current U.S. government is fundamentally opposed to the ideals of pluralism, religious liberty, and free thought. They are damaging our nation’s reputation overseas and dismantling the institutions and constitutional rights that undergird our democracy here at home.” “Nonetheless, our ability to convene in Canada next year demonstrates the tireless resilience of the secular community,” added Fish. “At a time when our people and values are increasingly under attack, the World Humanist Congress will carry on — not in retreat, but with a renewed purpose to peacefully yet powerfully reaffirm our unshaken support for reason, religious freedom, and equal rights for all.” Further details about the 2026 World Humanist Congress will be available in the coming weeks.

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Atheists: Skrmetti Ruling Rejects Reality & Promotes Ideology Over Liberty

American Atheists — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:20:19 +0000

Washington, D.C. — In a deeply troubling 6–3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Even as transgender Americans face widespread discrimination, stigma, and violence, the Court refused to treat anti-trans laws with heightened constitutional suspicion. American Atheists, a national civil rights organization, says the Court’s ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti is a dangerous assault on equal protection, personal autonomy, and evidence-based policy that will empower Christian Nationalist state legislators to continue targeting LGBTQ+ Americans, particularly trans young people and their families, with minimal legal scrutiny. “For this Court to say that a law banning gender-affirming care is not making distinctions based on sex is the height of absurdity,” said Geoffrey T. Blackwell, Legal Director for American Atheists. “Justice Roberts and the other ultra-conservatives on the Court are not only continuing their detachment from reason and reality but dragging the rest of us along with them.” By endorsing a law that rejects decades of scientific evidence and expert medical consensus, the Court has abandoned its duty to protect the rights and freedoms of vulnerable individuals from political overreach. Justice Clarence Thomas, in particular, argued that “elite sentiment” and “so-called experts” should not override ideologically driven or religiously motivated legislation. American Atheists warns today’s decision not only immediately threatens the well-being of transgender youth and invades their families’ private health care decisions, but also opens the door to broader political interference in medical care for all Americans. “Science is clear: gender-affirming care saves lives. It is supported by every major medical and psychological association in the country,” said Nick Fish, President of American Atheists. “And yet, this decision will encourage lawmakers across the country to introduce and enact harmful legislation that dictates who can receive what type of care, further endangering all Americans’ access to evidence-based health care and opening the door to broader, ideologically driven restrictions on our personal freedoms.” “This ruling is not only a major loss for the LGBTQ+ community but to anyone — religious or not — who believes our laws should be based on facts and freedom for all, not the faith and fears of a few,” added Fish. “To all those impacted by today’s ruling: We see you, we support you, and we will never stop fighting for your right to live free, full, and authentic lives free from religious hate, pseudoscientific bigotry, and state-sponsored discrimination.”

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Atheists Respond to Narrow Catholic Charities Ruling

American Atheists — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 21:05:52 +0000

Washington, D.C. – In March, American Atheists filed an amicus brief in Catholic Charities v. Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm that employees should not be denied critical government benefits, including unemployment insurance, simply because their employer is religious. In its brief, the national civil rights organization said the Establishment Clause firmly – and rightfully – prohibits the government from using its taxation powers to coerce professions of religious belief or otherwise promote religion. As such, American Atheists asked the Court to uphold the lower court’s decision, prioritizing protections for all over the religious beliefs of a few. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously sided with Catholic Charities and overturned the Wisconsin ruling. However, the justices did so on narrow grounds, invalidating only the specific analysis Wisconsin’s Supreme Court conducted in its earlier decision. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision allows states to continue regulating faith-based entities to ensure their employees are not excluded from government protections, so long as the distinction between secular and religious activities does not rest on theological questions. “The Supreme Court’s decision today returns this case to the Wisconsin court, which must do a better job articulating the line between secular charity work and religious work,” said Geoffrey Blackwell, Legal Director for American Atheists. “Those who perform secular charitable work should not lose the protection of Wisconsin’s unemployment insurance program simply because they happen to work for a charity with religious ties.” Nick Fish, President of American Atheists, added, “Whether their employer is secular or religious, the millions of Americans who devote their lives to public service and the millions more who depend on the nonprofit sector for services deserve the full and equal protection of the law. Today’s decision is yet another unfortunate step away from that guarantee and reinforces the importance of state lawmakers working to close loopholes and narrow existing exemptions.”

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Atheists Applaud Court Decisions Supporting Public Education

American Atheists — Thu, 22 May 2025 17:13:21 +0000

Today, in a divided decision and with one recusal, the Supreme Court of the United States ultimately upheld the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling that public funding for religious schools is unconstitutional. American Atheists filed an amicus brief last month urging the Court to recognize a taxpayer-funded religious school would be antithetical to our nation’s history and traditions. The brief was joined by the American Humanist Association, Secular Student Alliance, Secular Coalition for America, and the Center for Inquiry. “Today’s ruling is a major victory for nonreligious Americans and, indeed, for all supporters of church-state separation. The lower court got it right: The First Amendment is clear our government must never compel taxpayers to support a particular religion,” said Nick Fish, president of American Atheists. Also today, a federal judge blocked – at least temporarily – the White House’s unlawful directive to dismantle the Department of Education. The agency has been ordered to reinstate laid-off employees to prevent “the irreparable harm” caused by a “loss of essential services” that are required by Congress, including the enforcement of civil rights laws. “While we celebrate both of these wins, we also know Christian Nationalists will not stop here, and neither will we,” said Fish. “The very principle of religious freedom for all remains under attack. Our nonsectarian public schools are still under attack. Just last night, the House passed a disastrous voucher bill to divert public dollars to unaccountable and discriminatory religious schools. We must remain vigilant and continue fighting every day to defend the First Amendment against revisionists and religious supremacists.”

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American Atheists Files Briefs in Two Supreme Court Cases to Defend Secular Public Education

American Atheists — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 17:00:44 +0000

This week, American Atheists filed amicus briefs in two key cases before the U.S. Supreme Court urging the Court to uphold longstanding precedent to protect secular public schools in the United States.

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Statement Regarding Resolution of FFRF Litigation

American Atheists — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:10:40 +0000

American Atheists is proud to work alongside a diverse coalition of local, state, and national partners on legislation and litigation that protects civil rights, advances political equality, and achieves social inclusion for atheists and other nonreligious people. Our members trust us to be transparent; they expect us to be authentic; and they count on us to build strong, vibrant, and resilient communities. They understand, as we do, that we are strongest when we stand together, guided by our shared values and vision of a better future. That is why, last June, we were disappointed to inform our members about a lawsuit brought by our longtime partners at the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) concerning a significant bequest in Arizona that sought, in part, to remove American Atheists and Planned Parenthood as beneficiaries of the trust. In response, American Atheists recommended a full review of the trust’s assets and disbursements. Following that review, the trustee and FFRF — along with American Atheists, Planned Parenthood, and other beneficiaries — agreed to resolve this lawsuit, ensuring that all of our organizations would remain beneficiaries as the donor intended. We are relieved to announce this case has now been formally dismissed. We are pleased to put this matter behind us and move forward in the fight to defend the separation of religion and government. This week’s resolution allows our organization to remain focused on the issues that matter most to our members and again dedicate all our attention and resources toward the critical issue of our time: safeguarding secular democracy and Americans’ civil rights from the Christian nationalist crusade. As a nonprofit organization, we are incredibly grateful for the generous support of all our members and donors. We consider our financial contributors to be valued partners in our work, and we understand planned giving requires a heightened level of care. We take seriously the trust our members, supporters, and donors place in us to be wise and respectful stewards of their contributions — particularly those that are intended to leave a lasting legacy for years to come.

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Atheists ask Court to Defend Workers’ First Amendment Rights

American Atheists — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:50:26 +0000

Washington, D.C. — American Atheists, a national civil rights organization, filed an amicus brief today in Catholic Charities v. Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in this case could determine, for the first time, whether nonprofit organizations doing charity work motivated by religious belief must be exempted from paying unemployment taxes. In Wisconsin, the state labor commission denied an application for exemption submitted by Catholic Charities, whose activities were deemed “not religious.” The state Supreme Court agreed with that assessment, finding the organization “did not proselytize, did not conduct worship services, religious outreach, or religious education.” Catholic Charities contends that Wisconsin — and numerous other states with similar unemployment insurance programs — are violating its free exercise rights. The nonprofit is demanding that its employees be excluded from critical government benefits, like unemployment insurance protections, solely because they work for a faith-based organization. American Atheists, which advocates for the separation of church and state, disagrees. “Empathy knows no creed, and charities around the country employ millions of people who each have their own reasons for doing charitable work. Their rights must be protected,” said Geoffrey Blackwell, Legal Director for American Atheists. “For example, if the Supreme Court takes Catholic Charities side in this case, health care workers in places like Durango, Colorado, where the only hospital within two hours is run by a religious organization, would be denied government unemployment protections solely because the hospital where they work has religious reasons for providing health care. That is a situation no American should face.” In the amicus brief filed today, American Atheists maintains the Establishment Clause rightfully and forcefully prohibits the government from using its taxation powers to coerce professions of religious belief, and that Catholic Charities is, therefore, violating the First Amendment by seeking a tax exemption based solely on a profession of religious belief. “The legal theory Catholic Charities is presenting here echoes the very same violations that shocked American colonists and prompted them to ratify our First Amendment,” stated Blackwell. “The Supreme Court has repeatedly found that excluding people from government programs, like unemployment insurance, based on religion alone is unconstitutional.” “Nonprofit employees are public servants, and whether we’re religious or not, we are all motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on our communities,” said Nick Fish, President of American Atheists. “It’s unconscionable that an organization like Catholic Charities would try to deny their hardworking employees public benefits simply because it’s religious.” You can read American Atheists’ amicus brief here. A decision is expected from the U.S. Supreme Court by late June.

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Trump Administration’s School Privatization Order Defies Will of The People

American Atheists — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 23:44:28 +0000

Again and again and again, voters have rejected school vouchers and other privatization schemes that attempt to defund and dismantle the nonsectarian public schools that 90% of U.S. families choose. The mandate from the American people to their state and federal lawmakers is clear: Support public schools. Earlier today, the Trump Administration issued yet another executive order that directly contradicts the will of the people. They justify their wholly unpopular position on school privatization by alluding to a “growing body of rigorous research.” This is a lie. Decades of independent research increasingly demonstrates vouchers do not work. In fact, they exacerbate racial and socioeconomic segregation and lead to declines in academic outcomes. Families in rural areas are particularly harmed by the funding cuts to public schools that accompany these voucher schemes. And far from saving taxpayers money, privatization policies have proven to be egregiously, unsustainably expensive and rife with abuse. For what? The data shows the primary beneficiaries of so-called “school choice” are the corporations who receive exceedingly generous tax credits and the wealthy families who would have sent their children to private schools even without aid. In states like Iowa, religious schools have more than doubled their tuition rates in order to rake in taxpayer dollars while continuing to keep certain families out. The President’s order to “expand opportunities for low-income, working families” indicates he and his Administration either fundamentally fail to understand how these programs operate or, more likely, they don’t actually care about the real-world impact that school privatization policies have on the tens of millions of Americans who choose public schools. Private and parochial schools can, by law, discriminate against students and their families. They are not held to the same rigorous standards as public schools. Until and unless private schools agree to play by the same rules — including nondiscrimination protections and local control — they should not receive a single dollar of taxpayer money. American Atheists will continue to work tirelessly with partners across the country to protect students’ civil rights, defend the separation of religion and government, and ensure that nonsectarian public education receives the funding and support it needs to serve all of our nation’s students.

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American Atheists Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights

American Atheists — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:00:57 +0000

Cranford, NJ—American Atheists is proud to stand alongside national civil rights organizations and secular advocacy groups today—and everyday—in reaffirming our commitment to vigorously oppose attacks against LGBTQ+ Americans. We unequivocally believe public policy should be based on facts, not faith. For example, when we conducted the largest secular survey ever of over 34,000 nonreligious Americans, 82% of respondents identified protecting LGBTQ equality as an issue organizations like ours should prioritize, with 30% listing it as one of their three most important issues. Given the vitriol LGBTQ+ individuals face in so many faith communities, it is unsurprising nearly half identify as being nonreligious. In fact, religious hostility is the single most cited reason young Americans provide for leaving religion behind. The LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of our secular community. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ Americans, particularly transgender Americans, are among the groups most impacted by religiously-motivated stigma and anti-scientific misinformation. This misinformation, left unchecked, plays a critical role in producing anti-trans legislation, which has been directly correlated with a statistically significant increase in suicide attempts as compared to states where such laws have not been enacted. Whether anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry is motivated by religious dogma or antiquated pseudoscience, it does not align with our organization’s values or our vision of a society in which all people are guaranteed equality under the law and are free from discrimination in their daily lives. In the latest edition of the State of the Secular States report, American Atheists warned that attacks on trans Americans would continue to escalate in states across the country and at the federal level with the incoming Trump-Vance Administration. Already this year, our policy team is monitoring a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ legislative proposals. Among them are bills that would strip legal recognition from transgender people altogether; books bans that disproportionately target literature featuring LGBTQ+ people and characters; and policies that would force teachers and school professionals to “out” students, even when there is potential for abuse. Despite the recommendation of all major U.S. medical associations, there are continued attempts to limit access to evidence-based health care. It is deeply troubling to see prominent atheists utilize the same bigoted talking points as Christian nationalists and religious extremists. Though they purport to embrace scientific inquiry, they ignore the scientific disinformation that has shaped public opinion and policy and which fails to withstand scrutiny and the advancement of science. Of course, anti-LGBTQ+ individuals, religious or nonreligious, are free to think, believe, and speak as they will, and they do. Likewise, American Atheists will not remain silent. Although atheists and other religiously unaffiliated Americans are clearly not a monolithic group, an overwhelming majority support, as we do, the rights and dignity of trans people and the entire LGBTQ+ community. “Despite the clear evidence that religious extremists are attempting to foment a moral panic, aimed at pushing LGBTQ+ Americans out of public life—or indeed, out of existence—some people seem content to either ignore this threat or, worse, launder these extremists’ misleading talking points and outright lies,” said Nick Fish, president of American Atheists. “It’s disheartening to see those who hold themselves out as voices of reason pretend […]

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