“In America, no one’s ability to get vital services should depend on whether they share the religious beliefs of organizations the government selects to be providers.”
News Archive
News
Federal Policy
American Atheists Calls for Ending Religious Denial of Care
In comments submitted to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, American Atheists noted that denial of care has a disproportionate negative impact on vulnerable communities, including atheists and nonreligious people.
Anti-Atheist Stigma
American Atheists’ Statement on NYC Mayor Adams
“Mayor Adams’ and Ms. Lewis-Martin’s apparent views about church-state separation are dramatically out of step with the views of the overwhelming majority of Americans.”
Federal Policy
Atheists Applaud Biden Administration for Restoring Critical Religious Equality Protections
American Atheists praised the Biden Administration for acting to restore critical religious equality and civil rights protections for people who receive government-funded social services from religiously affiliated providers.
Announcements
Joint Statement Regarding Changes in Board Membership
American Atheists is grateful for Mandisa Thomas’s contributions to the organization as a long time member of the Board of Directors.
Data Reports
New Report Forecasts Christian Nationalist Movement’s State-Level Strategy in 2023
American Atheists anticipates continued state-level attacks on reproductive rights, increased denial-of-care legislation, and bills allowing religious propaganda in public schools.
State Policy
Atheists Condemn NY Governor for Forcing New Yorkers into Religious Substance-Use Programs
The bill would have simply required courts to inform New Yorkers of their constitutional right to object to religious 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and instead participate in a nonreligious substance abuse treatment program.
Announcements
U.S. State Department and Secular Organizations Emphasize Need to Protect Nonreligious People Worldwide
American Atheists held a briefing for the global launch of Humanists International’s 2022 Freedom of Thought Report in Washington DC
Litigation
Atheists Win Settlement After Suing Christian Nationalist Lawmaker
American Atheists announced a successful settlement against Christian nationalist Jason Rapert after he blocked his atheist constituents from his social media pages.
Announcements
Nonreligious LGBTQ Americans Face Heightened Stigma, Especially in Very Religious Areas
According to a new report just released by American Atheists, non-religious LGBTQ people face significant stigma and discrimination.
Litigation
American Atheists Wins New Victory Against Arkansas State Senator Jason Rapert As Case Heads to Trial
American Atheists celebrates the latest legal victory in its free-speech lawsuit against Christian nationalist Jason Rapert, an Arkansas state senator and failed lieutenant governor candidate.
Federal Policy
Atheists Applaud Biden Administration for Working to Restore Health Care Protections Against Religiously Motivated Discrimination
The Department of Health and Human Services restored basic nondiscrimination protections previously undermined by the Trump Administration.
