Thursday, July 8, 2010

Ridiculous State Laws

I watched this video Atheists legally banned from public office today and once again felt sad to be an American. A man who was recently elected to a city office position is trying to be ousted because he does not believe in god. According to the video, there are 7 states (Texas, Arkansas, both Carolinas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Maryland) with laws in their state constitutions that make it illegal to hold public office as a non-believer. However, article 6 in our federal constitution states "No religious test shall ever be required as qualification to any Office or Public Trust under the United States." Fortunately there is something called the Supremacy Clause that states if there are contradicting articles between the Federal Constitution and a State Constitution, the Federal article takes precedence. What do personal beliefs have anything to do with your ability to carry out the tasks appointed to you in a public office position?

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