Atheist Controversy in North Carolina

[Eilonnwy]

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/200.../912080327

A state councilman is an atheist and now people are trying to remove him based on a clause in North Carolina's law that states you cannot hold office and deny the existence of God.

[leo-rcc]

It's a stupid rule, nothing I can do about it though.

[Eilonnwy]

It's a stupid rule, nothing I can do about it though.

Well, the US constitution overrules the state laws. The supremacy rule specifically states that when a law comes in direct conflict with a national one, the national one wins. And given the 1st (Freedom of religion, seperation of church and state) and 6th (No religious litmus test to hold office), legally they can't remove him.

But it goes to show that even with these laws, atheists cannot get into a high public office. Massachusetts has a blasphemy law that is not enforced.

Rachel Maddow discussed it too:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/vp/...3#34424043

She mentioned that atheists are a popular group to beat up on.

[leo-rcc]

I am not a US citizen, so nothing I can do about it. If this comes up in Dutch politics, I will be the first one on the barricades.

[Eilonnwy]

I understand, I'm just providing information. -_^

[leo-rcc]

Of course, and I'm glad you do. I still find it ridiculous that these kinds of rules ever got entered into the lawbooks anyway.

[chatpilot]

Thanks for that post E it just goes to show that even in today's modern day and age we are still shrouded in a cloud of ignorance from our past. I see two things here actually; one is that it seems like Mr. Bothwells opponent whoever he/she may be is using this as a political ploy to have him removed so that he/she may obtain office. Second, this is a clear cut case of discrimination which to my knowledge is illegal in these United States.

[Meatball]

The sad part is that despite this or any similar attempt being shot down by the US Constitution and the Supreme Court, these people will never amend that section in the state constitution because a lot of them think it's just.

[binny]

You beat me to it. Sorry I posted a similar thread. Please disregard

[chatpilot]

That is true meatball they will most likely keep that law on their constitution since it appears that the state itself is a "god fearing" state where christians are a majority.