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