NDR Media Coverage

Atheists Want State Sponsorship for Rally at Alabama Capitol

by Stuart Shepard, correspondent

Lawmakers say it's within their power to simply say no.

Alabama atheists planning an outdoor rally at the state Capitol are mad because legislators denied them access to a room inside in case it rains. Lawmakers say it's within their power to simply say no.

The atheist rally is planned for the Alabama Capitol lawn May 6. But the group wanted a backup location in case of rain. That requires a state sponsor, such as a legislator. So they went to state Rep. Jay Love. He said, no.

"What really made it egregious to me is they wanted to do it on the same day as the National Day of Prayer," Love said.

Larry Darby with the Atheist Law Center called Love's refusal "blatant religious discrimination against atheists" — and then launched into a personal attack.

"This guy's an idiot," Darby said. "I'm not asking him to sponsor my viewpoint. I'm just asking him to sponsor my use of this government room. We feel that religion is healthier when government's not involved in it, and we feel that government's healthier when religion's not involved in it. Of course, we live in a time now when religion permeates government and it's destroying our constitutional republic.”

History, however, shows that the national freedoms enjoyed by all — including atheists — are based on Christian ideas. Moreover Rep. Love says many of the problems we face have come about because "we've gotten away from a close walk with the Lord."

"The breakdown in the family . . .the increase in sexual immorality, are because this country, in many senses, has turned its back on God," Love said. "And I am not going to support an atheist group."

Love says he has received overwhelming support for his stance.

Copyright 2004 Focus on the Family

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