Statement by Ed Buckner:American Atheists–by which I really mean our national legal director, Edwin Kagin–has today filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Kentucky over the illegal and unAmerican actions of the Commonwealth, and we fully expect to prevail. The actions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky are unconstitutional on their face and, I’m happy to report, Kagin had no trouble persuading a number of courageous Kentuckians–and one Canadian who is a permanent resident of KY–to sign on as plaintiffs.There are several things readers of this blog or others can do to help, and any and all will be appreciated:1. Send money. Though Kagin serves for free, lawsuits cost money. We will always give top priority to protecting the rights and reputations of Atheists and to defending the absolute separation of church and state, but invariably choices have to be made, because there is never enough money to do everything we want and need to do. Contributions are welcome and are deductible. See our web-site for details on contributing.2. Join American Atheists if you’re not already member(s)–numbers matter, more voices can make more noise, and besides, life is short (and we each only get one), so linking arms with fellow Atheists is satisfying and just plain fun.3. Speak up–tell your coworkers when you’re on a break, “I just can’t believe how foolish, unAmerican, and short-sighted some political leaders are. Did you hear that in Kentucky, for example, they’re actually requiring the head of the Kentucky Homeland Security, by law, to push religion? Don’t they realize how wrong, how dangerous that is?”4. Write letters to the editor–find e-mail addresses for Kentucky newspapers on the Internet and write to them; write as well to your own local papers and spotlight the backward ways of these folks, warn against similar such foolish incursions in your own state, etc.Our strong thanks to Kagin and the plaintiffs in KentuckyRegards,Ed B.Ed BucknerPresidentAmerican Atheists www.atheists.orgebuckner@atheists.org

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812020431http://www.atheists.org/Kentucky_Homeland_Security_LawsuitLaw’s use of God challengedSecurity bill subject of suitBy Peter Smith • psmith@courier-journal.com • December 2, 2008Ten Kentucky residents and the national American Atheists Inc. are suing to overturn Kentucky legislation “stressing the dependence on Almighty God as being vital to the security of the Commonwealth.”The suit says the legislation, passed with little notice in 2006 to create the Kentucky Office ofHomeland Security, is “grossly, and outrageously, at variance with” with Kentucky and U.S. constitutional bans on government-sponsored religion.In addition to seeking to have the legislation overturned, the plaintiffs are seeking financial damages, saying they “suffer anxiety from the belief that the existence of these unconstitutional laws suggest that their very safety as residents of Kentucky may be in the hands of fanatics, traitors, or fools.”At issue are two clauses inserted in a floor amendment by state Rep. Tom Riner, D-Louisville, and approved by lawmakers.One clause says the “safety and security of the Commonwealth cannot be achieved apart from reliance upon Almighty God” and cites statements to that effect by Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.A permanent plaque quoting that text is posted at the state’s Emergency Operations Center, as required by the clause.The other clause, listing the executive director’s duties, begins with a requirement to publicize “the dependence on Almighty God as being vital to the security of the Commonwealth.”Edwin Kagin — an attorney in Union, Ky., who also is the national legal director of American Atheists — said he mailed the lawsuit to Franklin Circuit Court overnight and expects it to be filed today.

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