CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA STATE DIRECTOR
Dave Kong

Telephone/FAX:  (415) 771-9872
Additional FAX:  (415) 788-8728
E-mail:  dksf@atheists.org

Rally for Removal of Religious References in the Pledge of Allegiance and on National Currency

Tuesday, December 4, 2007
San Francisco – Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Building

American Atheists California, in conjunction with Bay Area Atheist and Humanist groups, will rally in front of the San Francisco Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals building on Tuesday, December 4, to support the idea of removing religious references and slogans in the Pledge of Allegiance and on national currency.

In 2004, when Michael Newdow argued before the Supreme Court for removal of “under god” in the Pledge of Allegiance, California Atheists showed their support by rallying at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The court dismissed that suit due to lack of standing and never addressed the real issues. Undaunted, Newdow found parents with solid standing and is now representing them in a new suit.

In addition, the prolific Dr. Newdow has another suit that challenges placement of the religious slogan “In God We Trust” on our nation’s currency. Both suits are now before the Ninth Circuit. Oral arguments have been set for December 4 in San Francisco.

The rally is a celebration of unity among the California godless intended to not only support Dr. Newdow, but also urge the Ninth Circuit to adhere to its landmark 2002 decision.

The rally will begin at 7:30 a.m. and include a program of speakers. Both cases are scheduled for the morning session, and participants are welcome to attend court proceedings after the rally (seating on a first-come, first-served basis).

WHAT: Rally at the San Francisco Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals building (Seventh and Mission) for removing religious references and slogans in the Pledge of Allegiance and on national currency

WHEN: Tuesday, December 4, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

MORE INFO: SanFranciscoAtheists.com, (415) 771-9872

CONTACT: Dave Kong, California State Director for American Atheists - dkong@atheists.org.

First Meeting of Silicon Valley Group On April 2, 2001, a new group of atheists met for the first time in Mountain View, California. Attendees chat during the meeting, including American Atheists national affiliation director Jim Heldberg and meeting organizer Mark Thomas (pictured right) An attendee discusses how she came to identify herself as an Atheist. Stories of ex-communication by the Catholic Church put smiles on the faces of (left to right) Joe Mercado, Tyson Gustus, Dave Kong, and Dave Mandell.

Arco Arena, Sacramento, September 23.

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