Atheist Lowdown

Sources:Voter Guides: Secular Values Voters, “2016 Presidential Voter Guides.” http://www.secularvaluesvoter.org Texas Freedom Network, “2016 SBOE General Election Voter Guide.” http://tfn.org/2016-sboe-general-elec... Oklahoma Ballot Question SQ 790: Josh Mcbee, “SQ 790: Buckling church to state in the Bible belt.” Accessed October 26, 2016. https://nondoc.com/2016/10/21/sq-790-... National Congressional Candidates:Kimberly Winston, “Nine candidates pioneer ‘political humanism’ in Arizona.” Accessed November 1, 2016. http://religionnews.com/2016/08/25/ni... Presidential Candidate’s Views:Brad Marshall, “No Shit.” Accessed August 2, 2016. https://wikileaks.com/dnc-emails/emai... “Jill Stein on Principles & Values.” On the Issues. July 6, 2015. Accessed August 3, 2016. http://www.ontheissues.org/2016/Jill_... “Gary Johnson’s Stances on Social Issues.” ISideWith.com. March 10, 2016. Accessed August 3, 2016. https://www.isidewith.com/candidate-g...Pema Levy, “Trump Praised Saudi Arabia's Shariah Law for Making It Easy for Men to Get Divorced.” Accessed October 26, 2016. http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2... Media:David Brody, “Exclusive: Michele Bachmann: 'God Raised Up' Trump to Be GOP Nominee.” Accessed October 27, 2016. http://www1.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/arch... American Pastors Network, “Stand in the Gap Today 10/11/16.” Accessed October 16, 2016. http://americanpastorsnetwork.net/201... New Ticker: Pew Research Center, “Evangelicals Rally to Trump, Religious ‘Nones’ Back Clinton.” Accessed July 19, 2016. http://www.pewforum.org/2016/07/13/ev...Penny Edgell, Douglass Hartmann, Evan Stewart, & Joseph Gerteis, “Atheists and Other Cultural Outsiders: Moral Boundaries and the Non-Religious in the United States.” Accessed September 15, 2016. http://sf.oxfordjournals.org/content/... Lauren Markoe, “More ‘nones’ than you think, but many won’t show up on Election Day.” Accessed October 7, 2016. http://religionnews.com/2016/09/22/no... Christopher Ingraham, “Why Atheist & Agnostics Don’t Believe in Voting.” Accessed October 26, 2016. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/w...Don Byrd, “Poll Sees Decline in Number of Americans Who Prioritize Candidates’ Religious Beliefs.” Accessed October 22, 2016. http://bjconline.org/poll-sees-declin...

The Southern Poverty Law Center Brands Atheists “Anti-Muslim Extremists,” Bill Maher chats atheism with President Obama, 11 secular candidates won, and Donald J. Trump will be our next president… Those are the headlines for the week of Saturday, November 12, 2016.Sources:Southern Poverty Law Center Brands Atheist Critics “Anti-Muslim Extremists”:Southern Poverty Law Center, “A Journalist's Manual: Field Guide to Anti-Muslim Extremists.” Accessed November 10, 2016. https://www.splcenter.org/20161025/journalists-manual-field-guide-anti-muslim-extremists Stoyan Zaimov, “Atheists Outraged by SPLC Branding Atheist Critics of Radical Islam 'Anti-Muslim Extremists.'” Accessed November 10, 2016. http://www.christianpost.com/news/atheists-outraged-splc-branding-atheist-critics-radical-islam-anti-muslim-extremists-171163/ Stoyan Zaimov, “Atheists Start Petition Against SPLC Branding Atheist Critics of Radical Islam 'Anti-Muslim Extremists.'” Accessed November 10, 2016. http://www.christianpost.com/news/atheists-start-petition-against-splc-branding-atheist-critics-radical-islam-anti-muslim-extremists-171200/ President Obama Interviewed by Bill Maher:Michael Stone, “Obama Talks Atheism With Bill Maher.” Accessed November 10, 2016. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2016/11/obama-talks-atheism-with-bill-maher/?ref_widget=trending&ref_blog=danthropology&ref_post=president-obama-discusses-atheism-with-bill-maher Oklahoma Ballot Measure 790:Heather Clark, “Oklahoma Voters Reject Proposal to Allow Ten Commandments at State Capitol.” Accessed November 10, 2016. http://christiannews.net/2016/11/09/oklahoma-voters-reject-proposal-to-allow-ten-commandments-at-state-capitol/ Conclusion:Cullen Murphy, Are We Rome?: The Fall of an Empire & the Fate of America (New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2007), pp. 203-206.News Ticker:Radio New Zealand, “Secular education case heads to Human Rights Tribunal.” Accessed October 24, 2016. http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/315728/secular-education-case-heads-to-human-rights-tribunal Daniel Reed, “Study links poor understanding of the physical world to religious & paranormal beliefs.” Accessed October 25, 2016. http://www.psypost.org/2016/10/study-links-poor-understanding-physical-world-religious-paranormal-beliefs-45293 Thomas D. Williams, “Atheists Fight to Remove ‘God’ From AA Program.” Accessed October 28, 2016. http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/10/25/atheists-fight-god-taken-aa-program/ Tim Peacock, “Christians in Lincoln, NE Shut Down Atheist Billboard.” Accessed October 27, 2016. http://www.peacock-panache.com/2016/10/christians-lincoln-atheist-billboard-25367.html Hemant Mehta, “Nebraska Atheist Billboard Promoting “The Good Life Without God” Comes Down Following Complaints.” Accessed October 27, 2016. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2016/10/19/nebraska-atheist-billboard-promoting-the-good-life-without-god-comes-down-following-complaints/

Poland’s Anti-Abortion Initiative:BBC, “Poland abortion: Parliament rejects near-total ban.” Accessed October 13, 2016. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-... Anti-Blasphemy in the Digital Age:Joelle Fiss, “Anti-blasphemy in the digital age: When hardliners take over.” Accessed October 13, 2016. https://www.brookings.edu/research/an... New Atheists Set to Work with Reform Minded Muslims:Robyn Blumner, “Newsletter September 21, 2016.” Accessed October 12, 2016. http://us8.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d...Peter Boghossian, James Lindsay, & Phil Torres, “How to Fight Extremism with Atheism.” Accessed October 12, 2016. http://time.com/4484681/new-atheism-j... Freedom From Religion Foundation National Convention:FFRF, “FFRF Pittsburgh convention unveils major surprise opening night.” Accessed October 6, 2016. https://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/i... News Ticker:Ray Sanchez, “Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore suspended over same-sex marriage order.” Accessed October 12, 2016. http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/30/politic... Ekathimerini.com, “State, Church make peace after row on religion classes.” Chttp://www.ekathimerini.com/212591/ar... Hemant Mehta, “Texas County Leaders Reject Atheist Banner on Courthouse Lawn (But the Nativity Scene Can Stay)” Accessed October 6, 2016. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendly... Jennifer Fenn Lefferts, “Public grants can be used for church renovations, judge rules.” Accessed October 12, 2016. https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/reg...

China issues new regulations on religion, a suspect is arrested in the murder of a Bangladeshi blogger, the Supreme delays oral arguments in an important church state case, a Texas Republican attacks his opponent for being an atheist, and we cover the 2016 election in a special report. Those are the headlines for the week of Saturday October 29th 2016.Sources:China’s New Regulations on Religion:Matthew Bell, “China's atheist leaders issue some striking new rules on religion.” Accessed October 26, 2016. http://weku.fm/post/chinas-atheist-le... Arrest of Islamic Militant in Blogger’s Murder:Tekendra Parmar, “Police Arrest ‘Islamic Militant’ for the Killing of Bangladeshi Atheist Blogger Nazimuddin Samad.” Accessed October 26, 2016. http://time.com/4534504/bangladesh-at... Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley:Juliet Ellperin & Robert Barnes, “Is the Supreme Court counting on getting a ninth justice in January?” Accessed October 26, 2016. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/p... Don Byrd, “Report: Trinity Scheduling Delay Indicates the Supreme Court Awaits a 9th Justice.” Accessed October 26, 2016. http://bjconline.org/trinity-scheduli... Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, “Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley : Government money should not fund churches.” Accessed October 26, 2016. http://bjconline.org/TrinityLutheran/ Republican Attack on Atheist Candidate for Texas State House:Michael Stone, “Texas Democrat Attacked For Being An Atheist.” Accessed October 27, 2016. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progress...News Ticker:Steve Benen, “Alabama’s Roy Moore, suspended, doesn’t want to leave.” Accessed October 25, 2016. http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-sh... Hazel Torres, “Atheist-Led Canadian Church Dispenses With Bible, Replaces Lord's Prayer With Secular Invocation.” Accessed October 25, 2016. http://www.christiantoday.com/article... Stephen Magagnini, “Atheists celebrate 15th annual Freethought Day in Sacramento.” Accessed October 25, 2016. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/arti... Patrick Lang'at, “Atheists to petition House to remove 'God' from national anthem.” Accessed October 23, 2016. http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Atheists... Elizabeth Roberts, “Sweden opens first cemetery free of religious symbols.” Accessed October 25, 2016. http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/21/europe/...

Clinton failed to energize secular voters, Trump makes troubling cabinet appointments, an Indonesian governor faces charges of blasphemy, New Zealand atheists march to celebrate our ancestors, and I interview John S about We Agnostics, Atheists, & Freethinkers International AA Convention. Those are the headlines for the week of Saturday, December 10th, 2016.Sources:Secular Turn-out for Clinton Down:Mark Brockway, David Campbell, & Geoffrey Layman, “Secular voters didn’t turn out for Clinton the way white evangelicals did for Trump.” Accessed November 25, 2016. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/m... Trump Taps Anti-Secularists for Cabinet Positions: Deidre Fulton, “Trump Nominates ‘True Enemy’ of Public Schools for Education Secretary.“ Accessed December 1, 2016. http://churchandstate.org.uk/2016/11/... Stephanie Mencimer, “Mike Pence's Voucher Program in Indiana Was a Windfall for Religious Schools.” Accessed December 2, 2016. http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2... Rob Boston, “Jeff Sessions Is No Fan Of Separation Of Church And State.” Accessed December 1, 2016. https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-sepa...The Intellectualists, “Trump’s New Policy Adviser Said: There Is “Nothing More Christian” Than Cutting Food Stamps.” Accessed December 7, 2016. http://theintellectualist.co/trumps-n... Indonesian Blasphemy Case:John McBeth, “Blasphemy probe rocks Indonesia’s secular foundations.” Accessed November 29, 2016. http://www.thenational.ae/world/south...Kate Lamb, “Jakarta's Christian governor to face blasphemy trial over Islam insult claim.” Accessed December 3, 2016. https://www.theguardian.com/world/201... WAAFT AA Convention:We Agnostics, Atheists, & Freethinkers in AA: waaft.orgNew Zealand Atheist Pride March:Shawn McAvinue, “Atheist Pride march, rain, hail or shine.” Accessed November 29, 2016. https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/at... Roger Grauwmeijer & Bruce Mahalski, “Photos of the Atheist Pride March in Dunedin.” Accessed November 29, 2016. http://www.vice.com/en_nz/read/photos... News Ticker:Ekathimerini, “Archbishop Ieronymos against separation of Church & state.” Accessed November 29, 2016. http://www.ekathimerini.com/213628/ar... Gregory Tomlin, “Atheist group loses hometown radio station to 24-hour Christmas music.” Accessed November 28, 2016. http://christianexaminer.com/article/... Heather Clark, “Atheist Activist Group Objects to Weekly Bible Study at Wisconsin State Capitol.” Accessed November 29, 2016. http://christiannews.net/2016/11/18/a... Anita Cates, “Jack T. Chick, Cartoonist Whose Tracts Preached Salvation, Dies at 92.” http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/27/art... BBC. “US atheist sues after Kentucky refuses 'IM GOD' number plate.” Accessed December 2, 2016. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-cana...Colin Perkel, “Minister asks to be defrocked over treatment of atheist colleague.” Accessed November 29, 2016. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/n... Bob Allen, “Controversial religion clause stripped from defense policy bill.” Accessed December 2, 2016. https://baptistnews.com/article/contr...

Sources:Jordanian Atheist Writer Murdered: Suleiman Al-Khalidi, “Jordanian writer shot dead outside court before trial over cartoon.” Accessed September 30, 2016. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-jor...Bethan McKerman & Agencies, “Alleged killer who shot atheist Jordanian writer identified.” Accessed September 30, 2016. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/wor...Ishaan Tharoor, “Arab TV host cheers secular writer’s assassination on television.” Accessed September 29, 2016. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/w... NSS Calls on British Government to Outlaw Caste Discrimination:National Secular Society, “NSS accuses Government of showing contempt for Parliament and UK’s international obligations on caste discrimination.” Accessed September 10, 2016. http://www.secularism.org.uk/news/201... National Secular Society, “Calls for Government to outlaw caste discrimination after tribunal rules in favour of victim kept in “domestic servitude.” Accessed September 10, 2016. http://www.secularism.org.uk/news/201... The Fundamentalizing of IDF:David Zoldan, “The Ever-diminishing Dissonance of Being a Religious Soldier in Israel's Secular Army.” Accessed September 5, 2016. http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/books/.... Poll on Morality of Enhancing Body:Michael Lipka, “The religious divide on views of technologies that would ‘enhance’ human beings.” Accessed September 15, 2016. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/... Ticker: Peter Montgomery, “Mexico’s Religious Conservatives Seek Anti-LGBT Constitutional Amendment, LGBT Activists Defend Secular Government; Cash From Qatar Funds ‘Traditional’ Family Activism Worldwide; Global LGBT Recap.” Accessed September 8, 2016. http://religiondispatches.org/mexicos... Penny Edgell, Douglass Hartmann, Evan Stewart, & Joseph Gerteis, “Atheists and Other Cultural Outsiders: Moral Boundaries and the Non-Religious in the United States.” Accessed September 15, 2016. http://sf.oxfordjournals.org/content/... Frances Beroset, “Retired general Martin Dempsey emphasizes importance of religion in developing moral values.” Accessed September 13, 2006. http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/... Garrett Mitchell, “Lawsuit accuses Arizona charter schools of teaching history with religious slant.” Accessed September 29, 2016. http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/l... Matt Payton, “Record numbers leave Church of Denmark after atheist adverts.” Accessed September 29, 2016. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/wor...

Hello and welcome to the lowdown. Mother Theresa is canonized, John Kasich wonders what the hell is wrong with Daniel Radcliffe, Evangelicals seek to amend the Mexican constitution, and the National Secular Society celebrates its 150th anniversary. Those are the headlines for the week of Saturday September 17th 2016.Sources:Mother Theresa Cannonized:Christopher Hitchens, “Mommie Dearest: The pope beatifies Mother Teresa, a fanatic, a fundamentalist, & a fraud.” Accessed September 12, 2016. http://www.slate.com/articles/news_an... UdeMnouvelles, “Mother Teresa: Anything but a saint.” Accessed September 14, 2016. http://nouvelles.umontreal.ca/en/arti... John Kasich Comments on Radcliff’s Atheism:David Silverman, “A Challenge to Governor John Kasich.” Accessed September 8, 2016. http://www.atheistvoter.org/20160906_... Proposed Amendment to Mexican Constitution:Peter Montgomery, “Mexico’s Religious Conservatives Seek Anti-LGBT Constitutional Amendment, LGBT Activists Defend Secular Government; Cash From Qatar Funds ‘Traditional’ Family Activism Worldwide; Global LGBT Recap.” Accessed September 8, 2016. http://religiondispatches.org/mexicos... National Secular Society Celebrates 150th Anniversary:National Secular Society, “Secularism 2016 Conference: Secularism ‘on the frontline of the most important issue of our time.’” Accessed September 8, 2016. http://www.secularism.org.uk/news/201... News Ticker: Kevin Rothrock, “To Satirical to Release on Bail.” Accessed September 8, 2016. https://themoscowtimes.com/articles/p... People’s Daily Morning Star, “Iraqi Trade Unionists Call for Secular State & End to Privatisations.” Accessed September 8, 2016. http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-... Jessilyn Justice, “United Church of Canada Takes Bold Stance Against Liberal Agenda, Defrocks Atheist Minister.” Accessed September 15, 2016. http://www.charismanews.com/world/598...Michael Friedson, “Latest Round of Secular vs. Religious in Israel Goes to Secular.” Accessed September 9, 2016. http://www.themedialine.org/mideast-d...Harsha Prabhu, “Thousands March Against the Murder of Freethinkers in India.” Accessed September 8, 2016. http://www.echo.net.au/2016/09/march-...

The ACA strives to promote positive atheist culture. In this special report we take a look at their collaboration with the Texas Ramp Project which aims to provide wheelchair access to low income and elderly folks. Sources:Texas Ramp Project: texasramps.orgAtheist Community of Austin: atheist-community.org

France overturns burkini ban, Russia’s new and questionable education minister, Argentinian secular activists struggle to separate church and state, new Religious Landscape survey sheds light on why "Nones" leave religion, and we debut an events calendar! Those are the headlines for the week of Saturday September 3rd, 2016.Sources: French High Court Overturns Burkini Ban:BBC, “France burkini: Highest court suspends ban.” Accessed August 31, 2016. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-... Christine Ockrent, “A bathing suit tests France’s secular identity.” Accessed September 1, 2016. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinio... Russia’s New Minister of Education:Anna Plotnikova, “Russia's New Education Minister Gives Stalin a Nod.” Accessed September 2, 2016. http://www.voanews.com/a/russia-educa... Tom Balmforth, “Critics Of Russia's New Education Minister See Threat To Secular Values.” Accessed September 2, 2016. http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-e... Argentine Separation of Church and State Battle: Santiago Del Carril, “Row over use of religious symbols in City reignites.” Accessed September 2, 2016. http://www.buenosairesherald.com/arti... Pew Research Center: Why Nones Left Religion:Michael Lipka, “Why America’s ‘nones’ left relgion behind.” Accessed August 31, 2016. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/... News Ticker:Anugrah Kumar, “Baptist Children’s Home Refuses $28,000 Donation Given in ‘Honor’ of Atheist Group.” Accessed August 30, 2016. http://www.christianpost.com/news/bap... Kate Perelman, “North Carolina Law Allowing Magistrates To Avoid Officiating Marriages For Same-Sex Couples Facing Challenges In Federal Court.” Accessed September 2, 2016. http://www.protectthyneighbor.org/pos... Diana Chandler, “Atheists block city grant to National Baptists.” Accessed September 1, 2016. http://www.brnow.org/News/August-2016... David Weissman, “Dillsburg Non-Believers Group Sues State House.” Accessed August 30, 2016. http://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/new...

This week Secular Coalition of America grades the candidates, Atheists and protestants are interested in similar qualities when searching for a new community of like-minded individuals, California Democratic Senator Ricardo Lara fight to end religious exemptions from anti-discrimination laws, and I explain the process by which we select certain stories. Thanks for watching!Sources:Secular Coalition for America Voter Guide:Secular Values Voter, “2016 Presidential Voter Guides.” Accessed August 24, 2016. http://www.secularvaluesvoter.org/get... Move to Lift Anti-Discrimination Exemptions from California’s Religious Schools:David Greene & Ben Adler, “Latest Religious Liberty Battle: Church-Affiliated Colleges & LGBT Students.” Accessed August 25, 2016. http://www.npr.org/2016/08/23/4910247... Pew Polling Data:Pew Research Center, “The Search for a New Congregation.” Accessed August 25, 2016. http://www.pewforum.org/2016/08/23/1-... News Ticker:Lynn Horsley, “Atheists sue over use of tax dollars relating to KC Baptist convention.” Accessed August 8, 2016. http://www.kansascity.com/news/politi... Hemant Mehta, “Arkansas is One Step Closer to Putting an Illegal Ten Commandments Monument on Capitol Grounds.” Accessed August 24, 2016. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendly... Ian Dunt, “The atheist parent guidebook: Campaigners give advice on combating religion in schools.“ Accessed August 18, 2016. http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2016/0... Fred Lucas, “Texas Judge Victorious Over Atheist Group in Prayer Dispute.” Accessed August 24, 2016. http://dailysignal.com/2016/08/16/tex... Bhavya Dore, “In Germany, secular ‘confirmation’ thrives again.” Accessed August 8, 2016. http://religionnews.com/2016/07/22/in...

Atheist Lowdown covers the end of the mini-convention with George Hrab, Dave Rubin, Paul Provenza, Kelly Carlin, Lawrence Krauss, John de Lancie, author Chris Johnson, Bengali activist Bonya Ahmed, and my interview with James Randi.

This week Turkey continues to experience turmoil, with its' secular future unclear, Hassidic schools in New York agree to comply with state sanctioned secular education rules, Scopes Monkey trial town to erect Clarence Darrow statue, and we catch a glimpse of the NonCon'16 in Canada, eh!Sources:Turkish Union Report on Islamification of Schools:CumHuriyet Gazetesi, “Eğitim-Sen'den önemli rapor: Kız çocuklarının okullaşma oranı düşüyor.” Accessed August 11, 2016. http://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/eg...Hassidic Schools to Improve Secular Education:Shai Landesman, US hassidic schools agree to improve secular education.“ Accessed August 9, 2016. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/New...Clarence Darrow Statue:Travis Loller, “In 'Scopes monkey trial' home, an evolution debate rages on.” Accessed August 10, 2016. http://www.sfchronicle.com/news/scien...News Ticker:Stuart Winer & Marissa Newman, “Knesset rolls back Haredi secular studies requirement.” Accessed August 6, 2016. http://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-...Americans United for Separation of Church & State, “Americans United Settles Lawsuit Over New Jersey Atheist’s Custom License Plate.” Accessed August 17, 2016. http://au.org/media/press-releases/am... Al Jazeera, “France cancels 'burkini pool day' over outrage.” Accessed August 11, 2016. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08... Stacey Barchenger & Holly Meyer, “Tennessee Sheriff to Pay $41k to Atheist Group.” Access August 17, 2016. http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/...

Our coverage of the start of the Mini-Convention after the Reason Rally with Sunday Assembly and interview of Russell Glasser.

Welcome to the lowdown. Near the end of the 2016 Reason Rally American Atheists President David Silverman spoke of the need to identify as an atheist, Representative Tulsi Gabbard spoke of our inclusive Constitution, and I chatted with musician Shelley Segal.The rally concluded with Bill Nye the Science Guy, freethought philanthropist Todd Stieffel, and powerful performance by the Wu Tang Clan. On the way out we were accosted by a group of Christians, what a wonderful ending to great day!Stay tuned for our next episode which looks at the mini-convention the day after the main rally. There were celebrities, panels, films, workshops and a rousing entertainment by Sunday Assembly. Sources: Mythicist Milwaukee, “Reason Rally 2016 Full Event Local Recording.” Accessed June 22, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mQVn...

Welcome to our coverage of the evening portion of the 2016 Reason Rally. Magician and comedian Penn Jillette sang some songs and told the heart wrenching and courageous story of singing contestant Carolina Pena. Civil Rights activist Maryam Namazie gave a stirring speech about the struggles atheists face in the rest of the world. I also spoke with Road to Reason host Scott Maddox about why he came to the rally. Anthony Pinn, a professor and author, later reminded the crowd that the rally is a celebration. Actor Annabelle Gurwitch introduced Lt Coln. Tom Gray who related the struggles of being an atheist in the military. Mexican diplomat Andres Roemer passionately spoke of the global interconnect society and international language of science. The crowd grew and the excitement built as the day went on.From creative signs and t-shirts to lively discussions Rally goers expressed themselves in a wide variety of ways. The flying spaghetti monster was on hand to take pictures. And even I couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement and sense of community. That is it for this episode. In the next installment we take a look at the conclusion of the main rally with David Silverman, Bill Maher, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and exclusive chats with Aron Ra and Shelley Segal. Thanks for watching.Sources: Mythicist Milwaukee, “Reason Rally 2016 Full Event Local Recording.” Accessed June 22, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mQVn...

BDEngler. “Several early copies of The Age of Reason” Accessed on June 21, 2016. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Library of Congress Collection. “Thomas Paine.”Mythicist Milwaukee, “Reason Rally 2016 Full Event Local Recording.” Accessed June 22, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mQVn... Richard Dawkins video courtesy of The Reason Rally Coalition.

In this episode we dive into the morning events of the Reason Rally. Paul Provenza emcee'd a line-up with the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, Lyz Lidell, JT Eberhard, Victor Harris, Robyn Blumner, Dave Grosso, and comedian Ricky Gervais. We take a look at the extent and nature of the anti-rally protesters including creationist Ray Comfort. We also feature an interview with Thinking Atheist podcaster Seth Andrews. Sources:American Humanists. “@LKrauss1 is good without a God! #humanism #ReasonRally.” Accessed June 21, 2016. https://twitter.com/americnhumanist/s... Lorraine Caballero. “Reason Rally 2016: Arrest threats did not stop Christians from attending atheist event.” Accessed July 1, 2016. http://www.christiandaily.com/article...Mythicist Milwaukee, “Reason Rally 2016 Full Event Local Recording.” Accessed June 22, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mQVn... Tyler O’neil, “13 Crazy Photos from the Atheist 'Reason Rally' in Washington, D.C.” Accessed June 22, 2016. https://pjmedia.com/trending/2016/06/... Skeptictok, “Evangelist Alan goes full on Old Testament prophet at 2016 Reason Rally.” Accessed June 20, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUpLH... Ricky Gervais video courtesy of The Reason Rally Coalition.

The first episode in our 8 part series on the 2016 Reason Rally. We travel to Washington learning about the pre-rally coverage, how the event was marketed, the purpose and attendence of the advocacy days, and what to we have in store in future shows.This year's rally aimed to show support for the secular viewpoint, advocate that reason and scientific evidence should be the basis for government decisions, and show the political clout of the secular and atheist community. The lowdown crew traveled to D.C. in the first of an eight part series on the rally. Check it out."The Reason Rally was sponsored by a coalition of secular groups including American Atheists, American Humanist Association, and Center for Inquiry. Kelly Damerow and David Silverman spearheaded a leadership group from all walks of life and many different interests all coming together for common causes.We arrived in America's capitol on Friday afternoon, third of June, a day ahead of the rally, before most, but behind the ardent activist who made their voices known lobbying to congress. June 2nd and 3rd were advocacy days in which 275 participants met with legislators on Capitol Hill to lobby in support of evidence-based sex education programs and the REYHA Act introduced by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). They advocated for federally funded sex education that should be comprehensive, not based on abstinence-only, an approach that, the organizers feel, has been proven to be ineffective.Friday night saw Baba Brinkman’s Rap Guide to Evolution, a performance exactly as the name suggests. The pre-rally days also included a secular bus tour, a Robert Ingersoll walking tour, and a VIP Dinner were the attendees could mingle with their favorite secular celebrities.”In the next episode we jump straight into the Rally. I’ll interview the Thinking Atheist Seth Andrews, we take a look at some crazy religious anti-rally protestors, Victor Harris waxes poetical about Christian oppression, and Comedian Ricky Gervais thinks ignorance is a pain in the ass.Sources:Fox News, “Americans Without Religion Lobby for Political Influence.” Accessed June 17, 2016. http://video.foxnews.com/v/4927893511... Reason Rally Coalition. Reason Rally Pitch Videos. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtnm...Ruby Mellen, “Thousands of atheists gather in DC for 'Reason Rally.’” Accessed June 2, 2016. http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/02/politic...

This week the DNC was hacked by the Russians, and we learned that Democratic officials were planning on smearing Sanders as an atheist. Kentucky's tea party gov is trying to roll back agreements to protect the state's children from religious indoctrination. Good news is that Greece may be incorporating Church/State separation into its constitution.Sources:DNC Discussion to Smear Bernie Sanders as Atheist:Brad Marshall, “No Shit.” Accessed August 2, 2016. https://wikileaks.com/dnc-emails/emai... Five Charged in Secular Blogger Murder:Hindustan Times, “Five Militants Charged for Secular Bangladesh Blogger’s Murder.” Accessed August 4, 2016. http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-n... Kentucky Oversight of Religious Indoctrination of Children:Josh James, “Foster Case Settlement Doesn't Sit Well With Bevin Administration. Accessed August 3, 2016. http://wuky.org/post/foster-case-sett... Greece Seeks to Reform Constitution:Reuters Staff, “Greece eyes constitution overhaul, more space between Orthodox Church and state.” Accessed August 9, 2016. http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2... News Ticker:Antonia Blumberg, “These Are The Religious Accommodations Available At The Rio Olympics.” Accessed August 6, 2016. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/t... Elizabeth Rawlins, “Organization wants Christian Flag removed from Bryan County Courthouse.” Accessed August 2, 2016. http://www.wtoc.com/story/32491079/or... Court house News Service, “Atheist Puerto Rican Cop Passes 1st-Circuit Hurdle.” Accessed August 8, 2016. http://www.courthousenews.com/2016/07... Mark Hodges, “Atheist wants military chaplains punished for wearing uniforms to a chaplains’ event.” Accessed August 2, 2016. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/ath...Adam Boult, “Atheists annoyed by pranksters listing ‘Jedi’ as their religion for census.” Accessed August 2, 2016. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/...

This week we have Donald Trump cozying up to evangelicals, a failed coup in Turkey, Nice terror attack, and the Nones in Australia set to become the largest "religious" affiliated group. Sources:Coup in Turkey:Anne Barker, “Turkey coup attempt reveals division over desire for secular or Islamist rule.“ Accessed July 20, 2016. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-18...The Young Turks, "Breaking: Turkish Military Attempted Coup to Overthrow Government." Accessed July 21, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeNO3...Australian Religious Affiliation in Census:Brian Morris, “Talking Point: Red Letter Day for Secular Australians.” Accessed July 19, 2016. http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opi...News Ticker:Aftab Ali,“Westminster University achieves national first by hiring first-ever paid secular adviser for staff and students.”Accessed July 19, 2016. http://www.independent.co.uk/student/... Katie Landoll, “Group says judge refused to perform secular marriage.“ Accessed July 19, 2016. http://www.opposingviews.com/i/religi...Pew Research Center, “Evangelicals Rally to Trump, Religious ‘Nones’ Back Clinton.” Accessed July 19, 2016. http://www.pewforum.org/2016/07/13/ev...Atheists in Kenya, “AIK Society Has Been Officially Suspended!” Accessed July 19, 2016. https://atheistsinkenya.com/2016/06/1...Janan Bsoul, “New Isreali Bill Would Allow Every - Even the Seular - to no work on Shabbat.“ Accessed July 19, 2016. http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/bu...Times of Malta, “Bill decriminalising vilification of religion approved: 'A sad day for Malta' - Archbishop.”Accessed July 19, 2016. http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/...

Our first on location report on the protest of the National Day of Prayer and promotion of the National Day of Reason.Sources:For more on Governor Abbot’s address at the May 2nd Prayer Breakfast visit: http://gov.texas.gov/news/press-relea...Richard Wackrow, “National Day of Prayer, National Day of Reason.“ Accessed May 7, 2016. http://missoulian.com/news/opinion/co... Associated Press, “Court dismisses suit over National Day of Prayer.” Accessed May 6, 2016. http://web.archive.org/web/2011041607...

Russian President Putin is attempting to resurrect Imperial days of church/state love, many Ten Commandment monuments have a strange history, Republicans try to give folks a reason to deny rights, and the Secular Student Alliance had a conference.Sources:Symphonia: No Separation of Church and State in Russia:Andrey Shirin, “Russia: The Other Christian Nation: A cozy relationship between church and state has lasting implications.” Accessed July 13, 2016. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2...First Amendment Defense Act Hearing:Oversight & Reform, “Religious Liberty and H.R. 2802, The First Amendment Defense Act (FADA) Part I.” Accessed July 13, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgGl6...Oversight & Reform, “Religious Liberty and H.R. 2802, the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA).” Accessed July 14, 2016. https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/r... Republican National Committee Platform:Jeremy W. Peters, “Emerging Republican Platform Goes Far to the Right.” Accessed July 13, 2016. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/13/us/... News Ticker:Jennifer Fenn Lefferts, “Suit challenges use of Community Preservation Act funds for churches.” Accessed July 13, 2016. https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/reg... Ed Zuckerman, “Atheist billboard removed, Pastor faces porn charges, Israel visa fraud case.” Accessed July 13, 2016. http://www.talkmedianews.com/rip-n-re... Seth Kaplan & Naftuli Moster, “Why Do Jewish Leaders Keep Ignoring Ultra-Orthodox Education Crisis?” Accessed July 13, 2016. http://forward.com/opinion/341055/why... Paul Bond, “God's Not Dead 2' Billboard Nixed at GOP Convention After Being Called ‘Incendiary.” Accessed July 14, 2016. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news...

This week's episode covers the recent attacks in Bangladesh and Turkey, Donald Trump's promises to evangelicals, a message from the U.N. to the U.K., and the boondoggle that is the Ark Encounter.Sources:Bangladesh and Turkey Terror Attacks:Behlül Özkan, “ISIS Is at War With Its ‘Other’ — Turkey’s Secular Democracy.” Accessed July 5, 2016. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/behlal-... Donald Trump’s Promises to Evangelicals:John Ward, “Transcript: Donald Trump’s closed-door meeting with evangelical leaders.” Accessed July 6, 2016. https://www.yahoo.com/news/transcript... United Nations Recommendations to the United Kingdom:Committee on the Rights of the Child, “Concluding observations on the fifth periodic report of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. “ Accessed July 6, 2016. http://www.secularism.org.uk/uploads/... National Secular Society, “UN children’s rights Committee calls on UK to abolish compulsory worship in schools.” Access July 6, 2016. http://www.secularism.org.uk/news/201... Ken Ham’s Ark Encounter Opens:Carol Costello, “Kentucky's magnificent, controversial ark.” Accessed June 29, 2016. http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/21/opinion... Tracey Moody, “Scenes from Ark Encounter’s Opening Day (Outside the Ark).” Accessed July 7, 2016. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendly... Courier Journal, “The controversial Ark Encounter previews Tuesday.” Accessed July 7, 2016. http://www.courier-journal.com/videos... News Ticker:Meaghan Wallace, “Berkeley County School Board suspends prayer at meetings.” Accessed July 5, 2016. http://www.live5news.com/story/323399...Nathan Jeffay, “Driven to suicide: Chasidic mum who became secular.” Accessed July 5, 2016. http://www.thejc.com/news/israel-news... Colin Perkel, “Atheist minister defends her views at United Church 'inquisition.” Accessed July 5, 2016. http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/atheist-...Travis Gettys, “Atheist author explains how Christianity conquered Europe like Starbucks monopolized coffee.” July 6,, 2016. https://www.rawstory.com/2016/06/athe... Atheists of Puerto Rico: https://ateistaspr.org/

I sat down with atheist blogger Neil Carter in Vicksburg, MS to talk about his religious upbringing, deconversion, writing, and how he thinks freethinkers can balance a busy life with secular activism. Sources:For the full Interview an Atheist in Church Day with Neil Carter visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hzHS...

Welcome to our official series premiere. Stay-tuned for our 8 part coverage of the 2016 Reason Rally starting July 7th and an interview with atheist blogger Neil Carter.Sources:SECULAR CAUCUS AT TEXAS DEMOCRATIC CONVENTIONSecular Coalition for Texas, “Texas Democratic Party Considering our Secular Resolutions!” Accessed June 28, 2016. http://states.secular.org/states/texa... ORLANDO MASS SHOOTINGC-Span, “House Democrats stage sit-in on House floor.” Accessed June 29, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkIl-... Univision, “Orlando massacre was "revenge," not terrorism, says man who claims he was gunman's lover.” Accessed June 29, 2016. http://www.univision.com/univision-ne...SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN TEXAS ABORTION LAWTimothy Kephart, “Supreme Court Overturns Part of Texas’ 2013 Abortion Law.” Accessed June 28, 2016. http://www.kvue.com/news/local/suprem... HARASSMENT OF FEMALE ATHEISTS & LGBT SUPPORTERS ON TWITTERBen Collins, “Twitter Trolls Are Reporting Pro-LGBT Muslim Women to Their Governments, Where Punishment Can Mean Death.” Accessed June 29, 2016. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles...FACEBOOK CENSORSHIP OF ATHEIST ARAB GROUPS Ayman El Kaissi, “Facebook facing heavy criticism after removing major atheist pages.” Accessed June 29, 2016. https://www.the-newshub.com/internati...RELIGION NO EXUSE TO NOT ISSUE MARRIAGE LIC. IN MSDavid Badash, “Breaking: Federal Judge Rules Clerks Cannot Cite Religion to Recuse From Issuing Marriage Licenses.” Accessed June 28, 2016. http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement....UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI CHAIR FOR STUDY OF ATHEISMLaurie Goodstein, “University of Miami Establishes Chair for Study of Atheism.” Accessed June 29, 2016. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/21/us/... University of Miami, “Gift Establishes Chair in Atheism, Humanism, and Secular Ethics.” Accessed June 29, 2016. http://news.miami.edu/stories/2016/05... News Ticker:BBC News, “Bangladesh: PM Sheikh Hasina vows to end deadly attacks.” Accessed June 24, 2016. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36... Carol Costello, “Kentucky's magnificent, controversial ark.” Accessed June 29, 2016. http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/21/opinion...

This is a preseason test episode. We will be covering the 2016 Reason Rally during the beginning of June. Season 1 will officially kick off on July 1st!Upcoming shows will include an Interview with Godless in Dixie Blogger Neil Carter, & Atheist Community of Austin Collaborate with the Texas Ramp Project.Sources:Pope Francis Supports Separation of Church and State:Guillaume Goubert & Sébastien Maillard, “INTERVIEW Pope Francis.” Accessed May 18, 2016. http://www.la-croix.com/Religion/Pape...Mark Woods, “Pope Francis: States should be secular, but protect religious freedom.” Accessed May 17, 2016.http://www.christiantoday.com/article...Islamist Arrested in Death of Atheist English Professor:Kate Mansfield, “Islamist militant arrested after English professor hacked to death ‘for being atheist.” Accessed May 19, 2016. http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/6...American Atheists Warn Florida Schools:WFTV 9 ABC, “Atheist group warns Florida schools to follow Pledge of Allegiance law.” Accessed May 17, 2016. http://www.wftv.com/news/local/atheis...Atheist and Satanist, Steve Hill Running for California Senate Seat:Josh Sanburn, “He’s an Atheist. A Satanist. And He Wants Your Vote.” Accessed May 17, 2016. http://time.com/4328169/satanic-templ... Semantic Controversy Over Maryland Congressional Candidate’s Beliefs:Hemant Mehta, “Jamie Raskin, Maryland Democrat Running for Congress, Will Speak at the Reason Rally.” Accessed May 18, 2016. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendly...American Atheists Sue Tennessee Sheriff:Sara Sidery, “UPDATE: Atheist group sues Bradley Co. Sheriff Watson for Facebook censorship.” Accessed May 15, 2016. http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/31640410/...2016 Reason Rally:http://reasonrally.org/News Ticker:Billy Hallowell, “God Didn’t Create Man’: Atheist Erects 20 Controversial Billboards. Here’s What They Proclaim.” Accessed May 17, 2016. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2016/...Al Arabiya News, “Prominent secular Iraqi: Arab nationalism leaders are Iraqi Shiite.” Accessed May 17, 2016. http://english.alarabiya.net/en/media... Bryna Godar, “Congress Sued for Barring Atheist From Delivering Invocation.” Accessed May 20, 2016. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireSt...Henrietta Cook, “Preacher's dab hand angers secular state school parents.” Accessed May 18, 2016. http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/pre...David Edwards, “Calif. school district bans atheist scholarships — but allows them from Scientology.” Accessed May 19, 2016. http://www.rawstory.com/2016/04/calif...Barbara Hollingsworth, “Vatican Cardinal to Americans: ‘In Your Nation, God Is Being Eroded, Eclipsed, Liquidated.” Accessed May 19, 2016. http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/b...