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Ky. Atheists Fight 'Foolish' Security Law

Amendment says state relies on 'almighty God' for protection

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 5, 2008 12:03 PM CST

(Newser) – Atheists are kicking up an almighty fuss about legislation that states Kentucky's safety and security can only be achieved through reliance on God, the Chicago Tribune reports. Bluegrass State unbelievers have filed a lawsuit seeking to have the offending law repealed, saying they fear their security may be in the hands of "fanatics, traitors, or fools."

"It's as absurd to me as it would be to a fundamental Christian if you told them the security of Kentucky is in the hands of almighty Zeus," said one plaintiff. The state rep who sneaked the bill into law 2 years ago is a former Baptist preacher who has long battled the separation of church and state, arguing that removing references to God from public places is suppressing American history.

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Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear says he believes it's the state's duty to follow a controversial security law stating Kentucky relies on God for protection. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

Atheists in Kentucky have filed a lawsuit charging that a state law stressing security relies on God violates their First Amendment rights. (Shutter Stock)

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If there is anything that this law accomplishes it's that it lets the state officially stick it to the atheists. But the First Amendment means that the state is not allowed to stick it to the atheists. - Andrew Koppelman, a Northwestern University law professor

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Ky. Atheists Fight 'Foolish' Security Law