PRESS RELEASES
FFRF wants Mich. city to cancel church service at festival
8/3/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is requesting a Michigan city to cancel plans to allow organized Christian worship at a city-sponsored event this coming weekend. A concerned local resident informed FFRF that Menominee's 35th Annual Waterfront Festival schedule includes an "Outdoor Church Service" at 10 … More »
FFRF stops religious propagation at Wisc. school
8/3/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has snipped the ties between a Wisconsin elementary school and a religious financial firm. Last month, it was brought to the attention of FFRF that Bristol Elementary School in Bristol, Wis., had partnered with Thrivent Financial, a Christian financial services … More »
FFRF gets support in unconstitutional N.J. funding case
8/2/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is grateful for the backing of kindred organizations in a New Jersey case it is fighting against the unconstitutional funding of churches. Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the American Civil Liberties Union recently submitted an amicus … More »
White House bible study wastes time, money
8/2/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is appalled that the Trump administration holds weekly bible study sessions at the White House. The list of attendees reportedly contains the names of several officials whose appointments FFRF objected to because of their inability to keep their personal religion … More »
FFRF outraged at creationism in Ohio public school
7/31/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is outraged that creationist myth is being taught at an online Ohio public charter school based out of Akron. A concerned parent of an Ohio Distance & Electronic Learning Academy student contacted FFRF to report the school’s biology classes include … More »
Kansas governor bad pick for “religious freedom” ambassador
7/28/2017 · President Trump's latest appointee is as dreadful as his earlier ones. Trump has nominated Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback as an ambassador-at-large for religious freedom. Trump has chosen several other religious zealots for contradictory and preposterous posts, like asking foxes to guard the henhouse, as FFRF … More »
Wisc. school agrees to turn off Christian radio
7/28/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is commending a Wisconsin school district for turning off a Christian broadcasting station on a school bus. Early in spring, FFRF sent a letter to the Stevens Point Area Public School District due to concerns over a bus driver who … More »
Evangelical group abuses school access in Wisconsin
7/27/2017 · A dubious evangelical group that seeks out children is outrageously misusing school privileges to spread its doctrine at an elementary school in Wisconsin. The Child Evangelism Fellowship, operator of 5-Day Clubs and Good News Clubs across the country, launched its two-week evangelical invasion of Milwaukee-area … More »
FFRF alarmed about Ky. elementary school bible classes
7/27/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is deeply troubled about elementary school bible classes being taught in a Kentucky school district. A concerned local parent informed FFRF that the Knox County Public Schools system teaches elementary students bible classes. The district reportedly sends letters to … More »
Reserve rooms now for FFRF fun-filled annual convention
7/26/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation urges all members to book their hotel rooms for its fun-filled annual convention in Wisconsin's scenic capital Come September. The Sept. 15-17 gala event at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace in downtown Madison, Wis., will include speeches and entertainment … More »
Tennessee mayor doubles down on violating Constitution
7/26/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking a Tennessee county mayor to reconsider his unwise decision to keep religious inscriptions on its courthouse walls. FFRF is alarmed by Henderson County’s plan to retain a biblical engraving on its courthouse after receiving a letter in June … More »
FFRF urges close scrutiny of appeals court nominee
7/26/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has strong reservations about an appeals court nominee's fitness for the judgeship. In a number of questions it proposes to Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, FFRF expresses its concerns about Notre Dame law professor Amy Coney Barrett, whom President … More »
FFRF raises alarm in Ill. over parking discrimination
7/25/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is warning an Illinois city against giving unconstitutional parking privileges to a religious organization during an upcoming event. The city of Rockford is planning to waive a $5 per day parking fee during the Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention — which will … More »
FFRF asserts that Ark Encounter sale invalidates Kentucky subsidies
7/21/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is condemning a questionable sale of the creationist Kentucky ark park and is calling upon the state to rescind its sales tax subsidies. The Ark Encounter — the Noah's Ark-themed park that creationist Ken Ham operates — reportedly sold its … More »
Kentucky notifies Ark Encounter that it has breached its tax incentive agreement
7/21/2017 · The Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet notified the operators of the Ark Encounter that it is in breach of its Tourism Development Agreement with the state. That agreement provides up to $18 million in state subsidies for the Ark project in the form … More »
Ole Miss head football coach resigns amid scandal—FFRF not surprised
7/21/2017 · University of Mississippi's head football coach, Hugh Freeze was forced to resign Thursday night after an investigation by school officials revealed a "pattern" of phone calls from the coach to a female escort service. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is unsurprised to learn that … More »
FFRF spotlights taxpayer-subsidized NYC religious entity
7/20/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is shining a spotlight on an apparent case of a taxpayer-subsidized religious organization in New York City. A concerned New York taxpayer contacted FFRF to report that the New York Quarterly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, a New … More »
FFRF halts Ohio County’s plan to finance religion
7/20/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has stopped an Ohio county's attempt to divert public dollars into exclusively religious organizations. Earlier this month, it was brought to FFRF's attention that Cuyahoga County had issued a "request for proposal" so that it could offer outreach services limited … More »
FFRF cautions Milwaukee about evangelical “blitz”
7/19/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is warning Milwaukee parents about an evangelical offensive. The freethought organization is partnering with Protect Our Children and Southeast Wisconsin Freethinkers to alert parents and community members that a two-week invasion of evangelical missionaries targeting children is beginning in the … More »
FFRF stops Wis. instructors’ participation in religious club
7/19/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has made certain that a Wisconsin school district's employees will not take part in a student religious organization. A concerned member contacted FFRF to report that the School District of Onalaska's employees were participating in the student religious club Fellowship … More »
FFRF welcomes Belle Plaine’s new policy against religious displays
7/18/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation commends a Minnesota town's new policy to bar private displays on religion, even if the town arrived there after unnecessary turbulence. In Veterans Memorial Park in Belle Plaine, 45 miles southwest of the Twin Cities, a cutout statue of a … More »
FFRF has religion fished out from Illinois contest
7/18/2017 · An Illinois statewide fishing competition will not be angling for religion, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A concerned Illinois resident informed FFRF that the Illinois High School Association, in conjunction with the Fishing League Worldwide, started this year's 2017 IHSA Bass Fishing State … More »
FFRF asserts Colorado shouldn’t fund religious entities
7/18/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation will be attempting to convince a Colorado civil rights committee this evening that the state constitutional "No Aid" clause should be preserved and enforced. FFRF Director of Strategic Response Andrew Seidel will be testifying at the University of Denver tonight, … More »
FFRF to testify before Wis. Assembly against anti-abortion bill
7/17/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is testifying at the Wisconsin Statehouse against an egregiously overreaching anti-abortion bill. FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover is speaking 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 18 on Assembly Bill 206, before a hearing of the Assembly Committee on Science and Technology. The … More »
FFRF ensures no indoctrination during N.H. hunter training
7/14/2017 · Due to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, there won't be any Christian indoctrination permitted during official hunter training in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department facilitates hunter safety classes throughout New Hampshire. A person who contacted FFRF attended a class on April … More »
N.C. appeals court strikes down county prayers
7/14/2017 · A North Carolina appeals court has handed a big victory to the First Amendment.The Freedom From Religion Foundation had signed on to a friend-of-the-court brief filed in 2015 with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals asking the court to strike down the Rowan … More »
FFRF legal battle continues against prayerful Texas judge
7/13/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is moving forward in its legal fight to stop a Texas justice of the peace from imposing prayers at the start of each court session. On Wednesday, July 12, FFRF filed a response to deny Judge Wayne Mack's motion … More »
Indiana school district promises no more graduation prayers
7/13/2017 · An Indiana school district has promised the Freedom From Religion Foundation that graduation prayers will not occur again in its schools. A concerned Elkhart Community Schools parent contacted FFRF to report that the 2016-17 graduation ceremony at the Roosevelt STEAM Academy began with a prayer. … More »
FFRF wants government-organized creationist outing nixed
7/13/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking that a Georgia county agency cancel an upcoming creationist outing. The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency is organizing a trip to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum for senior community members from Oct. 2-5. The Ark Encounter, recently … More »
FFRF says Minn. community center should be secular
7/12/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is aiming for a city-owned community center in Minnesota to be secular and inclusive of everyone in the community. The city of Corcoran is allowing a church to run a city-owned and city-funded community center. A concerned local resident contacted … More »
FFRF proudly underwrites legal legend’s statue
7/11/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proudly financing a monument to the illustrious civil libertarian and lawyer who legally battled on behalf of science. The statue of Clarence Darrow is to be dedicated on Friday, July 14, right in front of the site of the … More »
FFRF honors students of color essayists with over $10,000
7/10/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proudly awarding more than $10,000 to the winners of its 2017 annual essay contest for minority high school students. The nation's premier freethinkers' organization has announced the 14 winners of the 2017 David Hudak Memorial High School Essay Contest … More »
FFRF wants Oregon roadside cross removed
7/10/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking that a big cross on public property be relocated. A concerned local resident informed FFRF that a large roadside cross, about 4 feet tall, is on permanent display in Salem off of Kuebler Boulevard just west of Stroh … More »
Indiana team’s trip a flagrant constitutional violation
7/6/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is warning an Indiana school district about allowing its high school soccer team to go on a Christian mission trip. The NorthWood High School girl's soccer team, part of Wa-Nee Community Schools in Nappanee, took a mission trip to Panama … More »
FFRF insists on cancellation of Ark Encounter trip
7/6/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is warning a government-funded Kentucky senior center against going ahead with an outing to an infamously unscientific Christian theme park. The Lexington Senior Center is advertising and promoting a day trip to the Ark Encounter on July 12. The Ark … More »
FFRF demands that N.H. state agency stop proselytization
7/5/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting that a New Hampshire state agency put a halt to the blatant propagation of Christianity during official safety lessons. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department facilitates hunter safety classes throughout New Hampshire. A person who contacted FFRF … More »
FFRF wants cross removed from Georgia fire station
7/5/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking for an outsized cross to be taken down from a Georgia fire station. A concerned local resident contacted FFRF to report that a large cross is on display at Catoosa County Fire Station 3 right off of U.S. … More »
FFRF disappointed at Florida city’s appeal of cross removal
7/5/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is disappointed that the city of Pensacola is needlessly appealing a judicially ordered removal of a massive cross from a local park. A few weeks ago, two of the country's leading secular organizations, FFRF and the American Humanist Association's Appignani … More »
FFRF appalled at new Kentucky bible law
6/30/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is appalled at a new law in Kentucky that promotes the bible in the public school system. "A new Kentucky law going into effect Thursday will allow bible courses to be taught in public schools," states an article in The … More »
Indiana school board ceases prayers
6/30/2017 · After receiving a warning from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, an Indiana school board has ended its dubious practice of opening meetings with prayer. At three board meetings this year, the Southern Wells Community School Board in Wells, Ind., held opening prayers with one led … More »
FFRF, ACLU file appeals brief in Indiana nativity case
6/30/2017 · Two prominent watchdog organizations have taken the next step in an intense Indiana state/church legal battle. Each December for nearly half a century, the Performing Arts Department of Concord High School in Elkhart, Ind., staged several performances of its "Christmas Spectacular." Each performance culminated in … More »
Congress stealthily permitting church electioneering
6/30/2017 · Congress is engaging in cloak-and-dagger tactics to thwart public opinion with a sneaky attempt to undermine a more than 60-year-old prohibition on church electioneering. Nearly 4,500 nonprofits signed a joint letter to Congress in opposing repeal of the Johnson Amendment, a move that would be … More »
FFRF touts rule of law in Arkansas commandments case
6/28/2017 · FFRF does not condone violating the Constitution by erecting a Ten Commandments monument on the Arkansas Capitol grounds. Nor do we condone breaking the law to remove such a display. Early today a mentally ill Christian rammed his car into the controversial Ten Commandments monument … More »
FFRF asks appeals court to rule against divisive Calif. school board prayer
6/28/2017 · Plaintiffs Michael Anderson, Larry Madonado and attorney David J.P. Kaloyanides, along with FFRF and 20 other plaintiffs, won a lawsuit against the Chino Valley School District in February 2016, stopping prayers during board meetings. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking the 9th U.S. Circuit … More »
FFRF censures Missouri anti-women legislation
6/28/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation strongly denounces a piece of pending anti-choice legislation that would endanger the well-being of women across Missouri. Senate Bill 5, introduced in the Missouri Senate on June 12, it bolted through the two legislative chambers over the past couple of … More »
FFRF challenges Ala. school district’s numerous breaches
6/27/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is raising objections to multiple constitutional violations that have been occurring in an Alabama school system. FFRF has in recent months received many complaints from several local residents about Jefferson County Schools, based in and around Birmingham. A resident reported that … More »
Arkansas will regret placing Ten Commandments monument at Capitol
6/27/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling the state of Arkansas' decision to place a massive Ten Commandments monument at the Capitol a huge misstep. The Arkansas Statehouse passed a law in 2015 sponsoring a Ten Commandments marker. After years of legal disputes, work crews … More »
FFRF blasts Supreme Court’s Trinity Lutheran decision
6/26/2017 · The U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision today that could inflict incalculable damage upon the constitutional wall of separation between state and church. Seven justices turned their backs on the hallowed principle that citizens should not be forced to financially support churches and church … More »
FFRF appalled by ruling on discriminatory Mississippi bill
6/26/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is dismayed about an appeals court's misguided decision to allow a discriminatory bill to become law in Mississippi. House Bill 1523, which privileges certain religious beliefs by allowing discrimination in their name, was initially stopped from becoming law by federal … More »
N.C. sheriff’s department complies with FFRF
6/26/2017 · FFRF recently sent a letter to the Ashe County Sheriff's Office, based in Jefferson, objecting to a "Time of Prayer" event it was scheduled to host on Saturday, June 24. Highlighting the event was a prayer led by Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of … More »
FFRF insists on cross removal from Tex. sheriff’s office
6/23/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is demanding that a prominently exhibited cross be taken down from a Texas sheriff's office. A concerned local resident informed FFRF that a Latin cross is on display above the reception window in the Presidio County Sheriff's Office. The cross … More »
FFRF nixes coach-led prayers in Kansas
6/22/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has stopped coach-led praying in a Kansas school district. Following a basketball game on Jan. 31, the Cheylin High School and the Weskan High School boys basketball teams joined together for a prayer at center court. Coaches from both teams … More »
N.C. sheriff’s office makes changes to prayer event
6/22/2017 · A North Carolina sheriff's office has agreed to cease its promotion of a fast-approaching prayer event after the Freedom From Religion Foundation raised constitutional objections. FFRF recently sent a letter to the Ashe County Sheriff's Office, based in Jefferson, objecting to a "Time of Prayer" event … More »
FFRF opposes N.C. sheriff prayer event
6/21/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is protesting an upcoming religious event scheduled and promoted by a North Carolina sheriff's office. The Ashe County Sheriff's Office, based in Jefferson, is hosting a "Time of Prayer" event on Saturday, June 24, which it is promoting on both … More »
FFRF wants Christian Texas courthouse sign removed
6/21/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking for a blatantly Christian sign to be removed from a Texas courthouse. A concerned Orange County citizen recently contacted FFRF to report that prominently displayed in the county courthouse building is a religious sign stating "Trust In The … More »
Minn. assemblywoman disgracefully misuses office
6/20/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is condemning a Minnesota state representative's outrageous misuse of her official position in preaching from the House floor. During a May 23 debate over whether or not to pass an amendment to an omnibus tax bill, state Rep. Abigail Whelan … More »
FFRF proudly underwrites Clarence Darrow statue
6/20/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation, thanks to the support of its members nationwide, is proudly underwriting an impressive monument to the eminent civil libertarian who fought perhaps the most famous legal battle in U.S. history. The statue of legendary lawyer and rationalist Clarence Darrow is … More »
FFRF disturbed over Ill. city council’s prayers
6/20/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is troubled over an Illinois city council's trend of scheduling exclusively Christian leaders to give invocations at its meetings. During a Peoria City Council meeting to install newly elected officials last month, Monsignor Stanley Deptula of the city's Catholic Diocese … More »
Secular groups to get gigantic cross yanked from Fla. park
6/19/2017 · Two of the country’s leading secular organizations have achieved a big legal victory today with a ruling against a massive cross in a Florida public park. The 34-foot white Latin cross that the city of Pensacola owns, displays and funds dominates the Bayview Park. The … More »
Texas Statehouse harms children with new law
6/16/2017 · Texas has a new unnecessary and harmful law in the name of religious freedom. Both chambers of the Texas Statehouse recently approved House Bill 3859, with the Orwellian name the "Freedom to Serve Children Act," which allows child welfare providers to decline services on the … More »
FFRF objects to official devout Indiana messages
6/16/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is protesting explicitly religious correspondence that regularly originates from an Indiana government office. A concerned local resident informed FFRF that condolence letters on behalf of "North Township Trustee Frank J. Mrvan and staff" to express sympathy for recent deaths of … More »
FFRF salutes Penn. school district's graduation policy
6/16/2017 · The Freedom From Religious Foundation is applauding a Pennsylvania school district for respecting the right of conscience of all its students. At the recent Beaver High School graduation ceremony, the Beaver Area School District adopted a policy to review the proposed remarks of designated student … More »
FFRF asks Fla. schools to investigate unconstitutional prayer and partnership
6/15/2017 · FFRF is asking that a Florida school district investigate state-church constitutional violations within its athletic program. Three high schools in the Alachua County School District – Gainesville, Eastside and Buchholtz – are scheduled to attend a Fellowship of Christian Athletes football camp this summer. The … More »
New Fla. law will fail its schools
6/14/2017 · Florida Gov. Rick Scott last week signed into law Senate Bill 436: the "Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act." The Freedom From Religion Foundation has been strongly opposed to it, issuing three action alerts to its members when the legislation was pending … More »
Wisconsin bill limits voucher accountability
6/13/2017 · A new Wisconsin bill will further hide the state's voucher schools in a cloak of secrecy. On Friday, June 9, the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Education voted 4-3 to approve a bill introduced just a few days before that would roll back accountability measures applying … More »
FFRF confronts religious Ala. police department
6/13/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is charging that an Alabama police department's intensely religious behavior is unlawful. The city of Wetumpka reportedly hosts a "CJ Deputy Summer Program" at the Wetumpka Police Department that includes "Daily Devotionals." The police department also hosts a monthly dinner … More »
FFRF picks apart group’s incursion into Wis. town
6/12/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is poking holes in a Christian apologist group's intervention on behalf of public religious signs in a Wisconsin town. FFRF wrote last month to the city of Oconomowoc, objecting to two identical Christian signs on government land there. The displays … More »
Expected Falwell appointment a blessing to his bottom line
6/12/2017 · Statement by Freedom From Religion Foundation One of the nation's most prominent educational theocrats will reportedly be in charge of regulating himself. Jerry Falwell Jr. is expected to head a new task force to deregulate higher education — in ways that will harm students and taxpayers … More »
FFRF to creationist: Resign from education committee
6/9/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is suggesting that a creationist Wisconsin state representative step down from a key Assembly committee. State Rep. Jesse Kremer, R-Kewaskum, recently espoused creationism as a member of the Wisconsin Assembly's Committee on Colleges and Universities. At a May 11 public … More »
Constitution triumphs in Florida prayer judgment
6/9/2017 · A recent judicial ruling in a Florida prayer case is a resounding victory for the separation of state and church. "A federal judge has sided with the Florida High School Athletic Association in a dispute about whether a Christian school should have been allowed to … More »
FFRF unveils “The Most Unpleasant Character” webpage
6/9/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is excited to unveil its new “Unpleasant Companion” webpage, a searchable database of Old Testament verses proving that God is, indeed, the most unpleasant character. The pro-blasphemy site was inspired by biologist Richard Dawkins’ sentence in chapter 2 … More »
FFRF asks Ala. school to keep future graduations secular
6/8/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has asked a public high school in Alabama to cease endorsing religion in its future graduation activities. After Opp High School in Opp, Ala., scheduled religion into its graduation functions, FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover wrote to the school district … More »
FFRF takes on Texas attorney general
6/8/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is facing off with the Texas attorney general in an ongoing lawsuit in the Lone Star State. On June 7, the state/church watchdog filed a brief opposing Ken Paxton's request to intervene in FFRF's case against Montgomery County Justice of … More »
FFRF raises alarm over N.C. county’s Ramadan decree
6/8/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is raising a red flag about a North Carolina county's recent Ramadan proclamation. On June 6, the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners issued a resolution declaring May 26–June 24 as "The Month of Ramadan" in the county. The board inserted … More »
Indiana school district prayer stops due to FFRF
6/7/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has persuaded an Indiana school district to discontinue a practice of praying at staff meetings. A concerned Concord Community Schools employee informed FFRF last year that at two districtwide events, the official program traditionally contains a Christian prayer, introduced and … More »
N.J. Supreme Court to hear FFRF case
6/7/2017 · A legal battle that the Freedom From Religion Foundation is fighting in New Jersey over unconstitutional funding is now headed to the state's highest judicial arena. The New Jersey Supreme Court has accepted a direct appeal of a trial-level decision that allowed Morris County to … More »
FFRF weighs in on N.Y. public school Ramadan debate
6/7/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation would like to weigh in on the media storm generated by the special Ramadan accommodation for Muslim students at a New York high school. The Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, N.Y., has reserved a room each in its two … More »
FFRF assails Ky. governor’s new proposal
6/6/2017 · Credit: Gage Skidmore The Freedom From Religion Foundation is taking a dim view of a new Kentucky gubernatorial initiative. Gov. Matt Bevin is touting an unconstitutional plan to combat rising violence in Louisville: prayer walks. Announcing this irresponsible strategy recently, he said: The lieutenant governor and myself … More »
FFRF addresses religious graduation activities at N.C. schools
6/6/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has urged two public schools in North Carolina to keep their graduation ceremonies secular. After a high school in Raleigh and an elementary school in Moravian Falls had scheduled religion into their graduation functions, FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote … More »
FFRF demands N.C. senior center cease prayers
6/5/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is demanding that a publicly funded senior citizens facility in North Carolina cease its prayerfulness. A concerned area resident contacted FFRF to let it know that the Morehead City, N.C.-based Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center, a public facility operated and … More »
FFRF condemns Supreme Court decision exempting religious entities from pension laws
6/5/2017 · The U.S. Supreme Court has given religious institutions a free hand to cheat their employees. According to the court's decision today, church-affiliated corporations are exempt from a rule meant to protect employees from companies that promise them retirement but fail to deliver. The Employee Retirement Income … More »
End prayers at subsidized N.M. senior center, FFRF insists
6/1/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is protesting the unconstitutional practice of prayer at a government-funded senior citizens center in New Mexico. A concerned member of the Grants, N.M.-based Cibola Senior Citizens Center, an institution that receives most of its support from state and federal funding, … More »
FFRF corrects Washingtonian inaccuracy
5/31/2017 · An obligation to the truth forces the Freedom From Religion Foundation to rectify a Trump cabinet member's grossly inaccurate remark about our first president. During the U.S. Coast Guard commencement ceremony on May 17, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly stated that George Washington added "so … More »
FFRF objects to Gideon bible distribution in Texas school
5/31/2017 · Photo of illegal bible distribution provided to media by Brenda Lucas, assistant to the superintendent for the Tenaha ISD. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is strongly protesting that a Texas school district permitted the Gideons to hand out bibles to elementary school kids. The Gideons were … More »
FFRF denounces Maine Senate censorship
5/26/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is denouncing the Maine Senate's censorship of a humanist invocation. Thomas Waddell, head of FFRF Maine, worked with state Sen. Shenna Bellows to deliver the opening invocation before the Maine State Senate. This request was initially approved by the secretary … More »
Don’t pray at meetings, FFRF insists to Fla. county board
5/25/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting that a Florida county commissioners' board cease starting its meetings with a prayer. A concerned local resident contacted FFRF to report that the Clay County Board of County Commissioners opens its meetings with commissioner-led prayers. These prayers are … More »
FFRF protests huge cross in Missouri park
5/24/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is requesting that a Missouri town remove a massive cross on public property. There is a Christian cross at Big Spring Park in the city of Neosho. It is very large, up to 60 feet in length, on the side … More »
W.Va. schools’ bible class suspension welcome first step
5/24/2017 · Plaintiff Elizabeth Deal A school district in West Virginia has decided to suspend its "Bible in the Schools" classes next school year in response to a Freedom From Religion Foundation lawsuit against its egregiously unconstitutional "Bible in the Schools" program. FFRF, along with two parents … More »
FFRF to Trump in New York Times ad: Mr. President, build up that wall!
5/24/2017 · Click to enlarge please! The Freedom From Religion Foundation has a message for President Trump — and it's sharing that message with the public in a full-page New York Times ad. The communiqué is partially prompted by Trump's recent commencement remarks to Jerry Falwell's Liberty University … More »
FFRF contests Missouri superintendent’s evangelical zeal
5/23/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is taking issue with a Missouri school district superintendent’s open evangelizing at school events. Willard Public Schools Superintendent Kent Medlin gave religious remarks and a prayer at the recent Willard High School graduation ceremony. He reportedly quoted the bible repeatedly … More »
FFRF condemns Manchester attack
5/23/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation expresses its deep sorrow at the horrifying toll of the Manchester terror attack — a toll that, heartbreakingly, includes a number of children. While all the details aren't available yet, the act is a work of a suicide bomber, who, … More »
FFRF & ACLU urge cancellation of official Fla. religious event
5/19/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation and the ACLU of Florida are urging the Florida state government to cancel an annual state-sponsored event that's suffused with religion. The two organizations have received multiple complaints about the annual Florida Faith Symposium, a conference co-sponsored by the Florida … More »
Trump budget spells disaster for public education, says FFRF
5/19/2017 · President Trump's proposed education budget would damage public schools and shortchange students in order to fund religious schools, charges the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The budget, expected to be formally released May 23, reportedly would cut $10.6 billion from federal education initiatives and pour about … More »
FFRF appeals for Saudi atheist’s life
5/17/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is appealing to the State Department for a Saudi nonbeliever's life. Ahmad Al-Shamri was arrested on charges of atheism and blasphemy after he uploaded material to social media that allegedly trivialized Islam and the Prophet Mohammed. Leaving Islam, or "apostasy," … More »
FFRF questions Texas AG’s ties to religious advocacy group
5/17/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is investigating possible ethics violations by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to advance the interests of First Liberty Institute, a religious rights advocacy organization. Last year Paxton recruited two First Liberty attorneys to work in the attorney general's office. Jeff … More »
Indianapolis police department will stop promoting religion
5/17/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has successfully stopped the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department from promoting religion through its government email server. FFRF was contacted by a concerned local resident after an email to city employees was sent by IMPD Police Chief Bryan Roach in March … More »
FFRF offers ‘A’ badge to counter Scout bias
5/16/2017 · Even as the Boy Scouts of America is acquitting itself well on LGBT equality, it still has a blind spot regarding another marginalized group: atheists and nonbelievers. The civic organization's repeal of its ban against gays recently incurred the wrath of the Mormon church, which … More »
FFRF warns Wisconsin city about Christian signs
5/16/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is warning a city in Wisconsin about constitutional concerns raised by religious signs on public property. A concerned local resident contacted FFRF to report that there are two identical Christian signs on city land in Oconomowoc. They say, "THE CHURCHES … More »
FFRF urges end of special relationship with the Vatican
5/15/2017 · With the pending announcement of a new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging that this unconstitutional and inappropriate ambassadorship be discontinued. Callista Gingrich is reportedly being picked to be the next envoy to the Holy See. The State Department … More »
Trump’s pandering at Liberty U crosses the line
5/15/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is appalled at President Trump's extreme pandering to evangelicals and his degrading treatment of nonbelieving Americans at his weekend commencement speech at Liberty University. Trump repeated tired tropes meant to show this is indeed a Christian nation at the evangelical stronghold … More »
FFRF upbraids Fla. city commissioner
5/12/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is chastising a Florida city commissioner for his mishandling of the city's invocation practice. On May 4, the National Day of Prayer, a board member of the Central Florida Freethought Community gave a secular invocation as part of the Eustis … More »
FFRF strongly opposes religious edict in Va. courthouse
5/11/2017 · Photos Courtesy of Nelson Commonwealth Attorney Daniel Rutherford The Freedom From Religion Foundation is objecting to a proposal by county supervisors to display a recently unveiled overtly religious edict in a Virginia courthouse. "Virtus — Keep God's Commandments — Veritas" was not long ago revealed on … More »
FFRF outraged by heinous human rights violation
5/10/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is horrified by the chilling report that a young Saudi man has been sentenced to death for atheistic social media posts that "insulted" the prophet Muhammad. Ahmad Al-Shamri came to the attention of Saudi Arabian authorities' in 2014 after he allegedly uploaded material to … More »
Chicago police needs to cut it out
5/10/2017 · The Chicago Police Department should immediately halt the many ways it is violating our secular Constitution, says the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A concerned department employee has contacted FFRF to report that many department events include invocations and benedictions, typically delivered by the police chaplain, … More »
State/church watchdog erects billboards in Colorado Springs
5/10/2017 · A national nontheist group and its local chapter have installed a couple of timely billboards in Colorado Springs, Colo. "The only wall we need is between church and state," reads one, set up by the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the state/church watchdog's Colorado Springs … More »
FFRF continues battle against theocratic Pa. county symbols
5/9/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is continuing its legal fight against a very Christian Pennsylvania county seal and flag. FFRF and several local members sued Pennsylvania's Lehigh County last year to remove a Latin cross from its seal and flag. The state/church watchdog recently filed a summary judgment motion … More »
FFRF testifies to preserve Johnson Amendment
5/9/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has submitted testimony to Congress urging it to maintain a ban on church electioneering. FFRF filed suit last week over President Trump's executive order against enforcement of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits tax-exempt nonprofits from engaging in campaigning. Trump's directive lifts the proscription only … More »
Two Calif. mayors abandon prayer luncheon after FFRF warning
5/5/2017 · After a warning from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, two California mayors abandoned an official prayer luncheon with a disreputable speaker. The annual East County Mayors' Prayer Luncheon on May 4 was billed as a chance to meet "mayors from 4 different cities" and included … More »
FFRF sues Trump over church politicking
5/4/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation will legally challenge President Trump over his “religious liberty” executive order today. The order and Trump’s repeated statements clearly communicate to churches that they can now endorse political candidates from the pulpit. FFRF’s lawsuit was filed on May 4 in … More »
FFRF files against church politicking order
5/4/2017 · As the watchers on the wall of separation between state and church, we're pleased to announce we've just filed a federal lawsuit against President Trump's harmful executive order giving churches the green light to engage in politicking. FFRF is fighting for you on this "National … More »
FFRF warns Calif. mayors about prayer luncheon
5/3/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is warning the mayors of four California towns about lending their government titles to a prayer luncheon featuring a disreputable speaker. The annual East County Mayors Prayer Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, May 4. It is billed as a chance … More »
Paula Poundstone to headline FFRF’s 40th convention – sign up today!
5/3/2017 · Only $40 to attend 40th convention! The Freedom From Religion Foundation is pleased to announce that comedian Paula Poundstone, an “out” atheist, will perform at our 40th annual convention the weekend of Sept. 15-17 in Madison, Wis. Poundstone, included in Comedy Central’s list of “100 … More »
FFRF continues to fight against tax break for hometown church
5/3/2017 · St. Raphael's owns a 1.3-acre lot in downtown Madison that is assessed at more than $4 million The Freedom From Religion Foundation is continuing its legal battle to ensure that a Catholic church in its hometown pays its fair share of taxes. The state/church separation watchdog … More »
FFRF reprimands Kentucky Statehouse for religious resolution
5/2/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is chastising the Kentucky Legislature for a theocratic joint resolution. The Kentucky Senate and House passed SR 294 and HR 218, respectively, which are essentially identical and resolve to "include 'in the Year of our Lord' in the date of … More »
FFRF ensures Gideon ban from Michigan school district
5/1/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has made sure that the Gideons won't ever again be permitted to distribute bibles in a Michigan school district. A concerned Union City Community Schools community member contacted FFRF to report that several adult members of Gideons International were allowed … More »
FFRF insists Wis. teachers stop taking part in religious club
4/28/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting that teachers at a Wisconsin high school end their involvement in a student religious club. A concerned member informed FFRF that School District of Onalaska employees participate in the student religious club Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Onalaska … More »
FFRF wants Knoxville to rescind massive theocratic giveaway
4/27/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging one of Tennessee's most prominent cities to nix a proposed multimillion giveaway to a theocratic organization. A concerned local taxpayer informed FFRF that the city of Knoxville is partnering with the Emerald Youth Foundation to construct a "multipurpose … More »
FFRF wants Mississippi sheriff office to discard Christian logo
4/27/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is requesting a Mississippi sheriff office to get rid of a very Christian emblem. The Adams County Sheriff's Office's Special Operations Group has unique logos that include a biblical reference to "Romans 13:4" from the New Testament. Romans 13:4 reads: … More »
FFRF ardently protests Gideon bible distribution in Texas school
4/26/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is strenuously objecting to the access that a Texas school district provided the Gideons for bible distribution. A concerned parent of a Liberty Independent School District student contacted FFRF to report that on April 13, members of the evangelical group … More »
FFRF denounces San Antonio mayor for inappropriate remarks
4/25/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is strongly criticizing the San Antonio mayor for her highly insensitive remarks about belief. At a recent forum, Mayor Ivy Taylor was asked what she thought were the deepest, systemic causes of generational poverty in San Antonio. "I'll go ahead and … More »
Secular groups file for summary judgment in Fla. cross case
4/24/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation and the American Humanist Association's Appignani Legal Center have filed for summary judgment in their lawsuit challenging a large Christian cross that the city of Pensacola owns, displays and funds. The 30-foot white Latin cross dominates the public Bayview Park, … More »
FFRF urges Univ. of Mich. papal audience cancelled
4/24/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging the University of Michigan's football team to cancel a scheduled papal audience during its current visit to Europe. A concerned individual contacted FFRF to report that on its ongoing European trip, the University of Michigan football team is … More »
FFRF urges Tenn. school district to curb proselytizing teacher
4/21/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging a Tennessee school district to curtail the evangelizing activities of a high school math teacher. Several concerned local citizens have informed FFRF that in mid-March, Milan High School math teacher and coach Larry Eddings announced on social media … More »
FFRF takes exception to evangelical promotion in Texas public schools
4/20/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is taking exception to a series of assemblies that engaged in religious promotion at a number of Texas public schools. A concerned community member informed FFRF that the April 3 student assembly at Glenda Dawson High School in Pearland, Texas, … More »
Trump’s religious pandering uses alternative facts
4/19/2017 · Freedom From Religion Foundation Statement President Trump is wide off the mark in calling the United States "a nation of believers." In his most recent weekly address, the president once again found his religion, talking of Passover (a holiday to celebrate a god killing some people … More »
Texas governor files protective order in FFRF case
4/19/2017 · Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has filed for a protective order in an ongoing Freedom From Religion Foundation case that challenges his censorship. FFRF received a state-issued permit to place, in response to a Christian nativity scene, an exhibit in the Texas Capitol in December 2015 … More »
Missouri school district refashions curriculum after FFRF notice
4/18/2017 · A Missouri school district has stopped using faulty sex-ed materials after a Freedom From Religion Foundation warning. FFRF sent out letters in early April to 15 Missouri public and charter school districts objecting to school-sponsored sex education being conducted by Thrive St. Louis. Thrive's "Best … More »
FFRF scores one for the Constitution in Wisconsin
4/17/2017 · A huge prayer display has been removed from a Wisconsin police station thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation intervening on behalf of the Constitution. A concerned area resident contacted FFRF that the Onalaska Police Department had a large religious display (seen in the above … More »
Secular display counters shrine at Chicago’s Daley Plaza
4/14/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation's local chapter has placed a secular display in downtown Chicago for the fourth Easter in a row to counter a Catholic shrine there. On Thursday, FFRF's Metropolitan Chicago chapter put up in Daley Plaza two colorful 8-foot banners on a … More »
FFRF vehemently opposes Ala. church police force bill
4/12/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is vehemently opposing a pending Alabama bill that will allow a church to set up its own police force. The Alabama Senate very recently passed SB 193, which permits Briarwood Presbyterian Church to form a police squad. The bill is … More »
FFRF has timely message for Times Square
4/11/2017 · Click to view. The Freedom From Religion Foundation has a cautionary spring message for New Yorkers and visitors to Times Square: "The only wall we need is between church and state." FFRF is promoting its secular video message in lettering that is 56 feet wide and 29 … More »
Okla. school district changes policy due to FFRF
4/11/2017 · An Oklahoma school district has altered its policies to adhere to constitutional principles in response to a Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint. In January, FFRF contacted the Western Heights Public Schools, based in Oklahoma City, after an area resident informed it that the Western Heights … More »
FFRF sends rebuttal to Air National Guard
4/10/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation responded to the decision by the Air National Guard to continue its chaplain-led prayers at a base in New Hampshire. After a concerned guardsman informed FFRF that ceremonies at the Pease Air National Guard Base regularly schedule chaplains to deliver … More »
FFRF objects to Missouri school district’s faith-based sex ed
4/10/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation strongly protests a faith-based organization being used at numerous school districts in Missouri for teaching abstinence-only sexual education. FFRF sent out a flurry of letters on Friday, April 7, to 15 public and charter school districts objecting to school-sponsored sex … More »
FFRF challenges Ole Miss football coaches’ religious tweets
4/7/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is questioning the overtly religious social media postings of football coaches at the University of Mississippi. University of Mississippi head football coach Hugh Freeze regularly promotes religion on his Twitter page, a concerned citizen has informed FFRF. Recently, Freeze has … More »
Nonbelief Relief gives UNICEF $10,000 to combat Somalia famine
4/7/2017 · Nonbelief Relief, a nonreligious humanitarian agency, is giving $10,000 to UNICEF for famine relief efforts in Somalia. International aid officials recently announced that they are facing one of the biggest humanitarian disasters since World War II. Both drought and war have devastated Somalia. Up to … More »
Ministerial housing allowance before court once again
4/6/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has filed a federal brief supporting its long-running challenge of preferential tax treatment that the IRS provides to ministers of the gospel. FFRF's brief, filed before U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb on Wednesday, April 5, forcefully argues that the IRS … More »
State/church watchdog notifies veep of donations given in his name
4/6/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted to announce that it has received a $100,000-plus boost to its legal fund via donations in Vice President Mike Pence's name. FFRF began its "Give dollars and cents to counteract Pence" campaign in early November and, as of … More »
FFRF horrified about prayers galore in Kansas school district
4/5/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is aghast about the overabundance of prayers in a Kansas school district. A concerned parent has informed FFRF that Liberal Unified School District 480 in Liberal, Kan., has regularly incorporated prayers into several school events. This includes: Prayers before girls' soccer … More »
FFRF objects to Gideons at N.C. elementary school
4/4/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is strongly protesting the Gideons recently being allowed to distribute bibles at a North Carolina elementary school. Last month, Gideons International was permitted to hand out New Testament bibles at Charles E. Boger Elementary School in Kannapolis, N.C., a school … More »
FFRF grateful to Ohio officials for sacrifice on Constitution’s behalf
3/31/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation applauds the courage of two local Ohio officials who sacrificed their positions to uphold the First Amendment. The village of Carey's Mayor Armand Getz and Law Director Emily Beckley took the initiative to stop the Lord's Prayer and the Pledge … More »
Quash the call for a con-con, a chilling threat to liberty
3/31/2017 · Statement by the Freedom From Religion Foundation The increasing clamor for a constitutional convention potentially imperils the rights of us all — and the Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging pushback. Cheers to the Wisconsin Senate's Republican Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald for putting the brakes for … More »
FFRF protests large NASA grant used for religious purposes
3/30/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is once again strongly protesting a wrongful NASA grant of more than $1 million in taxpayer money that was largely used for religious purposes. In May 2015, NASA's astrobiology program awarded $1.108 million to the Center of Theological Inquiry for … More »
Plaintiff joins in FFRF bible instruction case in W.Va.
3/30/2017 · This visual aid is used to help teach "Bible in the Schools" in classes in Mercer County schools.An additional plaintiff has joined in a Freedom From Religion Foundation lawsuit filed two months ago to end blatantly unconstitutional "Bible in the Schools" classes in a West Virginia … More »
Freethinking groups erect a dozen timely billboards in Denver
3/29/2017 · "The only wall we need is between church and state." So proclaim the Freedom From Religion Foundation and FFRF's Metro Denver Chapter in a dozen timely billboards recently unveiled for a month-long run throughout the Denver area. The first two billboards went up Monday at Larimer … More »
Why climate change is a state/church issue
3/29/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is dismayed at the executive order President Donald Trump has signed to roll back vital regulations to curb climate change. Trump has directed the Environmental Protection Agency to revoke the Clean Power Plan. The Obama administration program was poised to … More »
FFRF continues objecting to big cross in New Mexico public plaza
3/28/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is continuing to object to a massive cross in the main public plaza in a fabled New Mexican artistic community. A large cross sculpture sits in Taos Plaza. It is intended to be a memorial to the victims of World … More »
Atheist exposes Ark
3/27/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is releasing a covert video today exposing Ken Ham's Ark Encounter in northern Kentucky and we want you to see it first! FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel recently gained access to the taxpayer-funded park, revealing its efforts to lure public school students to … More »
FFRF raises alarm over Gideons’ access to Texas elementary school
3/24/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is alarmed at the illegal access that a Texas school district provided to the Gideons for distributing bibles to elementary school kids. A concerned community member from Wichita Falls, Texas, contacted FFRF to report that on Feb. 24, several classes … More »
FFRF eagerly supports standard secular affirmation in N.J. courts
3/24/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation strongly supports a move to make secular affirmations the norm in the New Jersey court system. A proposed change to N.J. Rules of Evidence 603 will replace religious oaths for witnesses with a standard secular declaration: "Do you solemnly declare and … More »
Oklahoma Good Friday law would not be OK
3/24/2017 · Good Friday plaintiffs pose by bust of Robert La Follette, including Foundation staff and Wisconsin state employees. Photo by Brent Nicastro A misguided bill to name Good Friday a state holiday passed the Oklahoma House on March 20. The Senate should kill this bill. There is … More »
FFRF wants religious flags removed from N.J. schools
3/23/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking for the removal of two religious flags from public schools in New Jersey. A local resident informed FFRF that the East Hanover Township School District is flying flags that state "One Nation Under God" on flagpoles at the … More »
Monumental FFRF victory: Commandments marker removed from Pa. school
3/22/2017 · A 6-foot Ten Commandments monument has finally been hauled away from a Pennsylvania public high school due to a Freedom From Religion Foundation lawsuit. "The Ten Commandments monument no longer is in front of Valley Jr.-Sr. High School in New Kensington," reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "The … More »
Preaching on Indiana school’s social media ceases due to FFRF
3/21/2017 · A religious deluge on a public elementary school's social media stream has dried up due to a Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint. A local resident contacted FFRF to report that the official Facebook page of the community's North Liberty Elementary School regularly had religious posts … More »
FFRF, ACLU appeal Indiana nativity decision
3/21/2017 · Community members in Indiana backed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the ACLU are heading to appeals court even after triumphing in a nativity display case. Although winning a strong ruling in March that ended a live nativity pageant in a local public school, … More »
FFRF sues Texas judge over courtroom prayers
3/21/2017 · A national state/church watchdog and three individuals have filed a federal lawsuit to stop a Texas justice of the peace from imposing prayers at the start of each court session. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, along with three plaintiffs directly affected by Judge Wayne Mack's religious … More »
FFRF: Dump Trump’s vouchers from budget
3/20/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is sounding the alarm over President Trump's educational agenda in his recent budget proposal. The "America First: A Blueprint to Make America Great Again" plan includes $250 million for a new federal voucher school program. Vouchers are a backdoor means … More »
FFRF objects to crosses at Texas county courthouse
3/17/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is strongly protesting the presence of multiple crosses at a Texas courthouse. A white Latin cross is on display outside the Orange County Courthouse next to the main entrance. In addition, there is a veterans' memorial on the grounds of … More »
FFRF is reason for Ill. school district constitutional tutorial
3/17/2017 · An Illinois school district coached its employees on the Constitution after the Freedom From Religion Foundation complained about its overly religious staff. Personnel from the Teutopolis Community Unit School District #50, including basketball coach Mike Walker, prayed with student athletes after a recent game against … More »
FFRF provides Senate tough questions to ask Gorsuch
3/17/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is providing the Senate hard-hitting questions to ask Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. The state/church watchdog group has submitted a number of queries to the Senate Judiciary Committee to pose to Gorsuch at his confirmation hearing on Monday, March 20. Most of … More »
FFRF spotlights dangerous Jewish circumcision practices in New York City
3/16/2017 · Photo via YoutubeThe Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling for the curtailment of an extremely questionable ultra-Orthodox Jewish circumcision ritual routinely practiced in New York City. Ultra-Orthodox Jewish parents are exposing their infants to herpes simplex virus infection by allowing adult men to place their … More »
FFRF lawsuit removes Santa Clara cross, formally settles
3/16/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation's lawsuit removing a 14-foot granite cross in a California public park has been formally settled this week. FFRF and a local member sued the city of Santa Clara in April 2016, after FFRF had attempted for four years to persuade … More »
FFRF objects to cross in Fla. City Hall
3/14/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is vehemently objecting to a cross inside a Florida City Hall. A large Latin cross is on display within the commission chambers of the Longwood City Hall building. The cross is approximately 3 feet tall and across its center it … More »
FFRF causes Fla. school district to improve its rules
3/8/2017 · A Florida school district has promised to safeguard state/church neutrality after admitting to the Freedom From Religion Foundation that it blundered in the case of a religious film. A few months ago, Gulf Breeze High School and Gulf Breeze Middle School in Gulf Breeze, Fla., … More »
FFRF protests Penn. funding of crosses on Villanova campus
3/8/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is protesting the state of Pennsylvania's unconstitutional funding of Christian symbols on a Catholic campus. A number of local taxpayers have contacted FFRF to report that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has contributed taxpayer funds toward construction of an overtly … More »
FFRF expresses opposition to D.C. voucher program
3/8/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has joined more than 60 other organizations in signing a letter against reauthorization of the District of Columbia's school voucher program. The National Coalition for Public Education, an anti-voucher alliance group, released a letter on March 7 to oppose the continuance of … More »
FFRF strongly objects to religious Maryland public school musical
3/7/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is strongly objecting to an upcoming religious musical at a Maryland public high school. A concerned local parent contacted FFRF to report that Rising Sun High School in North East, Md., is performing from Thursday, March 9, the musical "Children … More »
FFRF alarmed about Kentucky public school coach’s zealotry
3/6/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is alarmed about a public school coach in Kentucky imposing his religion on his players. A concerned parent has informed FFRF that Daniel Montgomery, a soccer coach with the Boyle County Schools District in Danville, Ky., has announced he will … More »
FFRF’s Ron Reagan TV ads air again this week on MSNBC, CNN
3/6/2017 · A TV ad with Ron Reagan inviting viewers to join the Freedom From Religion Foundation will continue airing on the nation's most prominent news shows this week. The ad is scheduled to run on "Rachel Maddow Show" tonight and Wednesday, March 8, on MSNBC, as well … More »
FFRF scores big win in Indiana nativity lawsuit
3/6/2017 · An Indiana court has handed down a resounding victory to the Freedom From Religion Foundation — and the First Amendment. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, South Bend Division, made its final decision on Monday, March 6, striking down a nativity … More »
Iowa Sen. Grassley mistaken on major state/church issues
3/3/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling out Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley for a number of recent misleading public statements. FFRF is alarmed by two common misconceptions Grassley repeated a few days ago at a town hall regarding the Johnson Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. On … More »
FFRF 2017 student essay contests offers over $30,000 in awards
3/3/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted to unveil its 2017 annual student essay competitions. This year, FFRF is establishing a new essay competition to encourage freethinking students of color, the David Hudak Memorial Contest, as a fourth permanent category. The contest will rotate annually … More »
FFRF calls W.Va. bill to make bible state book an affront
3/1/2017 · A proposed bill in the West Virginia to anoint the bible as the "official state book" is unconstitutional, charges the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A few state legislators have recently introduced House Bill 2568, which would designate "The Holy Bible" as the "official state book of … More »
FFRF urges strong Senate scrutiny of possible intelligence head
2/27/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging the Senate to intensely scrutinize President Trump's nominee to direct U.S. intelligence agencies. FFRF Co-Presidents Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor have written a letter to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Energy and Natural Resources about Dan Coats, … More »
MSNBC, CNN airing FFRF’s Ron Reagan endorsement ad
2/27/2017 · Watch the ad here. An ad recorded by Ron Reagan inviting viewers to join the Freedom From Religion Foundation is airing for the first time on the nation's most prominent news commentary shows. "Morning Joe" and the "Rachel Maddow Show" on MSNBC are running the ad … More »
Removal of transgender protection laws violates state/church separation
2/24/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is deeply troubled by the Trump administration's recent removal of antidiscrimination laws protecting transgender students. On Wednesday, Feb. 22, the Departments of Education and Justice reversed the federal protections set by the Obama administration, which allowed transgender students in public … More »
FFRF wants Okla. blasphemy ordinance struck out
2/23/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation wants a blasphemy law in a town in Oklahoma taken off the books. FFRF was contacted by a concerned local citizen about an ordinance in the city of Edmond that criminalizes blasphemy against Christianity. Ordinance 8.12.090 in the City of … More »
FFRF makes sure Gov. Walker stays grounded
2/23/2017 · Due to the efforts of groups such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker won't be enjoying a free Christian cruise to Alaska. Concerned Wisconsinites had contacted the Freedom From Religion Foundation (headquartered in the state) to express concern that Lifeshape, a … More »
FFRF appeals NJ case to keep taxpayer dollars out of church coffers
2/23/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is appealing a constitutionally dubious New Jersey judgment that allows for taxpayer funding of churches. In January, a New Jersey state court ruled that tax dollars could be utilized to repair or maintain churches, despite a state constitutional provision barring such … More »
Pa. school commandments marker to be removed due to FFRF lawsuit
2/21/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted to announce the successful settlement of a longstanding federal lawsuit challenging a 6-foot Ten Commandments monument in front of a Pennsylvania public high school. FFRF, a national state/church watchdog, along with a student and parent, Marie Schaub, filed suit in September … More »
Nonbelief Relief announces first grants for year
2/20/2017 · Nonbelief Relief, a humanitarian agency for atheists, agnostics, freethinkers and their supporters to improve this world — "our only world" — has announced its first donations for 2017. Its donations to begin off this year are: • $5,000 to the International African American Museum being built at the … More »
Religion permeates Wisconsin voucher system
2/17/2017 · Wisconsin's statewide school voucher program is now completely religious in nature — a forewarning for the entire country. Troublingly, all of the 163 schools that have registered for the statewide Wisconsin voucher program for the 2017-18 school year are religious. Nearly each and every one of … More »
FFRF uneasy about Seattle mayor’s official mosque speech
2/16/2017 · *The Freedom From Religion Foundation appreciates that in response to constitutional concerns, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray changed the nature of his talk at the Idris Mosque. While he still spoke there, his speech wasn’t the official State of the City address. This is what … More »
FFRF persuades Virginia city to cancel ‘Ark Park’ & creationist museum visit
2/15/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has successfully dissuaded a Virginia city's Parks and Recreation Department from a trip to the infamous "Ark Park" and a creationist museum. A concerned local resident informed FFRF that the Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Department was arranging a visit in … More »
FFRF urges Air National Guard to remove prayer from ceremonies
2/14/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is expressing its strong concern at the heavy infusion of religion into Air National Guard ceremonies at a base in New Hampshire. A concerned guardsman informed FFRF that ceremonies at the Pease Air National Guard Base regularly have chaplains delivering … More »
FFRF claims victory in Connecticut censorship suit
2/13/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is pleased to announce that its lawsuit against Shelton, Conn., has been successfully settled after the city halted its discriminatory policy. FFRF, with local member Jerome Bloom, filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court, Connecticut, in March 2016, after … More »
FFRF questions W.Va. school board decision to hire theocratic outfit
2/10/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is cautioning a school board in W.Va. about hiring a theocratic organization to litigate on its behalf. FFRF filed its first lawsuit of the year last month against Mercer County Schools, W.Va. to end egregiously unconstitutional "Bible in the Schools" classes in … More »
Judge recommends dismissal of dismal prayer case
2/9/2017 · A Florida judge says a prayer lawsuit against a high school athletic league should be tossed out. The Freedom From Religion Foundation filed an amicus brief in the case. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Amanda Arnold Sansone issued a Feb. 3 recommendation to dismiss a case brought … More »
FFRF urges Walker to not sail forth on Christian cruise
2/9/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation insists that Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker stay ashore and not be part of an upcoming Christian cruise to Alaska. Concerned Wisconsinites have contacted the Freedom From Religion Foundation (headquartered in the state) to convey their unease that Lifeshape, a Christian … More »
FFRF hails new bill to fight immigration discrimination
2/8/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation wholeheartedly supports a new bill to end immigration discrimination against people of any religious belief — including those with no religious belief. Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., a former U.S. ambassador to Switzerland, recently introduced in Congress the Freedom of Religion … More »
FFRF concerned about Minn. town’s backtracking on cross memorial
2/7/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is troubled about a Minnesota city backtracking on its removal of a cross from a public veterans park. In Veterans Memorial Park in the city of Belle Plaine, there was a display — very recently added and without official approval … More »
FFRF strongly objects to religious book-reading at S.C. elementary school
2/6/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is strongly objecting to a reading of an overtly religious book to the entire student body at a South Carolina elementary public school. A concerned parent of a student at Grassy Pond Elementary School in Gaffney, S.C., contacted FFRF to … More »
Lifting ban on church politicking would undermine our secular republic
2/3/2017 · The new political setup in Washington, D.C., is hell-bent on converting religious institutions into campaign halls. The Johnson Amendment bars churches or other 501(c)(3) tax-exempt groups from endorsing or opposing political candidates. It is essential for keeping the foundations of our secular republic intact, but … More »
Indiana school district pledges to FFRF about religious flyers
2/2/2017 · An Indiana school district has pledged to the Freedom From Religion Foundation that it will not permit the distribution of fundamentalist flyers to its school kids. A member of the community contacted FFRF a few months ago to inform it that staff at Yankeetown Elementary … More »
Leaked “religious freedom” exec order draft reveals alarming attack on civil rights
2/2/2017 · A leaked presidential executive order draft that the Trump administration is floating reveals a sweeping and alarming agenda to permit discrimination, dismantle the Civil Rights Act and other protections in the name of "religious freedom." The proposed "Executive Order Establishing a Government-wide Initiative to Respect Religious … More »
National Prayer Breakfast yet again breaches constitutional wall
2/1/2017 · In these turbulent times, our elected leaders need to be working nonstop on our behalf. Instead, many of the nation's top officials will be soon wasting their time at a prayer breakfast ceremony. On Thursday, Feb. 2, more than 3,000 bigwigs (mostly American but also … More »
District assures FFRF that staff will not participate in school gospel choir
1/31/2017 · An Illinois school district has confirmed to the Freedom From Religion Foundation that its staff members will not remain involved in a school gospel choir. FFRF initially contacted the Oak Park and River Forest High School (the only school in Oak Park and River Forest … More »
FFRF highly apprehensive about Supreme Court nominee Gorsuch
1/31/2017 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is deeply concerned about the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court. Gorsuch, 49 years old and currently on the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, will be the lone Episcopalian on the Supreme Court, along with five … More »
Freethinking groups ask Mich. town to remove cross from veterans park
1/30/2017 · Two of the nation's most prominent freethinking organizations are asking a Michigan town to remove a cross from its veterans memorial in a public park. An Alto, Mich., resident contacted the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Center for Inquiry to inform them about a … More »
Bans based on religion violate Constitution
1/30/2017 · By Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan BarkerCo-PresidentsFreedom From Religion Foundation "Out of many, one." That's the meaning of the Latin E Pluribus Unum, our nation's original motto — chosen by a distinguished committee of Jefferson, Adams and Franklin. That sentiment is tarnished by President Trump's executive order … More »
