The story about new Asheville City Councilman Cecil Bothwell being an atheist (or post-theist, as he calls himself) continues to keep people fired up. We’ve heard a lot from folks opposed to Bothwell’s point of view.
Now the non-believers are rallying. Here’s the Christmas Eve call to action from RichardDawkins.net:
Last fall, Cecil Bothwell won a position on the Asheville,N.C. City Council. During the swearing-in ceremony last Monday, however, Mr. Boswell — an Atheist — chose to not place his hand on a bible, or swear an oath to a deity. This has outraged opponents, including religious bigots who are trying to use a provision in the North Carolina State Constitution that automatically disqualifies anyone “who shall deny the being of Almighty God.”
This provision violates the Constitution of the United States; and it is unlikely that Mr. Bothwell’s intolerant opponents could prevail in the legal arena. Nevertheless, this story has spread in media throughout the country, and fueled another round of debate over whether Atheists, Humanists, and other nonbelievers are “really citizens” of the United States!
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Mr. Bothwell has taken a courageous stance in refusing to conceal his Atheism; he could have taken a religious oath and chosen the easy path of “going along to get along.” He didn’t. Let’s show our support for Cecil and let the nation’s media hear from Atheists on this important issue!
* We suggest that you send letters or e-mails supporting Mr. Bothwell to the Asheville city government offices and let him know that nonbelievers throughout the country support his stance on behalf of civil rights and the separation of church and state. Contact him through Asheville City Government–their web-site is http://www.ashevillenc.gov/:
* Speak out in the media! This story is gaining traction everyday, so we suggest that you express your thoughtful opinions on bogs, talk radio, and in Letters to the Editor of local and national publication.