How Atheists, Satanists, Pagans and Others are Demanding Their Rightful Place in Public Life
Channel: American Atheists
Date: 2020-08-31

Less and less Christian demographically, America is now home to an ever-larger number of people who say they identify with no religion at all. These non-Christians have increasingly been demanding their full participation in public life, bringing their arguments all the way to the Supreme Court. The law is on their side, but that doesn't mean that their attempts are not met with suspicion or outright hostility. In Our Non-Christian Nation, Jay Wexler travels the country to engage the non-Christians who have called on us to maintain our ideals of inclusivity and diversity. With his characteristic sympathy and humor, he introduces us to the Summum and their Seven Aphorisms, a Wiccan priestess who would deck her City Hall with a pagan holiday wreath, and other determined champions of free religious expression. As Wexler reminds us, anyone who cares about pluralism, equality, and fairness should support a public square filled with a variety of religious and nonreligious voices. The stakes are nothing short of long-term social peace.

Our Presenters: 

Jay Wexler is a Professor at the Boston University School of Law, where he has taught church-state law, among other things, since 2001. In addition to many scholarly articles, he has also published six books. Prior to teaching, Wexler worked in the U.S. Justice Department and as a law clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Supreme Court.

Geoffrey Blackwell is American Atheists' Litigation Counsel. He responds to reports of possible violations of the separation between religion and government, works with government officials to find mutually acceptable solutions to potential issues, and manages litigation if issues cannot be resolved amicably.

https://www.atheists.org/