Humanism on the Move
STAFF REPORT
Vandals Deface Secular Billboard
This past weekend, the "One Nation Indivisible" billboard erected by the North Carolina Secular Association with additional funds provided by FreeThoughtAction, an adjunct of the American Humanist Association, was defaced. The billboard, located on North Carolina's Billy Graham Parkway, was vandalized with an insertion of the phrase "Under God."
"We think everyone should do unto others as they would have others do unto them," said Joseph McDaniel Stewart, founder of the North Carolina Secular Association. "But some people seem to have missed that part of our message."
Petition for Hearing in Newdow vs. Roberts Denied
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has denied Michael Newdow's petition for a panel rehearing as well as an en banc rehearing in Newdow vs. Roberts. The case, which challenged the use of the phrase "so help me God" in the presidential oath and the inclusion of sectarian prayers in the presidential inauguration, was initially dismissed by the D.C. Circuit Court in May.
Austin Secular Coalition Raises Godless Billboard
The Austin Secular Coalition of Reason has unveiled a billboard reading, "Don't Believe In God? Join the Club." This is the Austin CoR's first project as a newly formed organization.
"The point of our nationwide awareness campaign is to reach out to the millions of atheists, agnostics, freethinkers and humanists living in the United States," said Fred Edwords, national director of the United Coalition of Reason. "We hope this will serve as a beacon and let them know they aren't alone."
American Atheists Decry Oil Spill Day of Prayer
American Atheists has declared Louisiana's statewide Day of Prayer in response to the oil spill an exploitative political stunt. The event, they say, is a hypocritical attempt by politicians to gain publicity and win the religious vote.
"Perhaps the politicians need to get up off their knees and spend more time mobilizing the resources to deal with this catastrophe," said Dr. Ed Buckner, president of American Atheists. "That should not include offering false hope or ridiculous suggestions for the people being affected by this event."
Darwinian Film Comes to DVD
Creation, a new film depicting the life and mission of Charles Darwin, will be available to buy on DVD June 29. Starring Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany, the film takes a closer look at the renowned scientist and includes bonus featurettes appealing to Darwin fans, such as "Debating Darwin" and "Pollard on Film on Creation."