Humanism on the Move
STAFF REPORT
Former American Humanist Association President Robert McCoy Passes Away
Robert McCoy, former president of the American Humanist Association, died on May 23, 2010 at the age of 83. McCoy, an atheist and humanist minister, devoted his life to human rights advocacy. In addition to lobbying for Minnesota prison reform involving mentally ill convicts, he also served as the director of Minnesota's first legal abortion clinic, having run an abortion referral service before the procedure was legalized.
Secular Coalition For America Fights Back Against Charitable Choice
The Secular Coalition for America is taking a stand against religious harassment in rehab. Because of "charitable choice" provisions, patients are vulnerable to proselytizing from the volunteers or employees of faith-based organizations that run rehabilitation programs. The SCA is arguing that these provisions must be removed from all federally-funded substance abuse and mental health centers.
Atheist Bus Campaign to Release Billboards
The Atheist Bus Campaign will soon release their pro-atheist billboards across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, New Zealand. The billboards are expected to go up within the next three weeks, and read, "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." The development comes four months after NZ Bus, the bus operator for the area, refused to run the ad on local busses after receiving complaints.
Freedom From Religion Foundation Protests New York City Council's Demands
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is protesting the New York City Council, which urged the private owners of the Empire State Building to honor Mother Teresa with a light display on the building.
"Government has no business telling private business/property owners to participate in any religious observations," the FFRF action alert read. "Tell council members this is a gross violation of the separation between state and church."
American Atheists, Inc. Supports Comedy Central Jesus Program
American Atheists, Inc. is voicing support for a prospective Comedy Central sitcom depicting the modern life of Jesus Christ. VIACOM, Comedy Central's parent network, took tremendous heat for the possible project, receiving protestations from Christian and Jewish groups across the country. Comedy Central was recently subject to criticism after airing and censoring a South Park episode featuring Mohammed.
"There should be no special rights or privileges for religion," said Dr. Ed Buckner, president of American Atheists. "Comedy Central should not have caved in to pressure from Islamic extremists in the past and should not now cave in to Christian bullies."