Kentucky Homeland Security Lawsuit

American Atheists et al v. The State of Kentucky and the State office of Homeland Security

NEW Video: View the Arguments and testimony from Edwin Kagin

8/26/09  NEWS:  We WON!  Here is the judge's opinion, and check out the press release

9/7/09 Kentucky will appeal

Can't we let this alone?

No, we can't.  It is our patriotic duty to protect our Constitution from threats.  The injection of religion into government offices, if left alone, would set a precedent and lead to more infringements, which would then become precedents themselves.  We have seen, first hand and in this case alone, that religion can never be satisfied -- they will always want more.  The Seaparation of Church and state is a doctrine we proudly and unapologetically defend.

Beyond that, the whole concept that the state and the country is powerless against other religious zealots without this specific god to help us screams of the same religious zealotry that got us into this war in the first place. "my god can beat up your god" is what they say before a war begins -- or escalates.

The Kentucky State Flag reads "United we stand, divided we fall".  American Atheists would like to remind the people of KY that nothing is more divisive than religion.  The Division of Homeland Security should not be about preaching religion, it should be about protecting people -- all of them, equally. 

Why are we asking for Damages?

Frankly, because we have to.  The US Supreme Court has determined, in a terrible decision last year, that citizens cannot sue the government for church/state separation issues without damages.  We must abide by this decision to have standing.

However, we can and will drop this lawsuit for VERY minimal costs to the fine citizens of Kentucky if the State Attorney General declares this one provision illegal and takes it off the books.  Of course, the longer they wait, and the more they fight, the higher the costs which must be recovered.

What can I do to help?

First off, join and support American Atheists!  Lawsuits aren't free, and we need all the financial support we can get.  Write letters to the editor, and voice your opinion loud and clear, especially if you live in Kentucky.

Documentation

The law that started it all (State of KY website)

Filed Brief (amended)

Agreed Order

Motion to Dismiss

Defendant memorandum

Open Records Request

E Heneskey Affidavit

E Fields Affidavit

Helen Kagin Affidavit

Alex Grigg Affidavit

Jan Ewing Affidavit

Ed Buckner Affidavit

Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgement

Plaintiff's Response to mostion for Dismissal

Plaintiff's Response to Homeland Security

Response to Homeland Security Motion to Dismiss

Press Coverage (partial)

Chicago Tribune article

Dave Silverman on MSNBC

MSNBC Article

Yahoo News

KY Journal

Pew Forum

Hate (or ignorant) Mail