AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

AS CONFIRMATION VOTE LOOMS, OBAMA PICK FOR SEC. OF ARMY NEEDS TO CLARIFY
POSITION ON FIRST AMENDMENT

An Atheist public policy group said today that despite "smooth sailing"
during his confirmation hearings, Rep. John M. McHugh -- President
Obama's nominee for the next Secretary of the Army -- still needs to
clarify his position regarding the role of sectarian religion in
military ranks.

McHugh, five term Republican from New York, testified last week before
the Senate Armed Services Committee.  A committee vote, and possibly
confirmation by the full Senate, could  take place before the August recess.

Kathleen Johnson, Vice President and Military Director for American
Atheists, expressed concern over Rep. McHugh.

"The fact that this nominee is religious is not the problem," said
Johnson.  "The problem is that his voting record clearly indicates
opposition to the church-state separation principles that protect the
rights of all Americans.   A person who votes in support of prayer in
schools might see nothing wrong with directing mandatory prayer in
military units.  Representative McHugh's nomination raises serious
concerns that military leaders will see this as an opportunity to
further infringe upon the beliefs of their unit members who do not share
their faith during a time when religious discrimination and unrestrained
proselytizing are already a problem. "

Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists, added to what Ms. Johnson
said regarding Rep. McHugh.

"We don't dispute the right or power of the President to control the
military and to appoint his choice as Secretary of the Army, but we are
quite skeptical as to whether Congressman John McHugh is the right one
for this job now. U.S. soldiers have in recent years been under wrongful
pressure, some of it seeming to be coordinated at high levels, to
succumb to theistic conformity in order to serve this nation. That is
grossly unfair to these brave men and women and dangerous for every
American's liberty. Throughout the history of this nation Atheists have
worn the uniforms of this nation, courageously endured foxholes and
worse, and they--and we--deserve a secretary of the Army who understands
and appreciates that history and our freedom."

(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights
for Atheists, Freethinkers and other nonbelievers; works for the total
separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment
public policy.)

American Atheists, Inc.
PO BOX 158
Cranford, NJ 07016
Tel.: (908) 276-7300
Fax: (908) 276-7402