Emperor Has No Clothes Award

An award celebrating “plain speaking” on the shortcomings of religion by public figures was inaugurated by the Freedom From Religion Foundation in 1999.

Clarence R. Reinders - 1998 Precursor to "Emperor Has No Clothes Award"

Life member Clarence R. (Chuck) Reinders, then the primary plaintiff in a Freedom From Religion Foundation lawsuit challenging a Jesus statue in a public park in Marshfield, Wis., received a prototype of the Emperor Has No Clothes Award in November 1998. At the time the final statuette was still in production, Chuck was awarded an early version of the figurine. The Foundation wished to recognize Chuck for putting his livelihood on the line in becoming a named plaintiff in a small community where he ran a business. Reinders, who did not shy away from being quoted in regional news stories despite hostility, epitomized the public figure who "tells it like it is."

The audience roared its approval for the new award when Foundation president Anne Gaylor held up the colorful clay "Emperor" wearing a gold crown, as Clarence Reinders looked on.

Read Clarence R. Reinders' "We Done Good," a recap of the case, as well as Reinders' year 2000 "Freethinker of the Year" acceptance speech:

2000 "Freethinker of the Year" acceptance speech

Recipients of the Emperor Has No Clothes Award: