If you are an FFRF member, sign into your account here and then update your email subscriptions here.
To become an FFRF member, click here. To learn more about FFRF, request information here.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation today won its case before an appeals court against the Texas governor’s censorship of its Capitol display. After Gov. Greg Abbott and the State Preservation Board blatantly and illegally censored FFRF’s display in the Texas Capitol in 2015, Abbott and … More »
The tragic recent case involving the arrest of a 76-year-old woman in Florida for fatally shooting her terminally ill 77-year-old husband at his request would not have happened if Florida had rational medical-aid-in-dying laws, the Freedom From Religion Foundation asserts. In fact, those types of … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling for an investigation into how infamous social media personality “Woah Vicky” was allowed to preach hateful rhetoric at a Georgia high school. “Woah Vicky,” whose real name is Victoria Rose Waldrip, was invited to Jonesboro High School by Frances … More »
Watch the teaser here. A plain-spoken atheist and talented dancer who is also a member of a famous family is the guest on the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show this Sunday. Ron Reagan is, of course, the son of Nancy and President Ronald … More »
Many observers, even pro-LGBTQ groups, are falling all over themselves to congratulate Pope Francis on his remark during a recent interview that “being homosexual is not a crime.” In a world where 67 nations in fact criminalize homosexuality, as well as in a church which has made … More »
Sports legend Deion Sanders is misusing his new position as the University of Colorado football coach to foist Christianity on the program, asserts the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Multiple concerned Colorado residents have reached out to the state/church watchdog to report that Sanders has been … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is greeting news of the upcoming National Prayer Breakfast’s longstanding host, The Fellowship, separating from the annual event with skepticism. The state/church watchdog had recently taken the lead in a coalition letter calling on members of Congress to boycott the … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is appalled at Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signing legislation that will funnel over $340 million in taxpayer dollars to private, mostly religious schools. The new law is an egregious decimation of the public school system in the name of “school … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation and its Florida chapter are still seeking resolution after being publicly insulted by the Lake County Board of County Commissioners. FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote a letter last month to the Board of County Commissioners after a secular invocation … More »
The Pakistani ruling elite has recently taken a regressive step in the name of religion. Pakistan’s horrific anti-blasphemy laws have claimed many victims over the past some decades. For instance, Tahir Ahmed Naseem was shot dead in July 2020 during a hearing regarding accusations that … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation undertakes a special trip to a renowned sculptor’s studio for its “Freethought Matters” TV show this Sunday. Zenos Frudakis is an internationally renowned sculptor and artist. More than 100 of his works are displayed throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, … More »
Don’t begin school board meetings with a prayer, the Freedom From Religion Foundation has written to the Charleston County School Board in an open letter. A concerned member of the school district reported that the board recently decided to open meetings with a prayer. Initially, … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is disheartened that the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear yet another case involving a Christian plaintiff seeking to broaden religious exemptions in the workplace. Late last week, the high court granted review in a case, Groff v. DeJoy, involving … More »
The Madison-based national Freedom From Religion Foundation denounces Wisconsin legislators who have reversed a ban on conversion therapy, a discredited anti-gay practice favored by Christian fundamentalists and other religious extremists. Often targeting dependent minors, it involves therapists who actively attempt to change patient sexual … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is appealing to a home state member of Congress to get rid of a Christian nationalist flag associated with the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., has a flag reading “Appeal to Heaven” flying from the flagpole outside of … More »
Update: In a previous version of its press release, FFRF stated that Dave Durant was the sitting sheriff. Shortly before it was released, Bill Beyerrose was inaugurated as sheriff. FFRF has sent a fresh letter to the new sheriff and updated the press release. Immediately … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, joined by 30 secular and religious groups, has sent a letter to members of Congress and the White House today urging a boycott of the National Prayer Breakfast. The event, held annually in the first week of February in Washington, … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is charging that a Texas public community college is covering up details of its transfer of significant public land to a private Christian school. FFRF recently objected to the gifting of land— including 39 acres and six buildings — by … More »
The National Religious Freedom Day, proclaimed on Jan. 16 annually by presidents since 1993, memorializes a constitutional principle that today is imperiled by our Supreme Court. The landmark Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, originally penned by Thomas Jefferson, was adopted by the Commonwealth of Virginia … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, in commemorating civil rights legend Martin Luther King Jr. today, urges freedom-lovers in King’s memory to resolve to fight against endangered voting rights. The Supreme Court, beginning in 2013, began eroding the Voting Rights Act King fought so hard … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is encouraged to see the Biden Administration’s announcement that it proposes restoring religious liberty protections for beneficiaries of federally funded social services. FFRF, along with a coalition of service and advocacy organizations, filed a lawsuit at the end of Trump’s … More »
Gloria Steinem is the spectacular guest on Sunday’s episode of “Freethought Matters,” FFRF’s weekly talk show. FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor interviewed the world’s most famous feminist at FFRF’s 2021 national convention in Boston. Steinem, the embodiment of someone who has moved society forward, was … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is disappointed by the New York Times’ insensitive decision to hire David French to be its newest opinion columnist. French, who has been affiliated with the Christian nationalist Alliance Defending Freedom, has a history of using religion as a weapon … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation will be celebrating the congressional passage of a bill to create a Thomas Paine memorial in D.C., on the upcoming anniversary of the revolutionary’s birth. The “Thomas Paine Birthdate Proclamation Celebration,” also cosponsored by the Thomas Paine Memorial Association (TPMA), … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is joining with secular organizations around the world to demand the safety and release of Iranian atheist Soheil Arabi. FFRF is one of more than 40 organizations calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Arabi, a well-known Iranian atheist and … More »
On this second anniversary of the horrifying spectacle that unfolded in the nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is sorry to report that Christian nationalism is alive and well, and remains a threat to American democracy and liberty. The otherwise … More »
A former gospel producer-turned-nonbeliever is the guest on this Sunday’s episode of “Freethought Matters,” the weekly public interest TV show produced by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Andre Forbes has worked with many gospel artists, including the Clark Sisters, Donald Lawrence, Byron Cage, Kim Burrell, … More »
Below is the letter the Freedom From Religion Foundation sent today to U.S. Rep.-Elect Robert Garcia, D-Calif. Representative-Elect Robert Garcia1305 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Re: Thank you for swearing in on the Constitution Dear Representative-Elect, We are writing on behalf of the Freedom From Religion … More »
What a tonic to see newly-elected U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia vow to take his oath of office on the U.S. Constitution, not a bible. Garcia tweeted: “Will be proudly sworn-in to Congress on the U.S. Constitution. Underneath the Constitution will be 3 items that mean … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation commends the Chico Unified School District in Chico, Calif., for painting over an inappropriate religious text on a mural at a public school. FFRF received a complaint last September about the mural, which said “Praise God from whom all blessings … More »
A national state/church watchdog is contesting the Oklahoma attorney general’s opinion that a religious entity can operate a public charter school. The Freedom From Religion Foundation has countered Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor’s opinion that a charter school may be religiously affiliated with a … More »
[An original version of this press release incorrectly identified Mark Ronchetti as mayoral candidate instead of a gubernatorial candidate, and Gov. Michelle Lujan-Grisham as mayor instead of governor. This press release has been updated to correct these mistakes] The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking the … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is sending well wishes (but no prayers!) to U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, co-chair of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Raskin revealed yesterday his recent diagnosis of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which he described as … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation “Freethought Matters” television show presents to its viewers this Sunday two inspirational grassroots secularists — one of them all of 11 years old. Elle Harris is a sixth grader who comes from a family of freethinkers and with her dad, … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation regrets that the recently released Jan. 6 House select committee report fails to pinpoint the Christian nationalist motivations behind the Capitol attack. The committee’s official findings do not adequately illustrate the true nature of the insurrection and its participants, asserts the … More »
By Robert Green IngersollThe Arena, Boston, December 1897 If I had the power to produce exactly what I want for next Christmas, I would have all the kings and emperors resign and allow the people to govern themselves. I would have all the nobility crop their … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is offering viewers a freethinking musical special on its Christmas Sunday “Freethought Matters” television show. Steve Martin, a freethinker himself, once humorously wrote a song, “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs” — a joke belied by the many musical moments from … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation will not only end this year on an irreverent note but begin the new year the same way: with its “unabashed atheist” Ron Reagan ad on “60 Minutes.” The spot will air on Christmas Day and New Year’s … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation and its Maine chapter are pushing back against a town’s attempts at religious favoritism in the public square. When a nativity scene was erected on public ground in Bucksport, FFRF’s Maine chapter President Tom Waddell requested permission to also put … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is pleased to once again be spreading secular cheer in the legislative heart of the Evergreen State. The banner, unfurled at the Capitol grounds in Olympia, was erected thanks to the help of Lewis Foerster from Unfettered Freethinkers of South … More »
For a fact, the Christians stole Christmas. We don't mind sharing the season with them, but we don't like their pretense that it is the birthday of Jesus. It is the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun — Dies Natalis Invicti Solis. Christmas is a relic … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is celebrating Winter Solstice in the New York Times with a tongue-in-cheek play on perhaps the most famous editorial in newspaper history. Click here to view full sized ad. “Yes Virginia … there is no God,” begins its ad (riffing … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is dismayed that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is moving to veto a secular recovery bill. The legislation, S7313A, would have given individuals mandated to attend recovery support programs the option for secular recovery programs over religiously focused ones. FFRF … More »
Thanks to a bipartisan initiative, a congressional bill to correct a massive historical oversight is likely to be approved during this session. Under the leadership of Reps. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., and Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., the Thomas Paine Memorial Bill (HR 6720) has been included in … More »
Stop pushing your personal religion in school board meetings and official documents, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is once again insisting to a Colorado Springs school board member. In a recent communication, Colorado Springs District 11 Board of Education Member Rev. Al Loma reportedly responded … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Winter Solstice banner and Bill of Rights “nativity” in San Diego have both been vandalized less than two weeks after being put up. The solstice exhibits, which are scheduled to be displayed in Balboa Park until Jan. 3, were erected … More »
Join the Freedom From Religion Foundation for a celebration of Winter Solstice on its “Freethought Matters” television show this Sunday. Co-hosts Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor guide us on a warm personal and historical tour of the solstice, which heralds the symbolic rebirth of … More »
(Barri Babow, vice president of Greater Sacramento FFRF chapter; Erin Louis, board member at large; Judy Roberson, secretary; John Lucas, treasurer; Judy Saint, president, with dog Jo-Jo.) The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Greater Sacramento chapter is pleased to return to the California Capitol with a … More »
Imprisoned Nigerian freethinker Mubarak Bala (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) The Biden administration is prioritizing commercial and geostrategic interests over constitutional principles. It has neglected to designate two key global partners, India and Nigeria, as “countries of particular concern” despite the recommendation of … More »
Recent events show how imperative it is that Congress enforce a code of conduct for the U.S. Supreme Court, maintains the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A week ago, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing involving charges of anti-abortion ethics conflicts at the Supreme Court. … More »
The best way to celebrate the 231st anniversary of ratification of the Bill of Rights today is to work even harder to preserve it, says the feisty Freedom From Religion Foundation. Last year, FFRF took out a full-page ad in the New York Times warning: “The scales … More »
Christians Against Christian Nationalism lead organizer Amanda Tyler made history when she recently testified before Congress about Christian nationalism. “Christian nationalism often overlaps with and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation,” Tyler told members of the House Oversight Committee’s Subcommittee on Civil Rights … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation and local volunteers are continuing the freethinking tradition in a Connecticut community this December. FFRF thanks members Jerry Bloom and John Levin for once again putting up its secular holiday display at Huntington Green Park in Shelton. The banner has … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Metropolitan Chicago Chapter has put up annual Winter Solstice exhibits throughout the Chicago area to spread its freethinking message. Featured in Chicago’s Daley Center Plaza is the Bill of Rights banner, reading “Joy to the world — The Bill of … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, which engaged in a nationwide “I’m secular and I vote” PR campaign this year, is delighted to see a recent Associated Press report recognize that “nonreligious voters wield serious clout.” AP VoteCast’s survey of more than 94,000 voters nationwide shows that … More »
(Pictured: Max Nibert, lead plaintiff, at the recent Freedom From Religion Foundation convention in San Antonio) A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that families in Huntington, W. Va., can proceed with their lawsuit against a school district for hosting a religious revival during the school day. … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted to be bringing a secular presence back to the Iowa Capitol. FFRF’s Bill of Rights “nativity” display has been installed in the Hawkeye State’s seat of lawmaking for the sixth year in a row. The display shows the … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is strongly objecting to a Texas community college’s gift of public land and buildings to an area Christian school. Weatherford College, a state-funded institution, has reportedly transferred at no cost a total of 39 acres along with six buildings to … More »
An activist in the forefront of the national battle for reproductive rights is the guest on the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show Sunday. Amy Hagstrom Miller is founder of Whole Woman’s Health, a series of clinics providing abortion and gynecological services in … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s secular winter solstice exhibit is ready for viewing at the New Hampshire Statehouse for the fifth year in a row. FFRF members have erected a display honoring the Bill of Rights and our secular government. The exhibit features Founders Benjamin … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted to report that the House Committee on Natural Resources today unanimously passed House Bill 6720 to authorize the Thomas Paine Memorial Association to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia. This development means the bipartisan bill … More »
Put a stop to “corrective” prayer invocations in Lake County, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting to its Board of County Commissioners. On Dec. 6, Central Florida Freethought Community Director Joseph Richardson delivered a secular and inclusive invocation before the board. Immediately afterward, the … More »
After an intense year of changes to our legal landscape, state legislatures across the country are preparing for their upcoming 2023 legislative sessions. FFRF's legislative team has also been busy gearing up for these sessions to empower advocates like you to help stand up … More »
A Georgia school district has promised corrective action against a proselytizing middle school teacher after being contacted by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a national state/church watchdog. A reading enrichment teacher at Richards Middle School in Gwinnett County, Ga., openly bragged on Facebook about using … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s winter solstice sign is back in the Milwaukee County Courthouse for the 12th year in a row. FFRF and local members have provided the secular message at the courthouse alongside religious seasonal messages to ensure that secular viewpoints are accorded … More »
While Donald Trump’s remarks last weekend calling for “termination” of constitutional provisions are rightly creating consternation, the Freedom From Religion Foundation must point out that many constitutional provisions are already being “terminated” . . . by the ultraextremist Supreme Court fashioned by Trump. Trump, in … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation proudly announces its first secular display in a quintessentially Illinois community not too far from Chicago. FFRF has a “Happy Winter Solstice” banner at the Homer Township, Ill., Town Hall that features its Bill of Rights “nativity” scene. The tongue-in-cheek … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s secular sign is back in San Diego this season after suffering unconscionable vandalism during its last stint. The display at Balboa Park features two parts. The first is a banner proclaiming “LET REASON PREVAIL” with wording by Anne Nicol Gaylor, … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is paying farewell tribute to Trevor Noah, the departing host of “The Daily Show,” by airing its iconic Ron Reagan commercial during his final week. The 30-second spot, featuring Reagan as a self-described “unabashed atheist … not afraid of burning … More »
The U.S. Supreme Court held oral arguments today in a case brought by an anti-gay business owner against the state of Colorado — and the signs don’t look too promising. In 303 Creative v. Elenis, the Supreme Court will decide if a Christian website … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has listened to your requests and is excited to announce that it has officially joined Instagram. Please follow us at @ffrf_official for weekly updates and content. We look forward to connecting with you there! … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s case against the South Carolina state government’s proposed unconstitutional funding of a private Christian school is proceeding on course. “The judge largely sided with our perspective,” says FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “The case will now move forward full steam … More »
The official investigation into sexual abuse among clergy members needs to be escalated, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “We urge you not to give the Catholic Church the opportunity to cover up for its own clergy,” FFRF Co-Presidents Dan … More »
The guest on the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” Sunday TV show is a leading constitutional expert with a new book warning about the current Supreme Court’s pro-religion bent. Andrew Seidel is vice president of strategic communications for Americans United for the Separation of … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s annual Winter Solstice exhibit at the Wisconsin Capitol has now been displayed there for more than 25 years. The secular display is back in the state/church watchdog’s hometown legislative building for a 26th time. A gilt sign in the Madison-located … More »
Uber and Lyft need to stop drivers from preaching to passengers, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging in open letters to the ride-sharing companies. The Freedom From Religion Foundation has contacted Uber and Lyft officials to request that the companies bar their drivers from turning the … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is excited to announce its 2023 Diane and Stephen Uhl Memorial Essay Competition for Law School Students, with a top prize of $4,000! Law school students will be asked to write an essay that makes the argument, under current … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation cheers the bipartisan vote in the U.S. Senate that passed the Respect for Marriage Act yesterday, but we must point out that the compromise necessary for its passage clearly betrays the true source of the animus against LGBTQ Americans: … More »
Tomorrow on FFRF's "Ask an Atheist," we will talk with Evan Minton, who was denied critical health care by California’s largest hospital provider, Dignity Health, because he is a transgender man. Dignity Health is a Catholic health care provider. We’ll discuss with Minton about … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is joining the efforts of several national organizations to urge congressional action regarding the U.S. Supreme Court after recent startling revelations.The national state/church watchdog is one of more than 60 organizations calling on the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate … More »
Remove a cross from the front of police headquarters, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting to a Georgia police department. The Swainsboro Police Department in Georgia has attached a Latin cross to the base of the flagpole in front of its police building, which … More »
An ACLU official in charge of the group’s efforts on state/church separation is the guest on the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show this Sunday. Daniel Mach is the director of the ACLU Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief. He leads a … More »
Christian nationalism did not have a good election night. The main Christian nationalist adherents, from Doug Mastriano (gubernatorial contender in Pennsylvania) to the election-denying secretary of state candidates in Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada and New Mexico, lost. Plus, with a pro-secular majority in control of … More »
A proposal being considered by the Marathon County Board (Wis.) to replace secular public health care with a religiously oriented crisis pregnancy center must be rejected, urges the Freedom From Religion Foundation.In a recent action, the Marathon County Board voted to reduce the budget for … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has sent a letter to Chief Justice John Roberts urging him once again to investigate infiltration of the high court by right-wing Christian advocates who are associated with Supreme Court litigants. FFRF’s latest missive was prompted by a two-and-a-half page recent … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation would like to highlight the findings of a newly released report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom that shows how essential separating religion from government is for combating discrimination. The report, titled “A Global Overview of Official and … More »
How horrifying that on the eve of the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance yesterday, a gunman armed with an assault rifle killed at least five individuals and wounded another 25 at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs. Little is yet known about the views of … More »
A Texas Catholic bishop’s electioneering needs to be halted, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting to the IRS. Bishop J. Strickland, speaking in an official capacity on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Tyler, Texas, has again made endorsements of the Republican Party and … More »
Award-winning bestselling author John Irving is the guest on the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show this Sunday. Irving has written 15 books, including The World According to Garp, The Cider House Rules, A Prayer for Owen Meany and The Hotel New Hampshire. … More »
An Alabama school district must immediately cease a local pastor’s access to a high school football team, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is demanding. A number of local residents have informed the national state/church watchdog that Blount High School football coaches allow a local pastor … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking its members to urge their U.S. senators to vote in favor of codifying same sex and interracial marriage. The Respect for Marriage Act (HR 8404) passed the House of Representatives and is now before the Senate with … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation applauds a major victory for separation of state and church in Arkansas, where voters wisely rejected an attempt to insert religious privilege in the state Constitution. Issue 3 on the Arkansas ballot, sponsored by Christian nationalist state Sen. Jason Rapert, would … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation on Veterans Day encourages Americans to honor all veterans — including “atheists in foxholes” and other freethinkers who have served our country with valor and distinction, even though a religious cliché insists they don’t exist. More than 20 percent of FFRF’s … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has signed on to an amicus brief challenging a new Indiana law that discriminates against transgender school athletes. The National Women’s Law Center and its law firm partner, Hogan Lovells, have filed a friend-of-the-court brief before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is strongly objecting to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s recent over-the-top sectarian religious remarks. In a prayer rife with Christian nationalist rhetoric, Stitt claimed “every square inch” of Oklahoma for Jesus: Father, we just claim Oklahoma for you. Every square inch, we claim … More »
The actor who has immortalized a key character on “Star Trek” is the guest on the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show this Sunday. Actor, director, writer and producer John de Lancie is best known for portraying Q, beginning in “Star Trek: The … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling for an international outcry against Iran, whose Parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly voted to use the death penalty against protesters. The parliament voted by a solid majority (227 of 290) to execute all protesters, saying rebels need to be … More »
FFRF has awarded $19,500 in First in the Family Humanist Forward Freethought scholarships to six students. The students were selected by Black Skeptics Los Angeles (BSLA), an African American humanist-atheist community-based organization. BSLA is the first secular humanist atheist organization to specifically address … More »
Abortion won big in yesterday’s elections, proving that abortion rights retain popular support. Abortion access received solid support in ballot measures in California, Montana, Michigan, Kentucky and Vermont. Michigan: Voters enshrined abortion in the state’s Constitution by passing Proposal 3. This amendment further bars the state … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to announce a total of $17,650 in award money for the 2022 Cornelius Vander Broek Graduate/Older Student Essay Competition. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to announce a total of $17,650 in award money for the 2022 … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted to make public the names of the three winners of the Diane and Stephen Uhl Essay Competition for Law School Students. FFRF paid out a total of $9,000 to the winners of this year’s contest. Law … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is taking stances on Election Day referenda in more than a half-dozen states. FFRF considers abortion rights as a state/church issue, given that the only organized opposition to abortion rights is religious in nature and since anti-abortion laws impose some … More »
Most Americans support the constitutional separation between state and church, a new Pew Research study demonstrates. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is relieved to see robust backing for this uniquely American founding value, but also has concern about some troubling findings in the report. Even … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show this Sunday highlights a new off-Broadway play about disbelieving clergy that has gotten plaudits from The New York Times. “The Unbelieving,” currently running at an off-Broadway theater 59East59, is about clergy, ministers and priests who … More »
A new off-Broadway play about clergy who have stopped believing in God is currently playing in New York City accompanied by plaudits from the “paper of record.” The New York Times calls it a “smart and slender play [that] listens to its characters without judgment.” The play, … More »
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., in his taped remarks before the recent annual national convention of the Freedom From Religion Foundation in San Antonio called out the “theocrats, the autocrats, and the kleptocrats, and all of the enemies of democracy.” Raskin, a key figure leading … More »
The brutal hammer attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s 82-year-old husband shows the continuing threat posed by domestic terrorism and white Christian nationalism. Just as frightening as the assault itself is the deliberate circulation of salacious, false rumors denying the attack’s reality. New Twitter chief … More »
Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., made his views on the nonexistence of God extremely clear at the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s recently concluded annual convention in San Antonio. In his taped remarks welcoming convention-goers, he stated, “I feel like I have sort of become the surrogate representative … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show guest the coming Sunday has made it his passion to take on and debunk creationism. Aron Ra, a former Mormon now an atheist, activist and science educator, is the author of Foundational Falsehoods of Creationism. He … More »
Join the freethinking community for a prominent Mexican celebration — being observed in a secular spirit — next week. The 2022 Secular Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos Secular festivities begin at 6:45 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, Nov. 2, via Zoom — and everyone is … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of $17,850 to the winners of the 2022 William Schulz High School Essay Contest. College-bound high school seniors were asked to write a personal persuasive essay based on this prompt: “Please write a letter … More »
The popular feisty ad that Ron Reagan has done on behalf of the Freedom From Religion Foundation is returning to “The Daily Show” for three weeks. The television commercial, in which he describes himself as “unabashed atheist, not afraid of burning in hell,” will air … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show guest this Sunday is a pastor of the most unusual kind: an atheist pastor. When Gretta Vosper, pastor of West Hill United Church in Toronto (part of the United Church of Canada), announced to her congregation … More »
A Tennessee county board must remove blatantly sectarian religious language from its preamble, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting. A concerned local resident has notified the state/church watchdog that on Oct. 17, the Sumner County Board of Commissioners voted to pass a preamble and … More »
An Alabama school district must do a better job of ensuring that preachers are not allowed to take advantage of its students, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting. A concerned parent has informed the state/church watchdog that on Oct. 10, a teacher at … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is tutoring each and every school district in over a dozen states not to violate student rights by misinterpreting a troubling Supreme Court decision. In June, the Supreme Court released its opinion in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District upholding … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation and its Florida chapter are enlightening all Florida school districts about student rights to be free from religion in the wake of a troubling Supreme Court decision. In June, the Supreme Court released its opinion in Kennedy v. Bremerton … More »
“Science doesn’t care what you believe,” declares a 10-by-22 feet billboard that has gone up in Toledo, Ohio, on the corner of Dorr northeast at Reynolds. A local member of the Freedom From Religion Foundation suggested and generously paid for the billboard message. Lloyd Jones, … More »
An appeals court should dismiss a Christian school’s specious assertion that it be allowed to broadcast prayers over the PA system at state championships, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is contending in an amicus brief. Cambridge Christian School, in a case before the 11th … More »
The guest on the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show this Sunday has made a name for herself with her coverage and analysis of Christian nationalism. Katherine Stewart is a journalist and author whose books include The Good News Club: The Christian … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to announce the conferral of a scholarship to a freethinking Harvard student dedicating a biweekly column in The Harvard Crimson to the “existential threat” of Christian nationalism. Aidan Scully is the recipient of the annual $2,000 Freedom From Religion … More »
The guest on the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show this Sunday has been ringing the alarm bells loudly about white Christian nationalism for many years. Samuel Perry is an award-winning assistant professor of sociology and religious studies at the University of … More »
A major national police-community partnership event this weekend needs to be made secular and inclusive, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting. Faith and Blue, which is promoted by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services at the U.S. Department of Justice, says its mission … More »
Four “I’m an atheist and I vote billboards” are going up around San Antonio in time for a major national gathering there of atheists and agnostics convening in the last weekend of October. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, whose upcoming 2022 national convention’s theme is … More »
A federal judge has ordered the city of Parkersburg, W.Va., to pay almost $60,000 to cover attorney fees and costs of the Freedom From Religion Foundation and two of its members related to a winning lawsuit against the city. The case stems from the … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is pleased that a major new poll shows more than half of Americans support the expansion of the number of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. The results of the latest Marquette University Law School poll indicate that 51 percent favor … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is kicking off a national drive to make students aware of their continuing right to be free from religious coercion in public schools, with a billboard message in Bremerton, Wash., site of the notorious lawsuit by prayerful Coach Kennedy. Putting … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is deeply dismayed over what it calls a “Christian nationalist” interpretation of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause by an appeals court decision approving courtroom prayer. A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that a … More »
A Georgia school district must take immediate action to stop a middle school teacher who has been boastfully proselytizing students, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting. Jenny Savoy, a reading enrichment teacher at Richards Middle School in Gwinnett County, Ga., has been openly bragging … More »
The guest on the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show this Sunday is asking nonbelievers to speak up — and speak out. Kate Cohen is a Washington Post-contributing columnist. She also writes documentary scripts, including the Emmy Award-winning “Rising,” “Rebuilding Ground Zero” … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is demanding that Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee rescind his “improper and offensive” proclamation naming Sept. 30 as a “Day of Prayer, Humility and Fasting.” On behalf of its 38,000 members, including its chapter FFRF East Tennessee and other Tennessee members, … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to announce the 11 winners and 13 honorable mentions for the 2022 Kenneth L. Proulx Memorial Essay Contest for Ongoing College Students. FFRF has paid out a total of $18,350 in award money to this year’s college … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is vehemently objecting to a highly religious and discriminatory outing that a Louisiana school district recently encouraged its students to attend. A concerned citizen reported that East Baton Rouge Parish School System students were given a flier and permission slip … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show highlights this Sunday the secular invocations freethinkers give at official meetings to counter religiosity. Orlando-based actress and community activist Randa Black won the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Nothing Fails Like Prayer Award last year for her … More »
Extremists in the Wisconsin Legislature are once again foiling Gov. Tony Evers’ attempts to overturn the state’s draconian 1849 abortion ban. Evers announced yesterday that he would call a special session on Oct. 4 to ask the Legislature to put the pre-Civil Rights law up to … More »
Sen. Josh Hawley should be ashamed of the erroneous and ignorant Christian nationalist rant that he recently delivered to a gullible audience, contends the Freedom From Religion Foundation. We are a revolutionary nation precisely because we are the heirs of the revolution of the bible. … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is filing a major lawsuit today against South Carolina officials on behalf of four Palmetto State citizens challenging the unconstitutional funding of a private religious school. “An upstate Christian organization that’s raising money to build a $14 million residential … More »
It’s an outrage. It’s inhuman. It’s horrifying. A 22-year-old woman has died in an Iranian hospital after the country’s morality police reportedly arrested her for not following hijab regulations. Mahsa Amini, who was traveling with her family from the province of Kurdistan to Tehran to … More »
“I’m an atheist and I vote,” will be the declaration by former Mormon Ray G. Matthews on a prominent digital billboard going up soon in Salt Lake City. Matthews is part of a provocative secular voter campaign the Freedom From Religion Foundation has launched, which … More »
An incisively insightful commentator on race, religion and Christian nationalism is the guest on the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” TV show this Sunday. Professor Anthea Butler is the chair of the Department of Religious Studies and the Geraldine R. Siegel Professor of … More »
“I’m a humanist and I vote,” maintains newly minted graduate student and researcher Charis Hoard on a billboard that has gone up in Bowling Green, Ohio. Hoard is part of a provocative secular voter campaign the Freedom From Religion Foundation is launching this week, which … More »
“We are humanists and we vote,” declare a Michigan couple in two billboards going up in Lansing. Emily and Steven Eikenhout are part of a provocative secular voter campaign the Freedom From Religion Foundation has launched, which points out that 75 million adult Americans — … More »
“I’m an atheist and I vote,” maintains Louisiana father and engineer Joe E. Mills on a billboard that has gone up on I-10 west of Dalrymple Drive in New Orleans. Mills is part of a provocative secular voter campaign the Freedom From Religion Foundation is … More »
“I’m a humanist and I vote,” proclaims ICU nurse Jamie Hamel on a 14-by-48-foot billboard that has gone up on I-44, 500 feet west of North Kelley Avenue facing east. Symptomatic of the censorship that nonbelievers face, FFRF and Hamel were forced to change … More »
“I’m an atheist and I vote,” proclaims New Jersey writer Emily Eckart on five billboards up in various locations in the state capital. The billboard messages in Trenton can be found: at East State Street, 50 feet east of Canal Street; 545 Brunswick Ave., 10 … More »
“I’m an atheist and I vote,” courageously proclaims Missouri grandmother, volunteer and retired academic adviser Jodette C. Lenser, on a billboard going up this week on Highway 50, near the intersection of Highway 54, in Jefferson City. Lenser is part of a provocative secular voter … More »
The Granite State will soon be home to a boldly etched message this election season. “I’m an atheist and I vote,” proclaims New Hampshire retired community activist Jack Shields on a billboard that will go up the week of Sept. 19 at 190 Elm Street, … More »
“I’m an atheist and I vote,” proclaims Rhode Island clinical therapist Todd W. Ellison on a 14-by-48-foot billboard that went up in early September on I-295 at Route 2 in Warwick, R.I. Ellison is part of a provocative secular voter campaign by the Freedom From … More »
“I’m an atheist and I vote” is the bold message from Alabaman Chris Nelson appearing on a billboard that has gone up this week in Montgomery as part of a national secular vote campaign. The provocative voter drive emphasizes that 75 million nonreligious adult … More »
“We’re atheists and we vote” is the bold message from Arkansans Chris Sweeny and Megan McGuire appearing on two billboards that have gone up this week in Little Rock as part of a national secular values voter campaign. The provocative secular voter drive emphasizes that … More »
A provocative new national secular voter campaign emphasizes that 75 million nonreligious adult Americans (nearly one-third of the population) are dedicated to the separation of state and religion — and are voting that way. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a state/church watchdog with more than … More »
A blatantly electioneering Houston church needs to have its tax-exempt privileges taken away, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting to the IRS. On Aug. 28, Pastor Ed Young of Second Baptist Church encouraged his congregation to vote out Houston and Harris County’s “left-wing progressive” … More »
A leading national authority on abortion rights and the Constitution is the guest on the Freedom From Religion Foundation's "Freethought Matters" TV show this Sunday. Geoffrey R. Stone is the Edward H. Levy Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago and has served as … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has contacted Jefferson County Schools in Birmingham, Ala., to warn that by scheduling and broadcasting prayer at school football games it is in violation of longstanding case law. The state/church watchdog was contacted by a concerned parent who reports that … More »
Click here to watch teaser. Legendary populist Jim Hightower starts off the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “Freethought Matters” show’s new season with a bang this Sunday. Hightower will fit in very well at FFRF’s convention in San Antonio in October as a keynote speaker, since … More »
Revoke your recent resolution closing San Francisco schools for two Muslim religious observances, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting to the school board. The San Francisco Board of Education has passed a resolution to include the recognition of two Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and … More »
The ugly and increasingly violent Christian nationalist chatter in this country is becoming alarming, warns the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Some members of Congress, candidates and other public officials have begun to openly embrace the term Christian nationalist, after previously denying its existence. And other … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation finds detestable the anti-LGBTQ policy a Sunshine State religious school has recently announced. “A religious school in Florida says it will only refer to students by their sex assigned at birth, while pupils who are gay, transgender or gender nonconforming … More »
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson continues to embarrass the nation with his intemperate and ignorant remarks, contends the Freedom From Religion Foundation. His latest contribution to dummying down the country is to suggest that grade school students shouldn’t be taught science. FFRF wrote to … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation strongly condemns as unconstitutional and irresponsible a $1.5 million budget earmark in South Carolina to help start up a Christian school. Christian Learning Centers of Greenville, which has indoctrinated public school students through release-time bible instruction, now want to build … More »
A billboard with a secular message is on display in the heart of the Golden State capital as part of a national Freedom From Religion Foundation campaign during this critical election year. Dulce Solorzano, a 20-year-old college student, is featured on a billboard on K … More »
Many Texas public school students are being greeted this school year with new “In God We Trust” posters in their schools. This is not the fault of schools, but of the state Legislature that has passed a law requiring these displays, and of bad-faith actors … More »
The U.S. Supreme Court must dismiss a manufactured case of a Colorado business so that religious discrimination is thwarted, the Freedom From Religion Foundation insists in an amicus brief. The state/church watchdog has filed a friend-of-the-court brief in a free speech case involving a … More »
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has regrettably decided to allow religious schools to discriminate and still remain eligible for federal funding for meal programs for their students. USDA gives taxpayer funds to schools to pay for lunches, so long as the schools promise to abide … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation proudly announces $19,350 in prize money to the winners of the 2022 David Hudak Memorial Black, Indigenous and Persons of Color Student Essay Competition. There were 11 top winners and 18 honorable mentions. BIPOC students were asked to write a … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has obtained a victory for free speech in Kansas. Get rid of your discriminatory clothing policy, we urged a Kansas school district after a parent complained. “I raise my children according to the seven tenets of Satanism, and while children of … More »
Earlier this year, I spoke about how our strategic goal is to go on the offensive and we are doing that. I am pleased to report that this has been our most productive quarter — and we’re continuing to put points on the board. In … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation decries the vicious attack on writer Salman Rushdie. Rushdie, of course, is perhaps best known for his Satanic Verses, which had Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini issuing a death sentence on the author for alleged blasphemy. Rushdie was reportedly stabbed while at … More »
Get rid of your discriminatory clothing policy, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting to a Kansas school district. “I raise my children according to the seven tenets of Satanism, and while children of other faiths can wear clothing that declares their family’s religion, my … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is part of a coalition that is urging the Biden administration to implement new regulations for funding of faith groups. The Coalition Against Religious Discrimination was formed in the 1990s to monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting government partnerships with … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is condemning Indiana state Sen. Mike Gaskill’s un-American statements during a debate on abortion in which he said our government must “represent Jesus.” In supporting Amendment 58, which would have removed exceptions for abortions caused by rape and … More »
Immediately halt the proselytizing activities of a local high school’s football coach, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting to a North Carolina school district. A concerned Swain County Schools community member has informed the state/church watchdog that Sherman Holt, the new head … More »
Thank you, Kansans, for restoring the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s “faith” in our nation’s commitment to individual liberties. Kansas voters yesterday resoundingly rejected the anti-abortion referendum on their ballot. Voters were put to the task to either preserve the 2019 Kansas Supreme Court decision that … More »
In honor of one of secularism’s many talented voices, the poet Rupert Brooke (1887-1915) — whose birthday is today, Aug. 3 — the Freedom From Religion Foundation is sharing the animated music video we produced featuring his charmingly irreverent poem, “Heaven.” FFRF Co-President Dan Barker, … More »
While pronouncing as chilling the symbolism of a Christian flag flying with the flags of the United States and state of Massachusetts over Boston City Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 3, the Freedom From Religion Foundation hopes it will be only once. The Supreme Court unanimously … More »
An Alabama school district must call off an annual staff meeting scheduled for later this week that in past years has been suffused with religion, insists the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A concerned Calhoun County School District employee has informed the state/church watchdog … More »
An Alabama school district has put a stop to a teacher’s blatant proselytizing after the Freedom From Religion Foundation alerted it. A concerned Shelby County Schools parent had informed the national state/church watchdog that their child’s teacher had been openly propagating Christianity to … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation takes umbrage over Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's recent remarks casting aspersions on nonbelievers as obstructors of religious liberty. Alito appeared to single out nonbelievers as implied enemies of religious freedom at the Notre Dame Law School’s Religious Liberty … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is attempting to educate the Lawrence County School District in Moulton, Ala., that it must stop a teacher from providing religious instruction to her students. A concerned Moulton Elementary School parent reported to the national state/church watchdog that … More »
The gloves are off as public officials and political candidates reveal themselves as self-avowed Christian nationalists. And, finally, the mainstream media is paying attention. It used to just be the Freedom From Religion Foundation and Christians Against Christian Nationalism, an off-shoot of the Baptist … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted to announce that the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission has unanimously voted to support the proposal for a memorial to Thomas Paine in Washington, D.C. Today’s vote was a critical step to get the Department of the … More »
The Biden administration must act boldly to protect reproductive rights, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging. Although the president’s executive order on July 8 did take some important measures on this front, much more needs to be done, FFRF advises. Extremist anti-abortion legislators around … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation takes strong exception to Donald Trump’s remarks today at an extremist gathering, in which he said, “We are Americans, and Americans kneel to God — and God alone.” Au contraire, Mr. Trump. Today the “Nones” are the fastest-growing segment of … More »
It’s time for the Republican leadership to denounce Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s un-American call to turn the GOP into a “Christian nationalist” party, says the Freedom From Religion Foundation. “Where are such denunciations?” asks Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president. “It is appalling that … More »
The Mansfield (Ohio) police department needs to get rid of its chaplaincy program at once, advises the Freedom From Religion Foundation. “Pastor Chad Hayes of Caesarea Baptist Church is the newest Mansfield police chaplain and his career path has included serving in law enforcement and … More »
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s spurious assertion about nonreligious Americans celebrating the disastrous recent Supreme Court rulings has been castigated by the Freedom From Religion Foundation and several other like-minded groups. McConnell recently said on the Senate floor: “Americans of any faith and no faith … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted that the House of Representatives has passed legislation codifying rights endangered by the extremist Supreme Court. On Tuesday, July 19, the majority approved the Respect for Marriage Act, introduced by Rep. Jerry Nadler, not only codifying the right … More »
An Indiana sheriff’s department must immediately cease putting together Christian events, including baptismals, inside its detention center, insists the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Several Decatur County residents have informed the state/church watchdog that the Sheriff’s Department has organized a number of religious functions involving inmates … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has persuaded an Illinois school district to stop allowing proselytization events on campus during the school day. A concerned community resident reported to FFRF that Ray McElroy, a former NFL player who is now a pastor, was speaking to students at … More »
The IRS must immediately take action against a politicking Arizona church that is openly challenging the tax agency, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is demanding. The Redeemer Apostolic Church in Mesa, Ariz., has recently been involved in blatant electioneering. The church hosted Pastor Joshua Feuerstein … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delighted to announce, in association with the Women’s Leadership Project, the awardees of the Hansberry Humanist Scholarship Awards. The state/church watchdog has helped to fund scholarships for six college students this year. The honorees were chosen by the Women’s … More »
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, which has sued the IRS over tax code inequities favoring churches over secular nonprofits, is condemning the growing trend of right-wing groups evading financial scrutiny by reorganizing as churches. FFRF contends that not only is this a scam, … More »
Do not misinterpret a recent Supreme Court decision, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is warning a California school board against whom it won a historic judgment. After the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District was released in late June, some members … More »
The IRS should investigate five Ohio churches that have been blatantly campaigning for an Ohio senatorial candidate, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is insisting. Northwest Baptist Church in Toledo invited Josh Mandel, a Republican candidate for the Ohio Senate primary, and Sen. Ted Cruz to … More »
The Senate must prioritize confirming federal judicial nominees before August or postpone the August recess if necessary, a multifarious coalition is urging the Senate majority leader. The federal judiciary must continue confirming diverse judges who are committed to civil and human rights to … More »
The Christian nationalist influence behind the Jan. 6 attack was laid bare at yesterday’s congressional hearing in the form of testimony entered about Roger Stone, longtime adviser to Donald Trump. On the night before the insurrection at a rally at Freedom Plaza, Stone pushed … More »
Arizona has enacted the most expansive private school voucher program in the country in the wake of the Supreme Court’s attempted destruction of state-church separation. Taxpayers in the Grand Canyon State are now required to pay for any student’s private schooling, including those who attend … More »
The White House must do much more than the baby steps it has recently taken to safeguard abortion access, contends the Freedom From Religion Foundation. “This is a national health emergency,” says Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president, “and President Biden needs to act accordingly. The … More »
Stop preaching on your official social media, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is telling a Jefferson County (Ala.) middle school. A concerned local resident contacted the national state/church watchdog regarding Bragg Middle School’s promotion of Christianity on its official website. The “Life-Changing Truths … More »