Action Alerts
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Media Inquiries
Please phone the Freedom From Religion Foundation office at 608/256-8900 to speak directly with Foundation Co-Presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker or other staff here in Madison, Wis. We receive an especially heavy volume of e-mails and we don't want to miss an inquiry, so please phone to set up an interview, especially if you are on deadline. We would be pleased to try to answer your questions, or accommodate your request.
Current Action Alerts
FFRF condemns Louisiana bible bill
Statement By Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan BarkerCo-PresidentsFreedom From Religion Foundation It's hard to believe that in 2014 a bill to declare “the Holy Bible the official state book of Louisiana” would gain traction in the Louisiana legislature. Yesterday, a House committee voted 8-5 to…More »
Protest Brandeis University's withdrawal of honorary degree to Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Brandeis University in Massachusetts has taken the deplorable action of rescinding an honorary degree offered to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a campaigner for women’s rights and fierce critic of Islam. Brandeis announced the award to Hirsi Ali, along with four others, on March 31. The Massachusetts…More »
STOP ‘In God We Trust’ registration plates
Dear Wisconsin FFRF Member, Please call and email your state senator immediately asking him or her to vote against AB 244, creating a special “In God We Trust” license plate. The bill is on the agenda for a floor vote tomorrow, (Tuesday, March 18). Read…More »
Ask governor to veto ten commandments bill now
On Wednesday, March 12, the Georgia Senate passed H.B. 702, a bill designed to place a Ten Commandments monument within the state capitol building or on its grounds. The bill previously passed the Georgia House. In addition to the Ten Commandments, the proposed granite monument will also…More »
Stop Christian Science health care exemption bill
Next Tuesday (March 11), Christian Scientists are holding a “national call-in” lobbying day in Congress to demand a special exemption for Christian Scientists from the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that all U.S. citizens carry medical health insurance. The so-called “Equitable Access to Care and Health…More »
Oppose unconstitutional Alabama prayer bill now
Dear Alabama FFRF Member: A bill mandating that public schools begin each morning with prayer was approved by voice vote in the House Education Policy Committee in late February. House Bill 318, sponsored by Rep. Steve Hurst, would require teachers and public school students to…More »
Statement: Brewer should veto ‘religious wrongs’ bill
Have you contacted Gov. Jan Brewer yet asking her to veto SB 1026? Phone her office now: (602) 542-4331 Statement by Dan Barker & Annie Laurie GaylorCo-PresidentsFreedom From Religion Foundation The newest threat to religious liberty is the campaign to pass legislation permitting individuals or…More »
Stop Alabama Ten Commandments Bill
Please make a fuss and protest the action of the Alabama House, which, by a 77-19 vote today, passed an absurd constitutional amendment to permit the display of the biblical ten commandments on state and public school property. The amendment would insert into a section…More »
Ask Congress to adopt Darwin Day (once again!)
Darwin Day is celebrated around the world on February 12, the 205th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birthday. Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) has been working valiantly to designate that date as a national holiday. Last week Holt once again introduced H.R. 467. The resolution "recogniz[es] the…More »
Remove bible from Pinella Park City Council chambers
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has contacted Pinellas Park Mayor Sandra Bradbury to insist that a bible be removed from a dais in the city council chamber, among other complaints. On behalf of local FFRF Members, FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent several letters, the…More »
Pressure Mesa School Board to stay secular
The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board in Mesa, Ariz., recently discontinued prayers to start its meetings after a letter from FFRF. But unfortunately it is now reconsidering its decision after several citizens protested the prayers' absence. The prayers were sectarian and included Christian references such…More »
Join boycott against Hobby Lobby
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling a boycott (and “girlcott”) of Hobby Lobby, a national retail craft-store chain. Hobby Lobby characterizes itself as a Christian company, with 561 stores nationwide and revenues of more than $2.28 billion per year. It also employs 21,000 people.…More »
Object to Texas State Board of Education creationist revisions!
The Texas State Board of Education has received nationwide attention after its strong religionist faction pushed an ideological agenda onto revisions of textbook and curriculum standards. As a result of several new requirements, the state board appointed a handful of creationists in their review group.…More »
Defeat "In God We Trust" in the Public Schools!
Legislation is underway in the Pennsylvania legislature to mandate the display of the phrase "In God We Trust" in every public school building. This is a blatant attempt to favor religion with a public statement of faith in every school. House Bill 1728, introduced on…More »
Send the Wausau School Board Your Opinion!
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has encouraged the Wausau School District to ensure its Wis. music curriculum that does not make religion its primary focus. FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott sent a letter on Oct. 10 to the school board, explaining why religious music in…More »
Protest White House Pro Government Prayer Brief
Statement by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie GaylorCo-PresidentsFreedom From Religion Foundation What a disappointment to see the White House side with congressional Republicans and theocrats in the upcoming Supreme Court case over opening town councils almost exclusively with Christian prayer. The Obama administration just submitted…More »
WI Action Alert - Stop vouchers now!
Dear Wisconsin FFRF'er: FFRF has asked you earlier this year to contact your state legislators to oppose vouchers. It’s time to act again — putting pressure on your state senator and the Joint Committee on Finance. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's recent budget proposal includes major…More »
Protest Pennsylvania House fasting and prayer resolutions!
Below is a copy of a letter from FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor submitted to Pennsylvania newspapers as an opinion piece objecting to HR 17 and HR 51, which designate April 30, 2013 as “National Fast Day” and May 2 as the “National Day of…More »
Tell HHS to stand up to Catholic Bishops on contraceptive health care!
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a new notice of proposed rulemaking on February 1, with a comment period ending April 8. The rules seemingly broaden the definition of “religious employer” to exempt more groups from the requirement that health insurance plans…More »
Protest ‘state religion’ proposal
Without intended irony on April Fools' Day, Republican Rowan County Reps. Harry Warren and Carl Ford introduced House Joint Resolution 494 to establish a state religion in North Carolina. Unbelievably, the bill has already attracted 12 other equally ignorant sponsors. It’s no joking matter that…More »
SOS! Oppose prayer of Clark County Board!
The Freedom From Religion Foundation wants your help in contacting the Clark County (Washington) Board of Commissioners to oppose a plan to open civil Board meetings with prayers. The prayers would marginalize nonbelievers and community members who are not in agreement with the proselytizing messages.…More »
Let Texas school district know school sponsored biblical messages are not OK
The Freedom From Religion Foundation wants you to help give perspective to a Texas school district over allowing religious "run-through" banners displayed by school cheerleaders on the field during school football games. The Kountze ISD Board of Trustees has asked for public input.FFRF maintains that…More »
Oppose Congressional storm aid for religious institutions
Please contact your U.S. Senator today and tell him or her to vote against the Senate version of House Resolution 592.The federal government is perilously close to using your tax dollars to directly fund the building, maintenance and repair of "houses of worship," including churches, synagogues,…More »
Urge South Carolina education board to drop prayer
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking for your help in persuading the School District of Pickens County Board of Trustees, S.C., to drop prayers to begin its monthly meetings.FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott sent a letter to the District on Nov. 26, 2012, protesting…More »
Ask Congress to adopt Darwin Day
Continuing the tradition of former Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) has introduced a resolution designating Charles Darwin's 204th birthday, Feb. 12, 2013, as Darwin Day. The resolution "recogniz[es] the importance of science in the betterment of humanity."Holt was recently quoted in The…More »
BSA to keep discriminating against atheists
It is absolutely outrageous that the Boy Scouts of America, which has proudly excluded both atheists and gays from its membership, announced yesterday that lifting its ban on gays — but not atheists — is on the agenda for the biannual meeting of its national…More »
Ask Brownback to 'repent' of his 'Day of Repentance'
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging Kansas Governor Sam Brownback to rescind his religious proclamations and opt not, in his official capacity, to attend or endorse the overtly Christian event "Going to the Heart," which is scheduled to broadcast live from Topeka, Kan., on…More »
Thank Buhler mayor for taking cross off city logo
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has successfully petitioned the city of Buhler to remove a cross from its official seal — and now we need your help to sustain the victory. FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote to Mayor Daniel Friesen on Sept. 14, urging…More »
Ask Obama to drop religion in presidential oath
ACT NOW, CONTACT PRESIDENT OBAMA The Freedom From Religion Foundation has sent a letter to President Obama asking him to reject the way this country politicizes religion. The Constitution, which prescribes the oath in Art. 2, Sect. 1, does not contain the “so help me…More »
Call Texas AG & Gov. over their atheist potshots
As you know, the Texas governor and attorney general have attacked FFRF and all Texas freethinkers and nonbelievers over FFRF's role in protesting religious banners by public school cheerleaders in Kountze. The school district properly halted the cheerleader practice of placing bible verses on banners,…More »
Oppose Pennsylvania 'Prayer Month' resolution!
Update: Unfortunately this resolution passed 189-2 shortly after this action alert was sent out, so please contact the lawmakers below and make a fuss. Below is a copy of the Freedom From Religion Foundation's letter objecting to Pennsylvania House Resolution 922, "Recognizing October 2012 as…More »
Help remove the Ten Commandments from the Georgia Capitol
A display of the Ten Commandments recently went up in the Georgia Capitol. We need your help to take it down. The Decalogue is part of a larger display titled “Foundations of American Law and Government” which includes various historical documents. Needless to say, the…More »
Thank Pueblo for stopping government prayer
The Pueblo City Council, Colo., is indefinitely postponing sectarian prayers to open meetings and going to a moment of silence. Thank them for their commitment to the secular Constitution and freedom of conscience. Freedom From Religion Foundation Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel, a former Pueblo resident,…More »
Help banish bible verses from Texas high school’s football games
Ever since the Freedom From Religion Foundation persuaded a Texas high school last week to disallow the practice of having football players run through giant paper posters adorned with bible verses and prayer, the state of Texas has been in a state of hysteria! Please…More »
Tell Illinois schools to stand by Jessica Ahlquist!
Three Illinois public schools are coming under fire because of a decision to invite First Amendment advocate Jessica Ahlquist to speak during their "Constitution Week" festivities. (FFRF'ers can hear and meet Jessica at FFRF's upcoming annual convention in Portland Oct. 12-13, where she will receive…More »
Help block prayer from UTC football field
The Freedom From Religion Foundation scored a touchdown against football prayer at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga this week. The pre-game prayer, which typically included a reference to 'Jesus Christ,' was traditionally delivered by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and had been a home game staple…More »
Help FFRF sustain Ten Commandments victory in Pennsylvania!
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging the Connellsville Area School District to stand firm in its decision to remove a large, unconstitutional Ten Commandments display from Connellsville Junior High School East in Connellsville, Pa. Pittsburgh-based attorney Marcus Schneider represents FFRF and a concerned district…More »
TAKE ACTION! Protest imprisonment for atheism
Please join the world in condemning yesterday's 30-month prison sentence given to Indonesian civil servant Alexander Aan for saying what FFRF'ers and 750 million people today believe: "There is no God." FFRF's formal letter of complaint below lays out the facts. You may also read…More »
FFRF: Mayors overstep bounds hosting prayer breakfasts
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is busy this week protesting all kinds of National Day of Prayer-related entanglements between government and religion, including violations occurring in two separate states involving mayoral-arranged prayer breakfasts observing the day of prayer. FFRF, which represents more than 18,000 nonreligious More »
Weigh in on church's lack of financial accountability
FFRF sent a memo to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, weighing in on 17 issues regarding the financial status of churches in our country. We need your help to drive our message home. On Nov. 5, 2007, Grassley and the Senate Committee on Finance More »
An Unholy Alliance: Kathy Byron, the Falwell Empire, and the True Motivations behind HB 462
Infamous Virginia House Bill 462, currently in a Senate committee but expected to pass and be signed into law imminently, forces women to undergo invasive ultrasound imaging prior to an abortion. The bill would essentially require women to have a transvaginal ultrasound — a More »
Tell Brown County Board to work, not pray
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has formally urged the Brown County Board to cease "unnecessary" and "inappropriate" prayer before government meetings. County Board meetings currently open with an overtly Christian prayer that often includes specific references to "Jesus." FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert called attention More »
E-mail/phone Cranston School Committee over Ahlquist case!
Please let the school committee in Cranston, R.I. know that the nation is watching them. Join FFRF (read FFRF's letter here) in urging the committee to do the right thing, and not appeal the Jan. 11 federal appeals court ruling in Jessica Ahlquist's favor. More »
Help Saudi writer escape death!
Saudi Arabian journalist Hamza Kashgari faces conviction for "blasphemy" over a series of religion-themed "Tweets." Kashgari had previously fled to Malaysia to avoid arrest after word broke out about his "blasphemous" Twitter column. He was deported to Saudi Arabia yesterday. According to the New More »
Pennsylvania bible resolution is ‘sinfully’ unconstitutional
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is protesting an unconstitutional resolution naming 2012 the "Year of the Bible," unanimously passed (193-0) in the Pennsylvania General Assembly this week. House Resolution 535 arrogantly exhorts citizens to "study and apply the teachings of the holy scriptures.” What More »
Tell the Airforce to adopt a secular motto
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has taken issue with the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office's (USAF-RCO) latest decision to change its Latin motto from "Doing God's Work, with Other People's Money" to "Doing Miracles with Other People's Money." While FFRF applauds the gesture, we More »
Catholic bishops go after women's right to contraception
During church services on the last Sunday in January, Catholic hierarchy read what CBS News called a "blistering letter," assailing the Obama administration for an "assault on religious liberty." (Read a version of the bishops' letter proclaimed in every Catholic Church, urging Catholic congregants More »
FFRF protests misuse of federal, presidential Seals by National Prayer Breakfast backers
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has contacted four federal agencies over what appears to be egregious violations of federal law by publicizers of the National Prayer Breakfast, who are appropriating the Presidential, Congressional and Great Seals of the United States to promote the breakfast. More »
FFRF hails long overdue Alaska Airlines announcement
Statement by Annie Laurie Gaylor FFRF Co-President Today, at long last, Alaska Airlines will cease a much-protested-by-us practice of distributing “prayer cards” to its airline customers. Late last week Alaska Airlines announced it has been providing those cards for “more than 30 years,” but has finally reconsidered. A statement More »
Jessica Ahlquist needs your support!
A few days after Jessica Ahlquist's important victory over an illegal prayer banner, some Rhode Islanders have started to fester over the ruling and attack the teenager personally. Rep. Peter Palumbo D-R.I. called the 16 year old an "evil little thing" in an interview on More »
Keep Christ out of Pitman government
FFRF has recently taken issue with a "Keep Christ in Christmas" banner in Pitman, N.J. Borough officials refuse to remove the Knights of Columbus sign that was erected over a public street. The banner stretches across Broadway, near 2nd Ave., and is strung in More »
Help remove illegal creche in Athens, Texas
It has been almost one month since we wrote to Henderson County officials in Athens, Texas, about their illegal nativity scene on courthouse property. The unconstitutional creche still stands in defiance of the law while county officials refuse to hang FFRF's Winter Solstice banner More »
Help sustain Ahlquist victory
Jessica Ahlquist needs your help! The battle over the illegal prayer banner at Cranston West High School is up for discussion tomorrow (Wednesday, Jan. 25) evening at 6 p.m. Humanists of Rhode Island expect over 100 Jessica Ahlquist and Constitution supporters to be present More »
Support secular franking rule!
Rep. Diane Black R-Tenn. sent an inappropriate, religious message to her Tennessee constituents on Dec. 24. Her letter "Wishing You a Merry Christmas... Even if I'm not supposed to (copied at the end of this page)" began and ended with a personal rant in More »
Thank inclusive Governor
The Freedom From Religion Foundation applauds Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee for designating the Statehouse tree, a "holiday tree." Gov. Chafee contends in an ABC news interview that, "he's just respecting the state's history as a place respectful of all religions." Unlike the recent More »
Thank President Obama for secular address
President Obama's Thanksgiving Day address was as American as apple pie, but has the Christian Right in a tizzy because he did not utter the word G-O-D. Christians have been up in arms, tweeting comments such as, "God help us!" and "So sad," according More »
Make public comment against federal Jesus shrine
Dear FFRF'er: We need your continued help to remove a shrine to Jesus from Big Mountain on Flathead National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service, at FFRF's request, had agreed not to renew a no-cost lease to a Catholic group to erect a statue to Jesus More »
Walker trims holiday from tree
It's not even December yet, and the war against state/church separation has begun! Dear FFRF Member: Gov. Scott Walker's "momentous" announcement that he is renaming the state tree that goes up in the Capitol every December a "Christmas" tree instead of a "holiday" tree is getting More »
Letter to President Barack Obama Re: 9/11 Anniversary Prayer Proclamation and Remarks at 9/11 Memo
If you wish to contact the President: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact You can also call or write to the President: The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Please include your e-mail address Phone Numbers Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 Visitors Office: 202-456-2121 September 15, 2011 The Honorable Barack Obama White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Re: 9/11 More »
Help educate Kentucky community about the First Amendment
FFRF complained about the Bell County, Ky. School District’s practice of hosting prayers, mostly Christian, over loudspeakers to begin school sports events. Superintendent George Thompson begrudgingly halted the practice. But Thompson has made unprofessional comments about the community being “Christian,” has admitted he knew More »
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