The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is attacking State Senate Pro-Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) for supporting a water and granola bar program between churches and Etowah County Schools.
The FFRF has already asked the school system to stop allowing churches to hold devotions with students if they supply granola bars and water to middle and high school wrestlers.
After Reed commented on the matter, the FFRF accused him of breach of oath. Reed said he didn’t think the anti-religion, out-of-state organization should be interrupting efforts to tell children about God, according to the FFRF.
“Senator Reed, your remarks are alarming and a breach of your oath to support the U.S. Constitution, which protects students from religious indoctrination by their public schools,” writes FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line, who responded to the comments.
“Our public schools exist to educate, not to indoctrinate in religion,” comments FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “Senator Reed should take a minute to read our godless Constitution and refresh himself on constitutional principles mandating that the government and its schools stay out of the religion business.”
The FFRF said parents should decide what their children are exposed to regarding religion. In a press release, the group accused Reed of using his public office to promote his personal religious beliefs and violate the Constitution.
“As [sic] state senator, it is his duty to support the U.S. Constitution, including its Establishment Clause separating religion from government, and to protect the rights of conscience of all Alabamians regardless of their religious or nonreligious beliefs,” the statement read. “In the face of an active campaign by Christian nationalists to declare the United States a Christian nation, and undo many First Amendment protections as well as other civil liberties, his statements are profoundly unAmerican.”
Reed has been a State Senator since 2010. His win was part of the red wave that gave the GOP control of the Senate and the House after 135 years of Democratic rule.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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