Written by Don Byrd
The Kentucky Supreme Court has declined to review 2006 legislation that requires the state’s Homeland Security Director to promote the idea that “dependence upon Almighty God is vital.” The controversial bill was upheld by a divided Appeals Court, which determined it merely acknowledged the power of God, and did not create an actual duty. The Supreme Court’s decision leaves that ruling, and the bill, in place. The plaintiffs challenging the law have to decide whether to try and keep the lawsuit alive.
Edwin Kagin, national legal director for American Atheists, said he was disappointed with the Supreme Court decision not to review the case. He said he would discuss options with his clients, which include letting the matter drop or bringing a challenge in the federal court system.
“What’s really frightening about this is it’s increasingly clear that these people (proponents of such legislation) want to establish the Christian religion, and they’re getting more and more blatant about it all the time,” he said.
The suit also challenges the state legislature’s finding in 2002 that “safety and security of the commonwealth cannot be achieved apart from reliance upon Almighty God.”
