In this issue:

• Michigan House approves IGWT Legislation
• Student reacts to religious signs in her school
• Winter Solstice celebration and Political Planning session
• State Convention reminder
• About the newsletter

Michigan House Approves Motto Legislation

The Michigan House of Representatives approved legislation that would allow "in God We Trust" to be displayed in public buildings by a 105-1 vote on October 17. The legislation now moves to the Senate.

Proponents of HB 5091 claim that the motto is an expression of patriotism, and will pass Constitutional muster.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON HB 5091!

• the historical origins of the motto, which are unmistakably religious. See issue 2 of this newsletter for details.
• the possibility of legal action. Atheists have always questioned the motto, as have other defenders of state/church separation.
• the lack of necessity of the legislation. There is no known beneficial effect that would come from this legislation. No social problems would be solved, and no citizen would benefit.
• the preference that the motto gives believers in monotheism over non-believers or believers in alternative religions.

For information on how to contact the Michigan Legislature, log on to http://www.state.mi.us, and click on the "Michigan Legislature" link.

Student Reacts to School's Separation Violation

On October 10, a high school student in Traverse City, Michigan reacted to her school's posting of a sign that said "God Bless America" by tearing it down.

The 16-year-old approached her school's administration prior to her action, expressing her offense to the sign, since she is an Atheist who attends a public high school, where she thought such signs were not allowed to be posted.

When the administrator she approached told her that he could do nothing about the sign, the student removed it herself. This action prompted the administration to involve the school officer, who threatened to ticket the student for vandalism if she ripped down any more signs.

The student proceeded to post signs of her own that said "God-less America" and "God is a myth", which prompted the administration to send her home for that day, saying that any student must receive permission from the school's administration before posting anything on school property.

The school's offensive sign has not been replaced.

Make Reservations Now For Michigan Atheists Winter Solstice Celebration And Political Planning Session

This year's Winter Solstice celebration will be held on Sunday, December 16, from 3:00PM to 7:00PM at the China Star Palace in Westland.

This event will feature our Auctioneer Extraordinaire, Robert Brooks. If you have a new, usable item that you can donate to the auction, please bring it, and we'll see if Bob can sell it!

Reservations are required, so RSVP no later December 12th to amarie@atheists.org, or call Arlene-Marie at 313-388-9594.

Michigan Atheists will be holding a Political Planning Session on Sunday, January 20, at 12:00PM, at China Star Palace.

• If you are concerned about how low the wall of separation between state and church can fall, please join us.
• If you are interested in political leadership, please join us.
• If you are interested in serving on a political committee, or bringing your ideas to a planning session, please join us.

Some of the items to be discussed include:

• HR 2931: Dubbed the "Bright=line Act", this bill would permit churches and other religious groups to use up to 20% of their annual untaxed income for lobbying efforts.
• HR 5091: This legislation would allow the motto "In God We Trust" to be posted in all public buildings in Michigan, including institutions of higher education.
• HR 4226: This legislation would allow the Ten Commandments to be placed in state buildings, and specifically targets schools.
• HR 2357: The Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act would permit churches and other houses of worship to engage in political campaigns.

THE MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A BILL THAT GIVES MONEY DIRECTLY TO THE RED CROSS AND THE SALVATION ARMY FROM THE SALE OF SPECIAL STATE LICENSE PLATES< AND WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO START LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THIS.

Please join us for this important event. Reservations are required. RSVP no later than January 13 at amarie@atheists.org, or call Arlene at 313-388-9594.

Reminder: State Convention On 11/3

The Michigan Atheists state convention will be held on November 3 at the Holiday Inn Livonia-West, 17123 Laurel Park Drive North, Livonia from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. This historic event is dedicated to Henry Morgan to honor his more than 25 years of service. Join us as we Roast Henry at a gala luncheon. Our list of speakers includes:

• Conrad Georinger: Listmaster of AANews and contributing editor of the American Atheist Newsletter
• Robert Brooks: Accomplished and popular speaker in the Detroit Metro area
• Frank Zindler: Scholar, science writer, and editor of American Atheists
• Paul Kondon: Past president of Atheist Society at Western Michigan University

For registration and further information on the event, e-mail Arlene-Marie at amarie@atheists.org.

About The Newsletter

If you have news to contribute, please send it to Greg Reich at AtheistGR@aol.com. The main intention of this newsletter is to inform Atheists in Michigan of news and events pertaining to us, and call us to action when necessary. However, as time and space allows, opinions and other special sections may be added. Advertising is welcome, and will go to fund a hard-copy version of the newsletter. If you have friends who would be interested in subscribing to this electronic newsletter, please have them send their subscription request to michiganatheistsnewsletter@comcast.net. If you have friends without computers who would be interested, feel free to print and distribute as many copies as you like.

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