Kentucky Homeland Security Lawsuit
American Atheists et al v. The State of Kentucky and the State office of Homeland Security
NEW Video: View the Arguments and testimony from Edwin Kagin
8/26/09 NEWS: We WON! Here is the judge's opinion, and check out the press release
9/7/09 Kentucky will appeal
Can't we let this alone?
No, we can't. It is our patriotic duty to protect our Constitution from threats. The injection of religion into government offices, if left alone, would set a precedent and lead to more infringements, which would then become precedents themselves. We have seen, first hand and in this case alone, that religion can never be satisfied -- they will always want more. The Seaparation of Church and state is a doctrine we proudly and unapologetically defend.
Beyond that, the whole concept that the state and the country is powerless against other religious zealots without this specific god to help us screams of the same religious zealotry that got us into this war in the first place. "my god can beat up your god" is what they say before a war begins -- or escalates.
The Kentucky State Flag reads "United we stand, divided we fall". American Atheists would like to remind the people of KY that nothing is more divisive than religion. The Division of Homeland Security should not be about preaching religion, it should be about protecting people -- all of them, equally.
Why are we asking for Damages?
Frankly, because we have to. The US Supreme Court has determined, in a terrible decision last year, that citizens cannot sue the government for church/state separation issues without damages. We must abide by this decision to have standing.
However, we can and will drop this lawsuit for VERY minimal costs to the fine citizens of Kentucky if the State Attorney General declares this one provision illegal and takes it off the books. Of course, the longer they wait, and the more they fight, the higher the costs which must be recovered.
What can I do to help?
First off, join and support American Atheists! Lawsuits aren't free, and we need all the financial support we can get. Write letters to the editor, and voice your opinion loud and clear, especially if you live in Kentucky.
Documentation
The law that started it all (State of KY website)
Filed Brief (amended)
Agreed Order
Motion to Dismiss
Defendant memorandum
Open Records Request
E Heneskey Affidavit
E Fields Affidavit
Helen Kagin Affidavit
Alex Grigg Affidavit
Jan Ewing Affidavit
Ed Buckner Affidavit
Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgement
Plaintiff's Response to mostion for Dismissal
Plaintiff's Response to Homeland Security
Response to Homeland Security Motion to Dismiss
Press Coverage (partial)
Chicago Tribune article
Dave Silverman on MSNBC
MSNBC Article
Yahoo News
KY Journal
Pew Forum
Hate (or ignorant) Mail
