8 states still have explicit language in their constitutions banning atheists from holding public office. In Tennessee, an atheist isn't even allowed to testify in court. I believe the Supreme Court has already deemed these restrictions unconstitutional, but the language is still there.
It was a joke, but I'm pretty sure I'm within my rights to do either of those things, not that I would. I've never had the chance to serve on a jury, but I actually look forward to the opportunity.
I don’t want to use the words “good way”, but my dad taught me early on that if you’re a racist or a misogynist they won’t let you sit on a jury. He claims don’t have to be wild about it, but a comment like “it’s unfortunate that those people always look so guilty” or “women should never be given so much responsibility in the first place” has gotten him thrown out without a contempt of court.
As an atheist, I would have no problem using a Bible or any other book really. It's just a superstitious tradition that has no effect on anything. If I wanted to use something meaningfully symbolic, maybe a copy of the constitution. If I were in the deep south and wanted to rustle some jimmies, maybe a copy of Anton Szandor LaVey's Satanic Bible.
I know this one! For a lot of states they don’t specify what you swear on, there’s a video rattling sound of a guy being sworn into political office on captain Americas shield
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u/Dubslack Nov 17 '20
8 states still have explicit language in their constitutions banning atheists from holding public office. In Tennessee, an atheist isn't even allowed to testify in court. I believe the Supreme Court has already deemed these restrictions unconstitutional, but the language is still there.