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Police Protect Atheist Sign In Illinois Capitol

By Howard M. Friedman

Next to the Christmas tree and near a nativity scene in the Illinois State Capitol Building, the Freedom From Religion Foundation has placed a sign reading:

At the time of the winter solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is just myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.

CBS News reports that William J. Kelly, a conservative activist and candidate for state comptroller, yesterday attempted to take down the sign, but was briefly detained and told to leave the building by Capitol police (who wrote up an incident report) when he turned the sign around so that it was face down. Kelly says the sign constitutes "hate speech" and mocks religion. He says that anyone going to look at the Christmas tree would be confronted by the sign because of its placement. Capitol police say it is their duty to protect any property in the Capitol building. [Thanks to Scott Mange for the lead.]

Full post as published by Religion Clause on December 24, 2009 (boomark / email).