We want to share with you some of the highlights from this unprecedented year

Dear Friend,

2020 has been filled with many challenges and our community has had to adapt in unprecedented ways. However, it has also presented opportunities and success. We invite you to take a moment to look back at what has been an unforgettable year, and what YOU made possible.

January 7

The coalition convenes to plan the strategy for Secular America Votes ([link removed][UNIQID]) - 2020.

January 13

SCA joins the Program of the Humanist Legal Society at the National Press Club in preparation for SCOTUS arguments in Espinoza v. Montana ([link removed][UNIQID]) .

February 7-10

SCA hosts our annual Members' Meeting with key staff from our 19 member organizations. Attendees lobby their representatives on Capitol Hill and attend a meeting of the Congressional Freethought Caucus (CFC) ([link removed][UNIQID]) where they present their priorities.

February 24

Collaboration with the SMART Recovery ([link removed][UNIQID]) lobbying team continues. Our mission to expand non-religious, medication-assisted treatment options for those suffering from addiction is ongoing.

March 16

Pandemic lockdown begins in DC. SCA transitions to virtual lobbying for the duration of the year.

March 31

The coalition sends a letter to SBA ([link removed][UNIQID]) requesting they maintain Constitutional protections for religious liberty in implementing the CARES Act.

April 3

SCA and our member organizations send a letter to HUD and OMB requesting they suspend rulemaking for the Revised Requirements Under Community Planning and Development Housing Programs ([link removed][UNIQID]) , due to the pandemic.

April 20

SCA contacts House and Senate leadership requesting that they add essential protections for religious freedom in subsequent COVID relief legislation.

May 12

The coalition contacts the FDA to rebuke the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops ([link removed][UNIQID]) , who requested that the FDA incentivize pharma companies to not use embryonic stem cells in their quest for a COVID-19 vaccine.

May 19

Requesting their intervention on behalf of imprisoned Nigerian Humanist leader Mubarak Bala, SCA and our member organizations send a letter to the State Department ([link removed][UNIQID]) .

May 26

SCA contacts House and Senate leadership urging them to support and pass the CORE Act.

June 1

President Trump gasses Black Lives Matter protestors for photo op at St. John's Episcopal Church. SCA staff march in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.

June 1

SCA notifies House and Senate leadership of our support for language contained in the HEROES Act that would prevent the creation of private school voucher programs in the bill.

June 30

SCOTUS unfortunately rules that private schools can receive public funding in Espinoza v Montana ([link removed][UNIQID]) . SCA pivots to a legislative strategy.

July 16

SCA travels to Philadelphia for the release of the Commision on Unalienable Rights report, and live streams the post release panel discussion via Facebook ([link removed][UNIQID]) .

July 20

The coalition contacts House and Senate leadership requesting that they reinforce basic Constitutional protections in the Paycheck Protection Program.

July 27

In support of the Secular Student Alliance’s virtual Lobby Day, SCA facilitates and conducts interviews with CFC members Rep. Raskin and Rep. Huffman ([link removed][UNIQID]) .

August 18

For the first time ever, non-theists are recognized and invited to participate at a national party convention ([link removed][UNIQID]) .

August 20

Rep. Rashida Tliab (D-MI) publicly confirms her CFC membership ([link removed][UNIQID]) .

Ongoing

SCA holds monthly meetings with Lobbyists, Grassroots, and Communications professionals from our coalition to continue our collaboration in developing strategy and policy.
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September 18

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ([link removed][UNIQID]) , a champion of equal rights and the separation of church and state, dies. She is later memorialized by SCA Executive Director, Debbie Allen, during the Freethought Society's 'Secular Day of the Dead'.

September 9-30

SCA conducts its annual Secular Values Survey ([link removed][UNIQID]) to hear from our community regarding what they want SCA to focus on in the year ahead. Overwhelmingly, responders selected; Preventing religious ideology from interfering in scientific advancement as their number one priority

September 21

Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee's STOP FGM (female genital mutilation) Act ([link removed][UNIQID]) passes in the House.

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October 11

SCA sponsors the annual California Freethought Day. ([link removed][UNIQID])

October 17

SCA sponsors the 'Centering the Margins' ([link removed][UNIQID]) conference, co-hosted by the American Humanist Association, for LGBTQ+ Humanists and nontheists.

October 26

Judge Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed to SCOTUS, pushing the court further towards a Christian Nationalist consensus of the constitution.
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November 1

SCA celebrates Secular Day of the Dead ([link removed][UNIQID]) with the Freethought Society.

November 3

The secular community makes its voice heard in the 2020 elections ([link removed][UNIQID]) and welcomes President-elect Biden's openness towards our priorities.

November 20

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) joins the CFC ([link removed][UNIQID]) , becoming its 14th member.

November 30

In partnership with our 19 member organizations, SCA releases our ‘Secular Agenda for the 117th Congress and Biden Administration’. ([link removed][UNIQID])

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December 3

SCA calls on Oklahoma Governor Stitt to respect the diversity of his state ([link removed][UNIQID]) , in response to his Proclamation of Day of Prayer and Fasting.

December 7 & 19

Resolutions condemning global blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws, pass the House and Senate ([link removed][UNIQID]) , thanks to the leadership of Rep. Raskin, Co-Chair of the CFC, and Sen. Lankford.

2021: New Year, New Congress, New Administration, Same fight for Secularism
Here is what we have planned...
* Host SCA's Annual Members' Meeting on February 6th
* Promote scientific remedies to combat the spread of COVID-19
* Grow and strengthen the Congressional Freethought Caucus
* Roll back harmful Executive Orders
* Support the nomination and appointment of judges and other government officials who adhere to the separation of religion and government
* Pass legislation like the Do No Harm Act, the Scientific Integrity Act, and the CORE Act

As you can see, 2021 is going to be another big year for the Secular Coalition for America and we can not do it without you. If you appreciate the work we are doing, and want to be a part of our efforts, we hope you will consider giving today by clicking the “I want to help! Double my donation!” ([link removed][UNIQID]) button. Thanks to generous gifts from two of our founders, each dollar you pledge to the Secular Coalition for America between now and December 31st WILL BE DOUBLED up to $50,000!
I want to help! Double my donation! ([link removed][UNIQID])
Wishing you a happy New Year from the team at the Secular Coalition for America!

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Contributions to the Secular Coalition for America are not tax-deductible; they support our effective, citizen-based advocacy and lobbying efforts. Tax-deductible donations, including from Donor Advised Funds and IRA Rollovers, can be made to the Secular Coalition for America Education Fund.



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