View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]
Welcome to Reads of Reason, a weekly compilation of news-clippings that relate to our work advocating for the equal rights of nonreligious Americans and the separation of religion and government.

Abortion Rights and SCOTUS
This past week, the conversation around the SCOTUS leak and how the overturning of Roe v. Wade could impact the nation continued. Arguments to protect, or deny, the right to an abortion have been plentiful. A Pew Research poll ([link removed]) this month found that the nonreligious are largely in favor of access to abortions without exceptions. Adam Lee at OnlySky talks about how the number of nonreligious supporters of abortion rights has grown over the last decade: The nonreligious are overwhelmingly pro-choice ([link removed]) (May 13, 2022; 2 minute read).

But the nonreligious aren't the only ones who are pro-choice. In her opinion piece at the Daily Beast, There’s No Separation of Church and State on the Supreme Court ([link removed]) (May 13, 2022; 5 minute read), Eleanor Clift discusses how the Catholic-majority on the Supreme Court is out of touch with the opinions of many Catholic Americans. Further, the imposition of religious beliefs upon legal judgments will have consequences for the religious and nonreligious alike.

Some have been surprised to learn that the Jewish and Muslim faiths not only allow abortions but require them in instances where the life of the mother is in danger. Banning abortions infringes on the religious liberty of religious and nonreligious individuals. With Roe in peril, abortion rights advocates prepare appeals to religious liberty ([link removed]) (May 17, 2022; 7 minute read) by Jack Jenkins at the Religion News Service highlights access as a matter of religious liberty.

Wendy E. Parmet argues in Scientific American that the SCOTUS' unwillingness to listen to experts goes beyond religious concerns: The Antiscience Supreme Court Is Hurting the Health of Americans ([link removed]) (May 17, 2022; 5 minute read). Scientific expertise was considered in the decision of Roe v. Wade.

Religion in Schools
In public schools, the teachers and staff (including coaches for athletic teams) are considered representatives of the state. This means that Religious Liberty Rights of Students, Teachers Are Not the Same ([link removed]) (May 16, 2022; 5 minute read), as explained by Holly Hollman, general counsel and associate executive director for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, in this Bloomberg Law article.

However, allowing a teacher's personal religious beliefs to harm students seems to be legal in Kansas. At least, temporarily for one teacher: Teacher Can Avoid Using Students' Pronouns Due to Religious Beliefs: Judge ([link removed]) (May 17, 2022; 2 minute read). Thomas Kika shares the details of this case in Newsweek. Consequences of the precedent of this case could endanger LGBTQIA+ youth.

Is there such a thing as too many holidays? NJ schools under pressure to add religious holidays. But some say it's gone too far ([link removed]) (May 19, 2022; 5 minute read). Deena Yellin surveys the state of the school calendar in this NorthJersey.com article, featuring input from American Atheist's Nick Fish.

A White Christian Nationalist Church-State
Our friends at Americans United for the Separation of Church and State are encouraging the IRS to investigate Pastor Greg Locke of Tennessee for violations of the Johnson Amendment. Pastor sparks controversy with rhetoric about Dems, Christianity ([link removed]) (May 18, 2022; 4 minute read), writes Steve Benen in the Maddowblog for MSNBC. Locke is a Trump supporter who was present at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, whose prayers and sermons are violent, refer to Democrats as "demons," and suggest future insurrection attempts.

Christian nationalism is shaping a Pa. primary — and a GOP shift ([link removed]) (May 16, 2022; 9 minute read) writes Michelle Boorstein at The Washington Post. Since the publication of this article, which describes the rise of a nationalist religious group in Pennsylvania and their support of "Stop the Steal" marcher and state senator Doug Mastriano, Mastriano has gone on to win the Republican primary in Pennsylvania's gubernatorial race. He intends to prevent transgender athletes from competing in sports and banning critical race theory.
At the Secular Coalition for A ([link removed]) merica ([link removed]) we know that being well-informed is a vital part of being an effective advocate. If there is an issue that inspires or concerns you, please reach out so we can take action as your voice in Washington D.C!

Did someone forward this to you? Sign up to receive Reads of Reason weekly ([link removed]) with just your email and zip code.

The views expressed in the articles included in the Reads of Reason do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Secular Coalition for America or its coalition members — varying opinions may be included in an effort to inform our readers as much as possible. Some websites may require a paid subscription. Please let us know of any feedback you might have!

There's a lot going on in the world, and we are cutting through the noise to make sure your rights are upheld. To support this work, please click the “I want to help secular advocacy! ([link removed]) ” button to donate to the (C4) division of SCA which is responsible for lobbying Congress, or the “I want to help secular education ([link removed]) ! ([link removed]) ” button for a tax-deductible donation to the (C3) division of SCA which works to educate Americans about our movement and values. Every dollar goes to making sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected on Capitol Hill!


I want to help secular advocacy! ([link removed])
I want to help secular education! ([link removed])

============================================================
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Link ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
** Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. ([link removed])

Copyright © 2022
Secular Coalition for America, All rights reserved.
1012 14th St, NW, Suite 205, Washington, DC xxxxxx

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.



You are receiving this email because you requested to receive updates from the Secular Coalition for America.
** Manage subscription ([link removed])
| ** Unsubscribe ([link removed])

** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Link ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
Copyright © 2022 Secular Coalition for America, All rights reserved.
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.



You are receiving this email because you requested to receive updates from the Secular Coalition for America.

Our mailing address is:
Secular Coalition for America
1012 14th St, NW
Suite 205
Washington, DC xxxxxx
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.