When a nation has laws that ban atheists from holding office...

[MineralMan]

What country am I talking about? Why, the USA, of course. Here are some state laws that are still on the books, despite Supreme Court decisions that make them unenforceable. But, the laws are still there, and were applied. Who's to say they won't try to enforce those laws again, making would-be office-holders sue to exercise their rights?

Arkansas
Article 19, Section 1
"No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this State, nor be competent to testify as a witness in any Court."[102]
Maryland
Article 37
"That no religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God; nor shall the Legislature prescribe any other oath of office than the oath prescribed by this Constitution."[103]
Mississippi
Article 14, Section 265
"No person who denies the existence of a Supreme Being shall hold any office in this state."[104]
North Carolina
Article 6, Section 8
"The following persons shall be disqualified for office: First, any person who shall deny the being of Almighty God."[105]
South Carolina
Article 17, Section 4
"No person who denies the existence of a Supreme Being shall hold any office under this Constitution."[106]
Tennessee
Article 9, Section 2
"No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this state."[107]
Texas
Article 1, Section 4
"No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, in this State; nor shall any one be excluded from holding office on account of his religious sentiments, provided he acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being."[108]

An eighth state constitution affords special protection to theists.
Pennsylvania
Article 1, Section 4
"No person who acknowledges the being of a God and a future state of rewards and punishments shall, on account of his religious sentiments, be disqualified to hold any office or place of trust or profit under this Commonwealth."[109]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discrimination_against_atheists

China, my ass!

[LakeArenal]

1. God damn.

[MineralMan]

2. Still, at least in the USA, atheists are not subject to capital punishment for their disbelief.

Atheism or apostasy is a death-penalty crime in the countries colored in red:



Again, China, my ass.

[Merlot]

3. There's a loophole in the texas law:

"...provided he acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being."

So see, it's ok to be a female atheist in texas. Of course, being elected while female might be a problem...

[MineralMan]

4. Nice catch!

[littlemissmartypants]

5. Sooooo not surprising that the Old North State is represented.

Admittedly also disappointing and disturbing but definitely not surprising.

[MineralMan]

6. I had to look that up. I've never heard North Carolina referred to

as the Old North State. Thanks for leading me to a piece of new information to me. My day is now complete. I begin each day with the hope of learning something new.

[littlemissmartypants]

7. You're welcome, MineralMan. Thank you for the post. nt ❤

[CrispyQ]

8. Wow. In AR atheists can't even testify in court!

Stunning.