Atheists not allowed to testify in Texas Court?

[maidao2001]

I read on a forum somewhere that atheists are not allowed to testify in a Texas Court of law.
Sounds ridiculous to me, but is this true?

 

[xylene]

I read on a forum somewhere that atheists are not allowed to testify in a Texas Court of law.
Sounds ridiculous to me, but is this true?

Well then that's every unwilling criminal witnesses new (non) religion...

Don't be silly.

The bible won't burn your hand off if you touch it as an athiest (I've checked), and if your really picky, just infor the court that you would preffer to affirm to the truth. You don't even have to get into 'outing' yourself... (that's all true)

 

[seniorjudge]

I read on a forum somewhere that atheists are not allowed to testify in a Texas Court of law.
Sounds ridiculous to me, but is this true?

Of course it is true.

Everything on the Internet is true.

It's the law.

Now that we have that out of the way: I've got this nifty piece of swampland just East of New Orleans. Would you be interested in it?

 

[mommyof4]

Suddenly, I am atheist.

I wonder if it will get me out of jury duty, too?

 

[maidao2001]

I knew it was too ridiculous

Thank you - I think there are a number of atheists that like the position of being persecuted, (though it is true atheists are unrightly persecuted as being the least trusted non-religious group in the US, save perhaps Satan worshippers ) that's why they made the comment.

I don't believe everything I read on the Internet, but I have to admit as a Californian the ways and politics of other states sometimes leaves me wondering.

I have decided to call myself a pastafarian instead of atheist from now on!

 

[seniorjudge]

Thank you - I think therere are a number of atheists that like the position of being persecuted, that's why they made the comment.

I don't believe everything I read on the Internet, but I have to admit as a Californian the ways and politics of other states sometimes leaves me wondering.

Yes, California is a very weird place....

 

[mommyof4]

I don't believe everything I read on the Internet, but I have to admit as a Californian the ways and politics of other states sometimes leaves me wondering.

Hahahahahahaha!!!

Are you kidding? Most of the time, I stay far, far away from any questions that concern CA. CA is a whole 'nother universe.

 

[maidao2001]

I will qualify that by saying that as a West Coaster I sometimes have difficulties understanding the beliefs and politics of the midwest (not the east!)

 

[mommyof4]

Wow! When did they move TX? I've been sitting here all day and didn't feel a thing!

 

[maidao2001]

There's seven states that have anti-atheist laws .

Arkansas, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. They all have different clauses in their respective constitutions which say that people who don't believe in God (or, alternatively, A Supreme Being) can't hold public offices.

That's how many who actually try to enforce those laws.

In 1993, Herb Silverman, professor of math at the College of Charleston, tried to apply as notary public. In the pre-printed application there was an oath he had to sign, which ended with "so help me God". He crossed out the "God". His application was thus turned down.

Herb contacted the ACLU. They filed a lawsuit against the state of South Carolina. It took 4 whole years, but in 1997 the state Supreme Court ruled that the law was unconstitutional as it violated both the first and the sixth amendment.

1 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".

2 Declaration of Rights, Art. 36: "...nor shall any person, otherwise competent, be deemed incompetent as a witness, or juror, on account of his religious belief; provided, he believes in the existence of God..."
Declaration of Rights, Art. 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. "

3 Article 6, Section 8: "The following persons shall be disqualified for office:
First, any person who shall deny the being of Almighty God. "

4Article 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."

5 Article 6, Section 4: "No person who denies the existence of the Supreme Being shall hold any office under this Constitution."

6Article 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. "

7Article 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."
Article 4, Section 2: "No person shall be eligible to the office of Governor who denies the existence of the Supreme Being...."
Article 6, Section 2: "No person who denies the existence of the Supreme Being shall hold any office under this Constitution."

 

[seniorjudge]

An atheist is a person who has no invisible means of support.

 

[justalayman]

An atheist is a person who has no invisible means of support.

I though that was a bad magician performing a levitation trick.

 

[Caveman]

erggagh

I believe in Totem. URg. Argh. I made fire am so totally cool
It is all about me and what I can do go make this world good. I Totem that when they unfroze me but they said it was about "science" or something. I do not know I had Ice in my ear.

 

[kwikkirk]

All the atheists will have a reality check when they are sitting in Hell for eternity pondering their big mistake.

Duh...who in their right mind would even consider denying the existence of God after taking into consideration the risk of being wrong?

 

[maidao2001]

All the atheists will have a reality check when they are sitting in Hell for eternity pondering their big mistake.

Duh...who in their right mind would even consider denying the existence of God after taking into consideration the risk of being wrong?

You're so right. I not only believe in hell, but I also believe in Flying Spaghetti Monsters and Invisible Pink Unicorns.

Shall we burn atheisits on a stake next? Mmmm, roast human meat - of course, I would be a little greasy, you would have to add some lemon to cut the fatty taste.

I believe in Totem. URg. Argh. I made fire am so totally cool
It is all about me and what I can do go make this world good. I Totem that when they unfroze me but they said it was about "science" or something. I do not know I had Ice in my ear.

Join me on the stake, eh? It will melt that ice in your ear!