4/3/12: PA Lawmakers Sued for Recognizing “Year of the Bible”

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A national atheist and agnostic group is suing Pennsylvania lawmakers for passing a resolution that declares 2012 as “The Year of the Bible.” The Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a federal lawsuit arguing that the Pennsylvania House’s declaration is unconstitutional. The resolution passed unanimously in January.

The lawsuit claims the resolution is tantamount to the state endorsing “state-sponsored religion.” The group also takes issue with content in the Bible, including “violent, sexist and racist models of behavior that FFRF members find personally repugnant.”

The resolution’s author say it is meant to recognize the impact the Bible has had on the U.S. and on the state, and does not inhibit anyone from believing or not believing in any faith.