March 28, 2012
A national atheist and agnostic group is suing Pennsylvania lawmakers for passing a resolution declaring 2012 as "The Year of the Bible," Fox News reports. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) filed a federal lawsuit this week claiming that the Pennsylvania House's declaration -- authored by State Rep. Rick Saccone and passed unanimously in January -- is unconstitutional. The FFRF argues that the resolution is an endorsement of "state-sponsored religion" and that the Bible contains "violent, sexist and racist models of behavior that FFRF members find personally repugnant. ... [This content] potentially could encourage persons who rely on [it] to act in a manner harmful to them and others." Saccone said the resolution was intended to recognize the impact the Bible has had on the U.S. and Pennsylvania, not to inhibit anyone from believing or not believing in any faith. "Most citizens don't remember that a joint session of Congress passed a similar resolution signed by President Ronald Reagan on Feb. 3, 1983, declaring that year as the Year of the Bible in America," he said.
