Why We're In Court: Plaintiffs Seek Equal Treatment For Non-Theists In Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania Plaintiffs (from left): Rhoades, Weaver and Fields

Aug 25, 2016

Editor’s Note: Today Americans United and American Atheists filed a lawsuit challenging the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ invocation policy, which excludes non-theistic voices. Three of the plaintiffs in the case, Brian Fields, Deana Weaver and Scott Rhoades, recently took part in a Q&A and explained what motivated them to get involved in this litigation.

Q. Tell us a bit about your work for the community and the local organizations you’re affiliated with.

Brian Fields: I am the president of Pennsylvania Nonbelievers, central Pennsylvania’s largest group of atheists, agnostics and humanists. I also co-chair the Secular Coalition for Pennsylvania, a legislative-advocacy group focused on defending the rights of secular Pennsylvanians in Harrisburg. I was just recently involved in forming a new organization called the Pennsylvania Freethought Organization Coalition, of which I am currently serving as president. The PAFTO Coalition is working to help freethought groups in Pennsylvania have resources to get started and to grow.

Deana Weaver: I was a co-founder of Carroll Citizens for Sensible Growth (2003-2013). We have been awarded recognition at the local, state and federal levels for watershed and roadway removal of trash and debris. This activity evolved into CCSG providing assistance to residents in the region, helping with cleanup activities to avoid fines and fees, understanding local ordinances and communicating with municipalities.

http://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/why-were-in-court-plaintiffs-seek-equal-treatment-for-non-theists-in

The 123 page complaint: http://news.atheists.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PA-Lawsuit-Full.pdf