Atheists are covered by global human rights agreements. Here are some violators of note:
Afghanistan, Iran, Maldives, Mauritania, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Sudan — Expression of atheist views or defection from the official religion are punishable by death.
Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Kuwait and Jordan — Expression of humanist views on religion are banned and labeled blasphemy and punishable with jail time.
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.
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.
Mississippi, Article 14, Section 265: No person who denies the existence of a Supreme Being shall hold any office in this state.
North Carolina, Article 6, Section 8 The following persons shall be disqualified for office: Any person who shall deny the being of Almighty God.
South Carolina, Article 17, Section 4: No person who denies the existence of a Supreme Being shall hold any office under this Constitution.
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.
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.
Here we go. Egyptian just got 3 years under blasphemy law. Yikes. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/13/world/middleeast/cairo-court-orders-3-year-term-for-insulting-religion.html?_r=1&
Good point about Jury duty.
Damn! I did not know! Each of those Articles felt like a slap to the face. You can’t fault those statutes for being obtuse, that’s for sure. I reckon that means atheists in those states don’t have to do jury duty!