• Accessibility Tools
  • Action Headquarters
  • Media Center
    • Press Releases
    • Press Kit
    • All News

American Humanist Association

Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About
    • About

      For over 80 years, the AHA has proudly served as the leading progressive voice in America on behalf of humanists, atheists, agnostics, and freethinkers.

      Learn More
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Financial Info and Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Are You Humanist?
    • Are You Humanist?

      Guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience.

      Learn More
    • Definition of Humanism
    • Humanism and Its Aspirations
    • Humanist of the Year Award
    • Famous Humanists in History
  • Key Issues
    • Key Issues

      We are committed to building an inclusive America grounded in an embrace of reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion- rather than religious dogma.

      Learn More
    • Defending Nontheists and Promoting Humanism
    • Religion and Government Separation
    • Social Justice
    • Scientific Integrity
    • Promoting Peace
    • Resolutions and Statements
  • What We Do
    • What We Do

      We work tirelessly in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend civil liberties, secular governance, and scientific integrity.

      Learn More
    • Legal
    • Legislative
    • Education Center
    • Local Groups
    • Programs and Adjuncts
    • Publications
    • AHA at the Supreme Court
    • National Day of Reason
    • Boycott the Pledge Campaign
    • Humanist Disaster Recovery
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Humanism for All Prisoners’ Project
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved

      Ready for change? Join our network and be the first to take action. Get the resources and tools you need to make a real difference.

      Learn More
    • Humanist Action Headquarters
    • Report a Violation or Discrimination
    • Find a Local AHA Group
    • Become a Humanist Celebrant
    • Events and Conferences
    • Grants and Programs
    • Resources
  • Ways to Give
    • Ways to Give

      Through winning lawsuits, active lobbying, and effective media campaigns, your contribution can go a long way.

      Learn More
    • Join
    • Renew
    • Donate
    • Online-Only Membership
    • Leave a Bequest
    • IRA Rollover Gifts
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Media Center
  • Take Action
December 2, 2015 Press Releases

Georgia Sheriffs Merry Christmas, God Bless America T-Shirts Are Unconstitutional, Says AHA

Facebook Twitter Email Share
December 2, 2015 Press Releases

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Merrill Miller, 202-238-9088 ext. 105, merrillmiller@americanhumanist.org

Monica Miller, 202-238-9088 ext. 120, mmiller@americanhumanist.org

(Hamilton, GA, Dec. 2, 2015)—The American Humanist Association’s Appignani Humanist Legal Center warned officials in Harris County, Georgia, that the sheriff office’s practice of selling t-shirts of an unconstitutional sign displayed on public property violates the Constitution.

On November 25, the Appignani Humanist Legal Center sent a warning letter to the county condemning a sign erected by Sheriff Mike Jolley on government property that reads: “WARNING: Harris County is politically incorrect. We say: Merry Christmas, God Bless America and in God We Trust; We salute our troops and our flag. If this offends you…LEAVE!” The legal center recently learned that the sheriff is now selling t-shirts with the same message on an official county website. The legal center states that the sign and the t-shirts are unconstitutional and that the county is inviting a lawsuit if they are not removed.  

“Far from being a politically incorrect joke, the Harris County sheriff’s sign and t-shirts are an egregious violation of the Establishment Clause,” said Monica Miller, senior counsel at the Appignani Humanist Legal Center. “Many local citizens object to the divisive message of the sign and t-shirts, which send a disturbing message of intolerance.”

“This sheriff is a bully, using his position of power to intimidate those who don’t accept his inherently discriminatory ‘God and Country’ rhetoric,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “But in our great country, government doesn’t have the right to exclude members of the community just because they don’t follow the dominant faith.”

The American Humanist Association demands that the county move the sign to private property and stop selling the t-shirts on a government-sponsored website.

The Appignani Humanist Legal Center’s letter can be viewed here, and its follow-up can be viewed here

###

Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming philosophy of humanism, which—without beliefs in any gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.

Special thanks to the Louis J. Appignani Foundation for their support of the Appignani Humanist Legal Center.

More Press Releases

Latest news from TheHumanist.com

Subscribe Today

Representation Matters: Representative Bob Carter

Sarah Levin

Fulfillment, Joy, and Exuberance Await at AHACON23

Meredith Thompson and Nicole Carr

The Comics Section: On The Rocks

The Comics Section: On The Rocks

Celebrate Sunshine Week Year-Round

Sarah LaReau

My Everyday Humanist Heroes

Kristin Wintermute
American Humanist Association
1821 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-238-9088
800-837-3792 (toll-free)
202-238-9003 (fax)
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About the American Humanist Association
  • Are You Humanist?
  • What We Do
  • Key Issues
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Involved
  • Report a Violation or Discrimination
  • Press Kit
  • Local Groups
  • Education Center
  • Become a Humanist Celebrant
  • Job and Internship Opportunities
  • Humanist Action Headquarters
  • Sign Up for AHA Emails
  • Privacy Policy
  • Records Policy
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us

©2023 American Humanist Association. All Rights Reserved.

Combined Federal CampaignIndependent Charities of AmericaCharity NavigatorCandid/Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency