Tom Riner

Tom Riner
Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives
from the 41st district
Incumbent
Assumed office
1982
Personal details
Born October 7, 1946
Political party Democratic
Alma mater Centre College
Occupation Minister
Religion Baptist

Tom Riner is a Democratic member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing the 41st District.

Disputed statute

In 2006 Riner sponsored a Kentucky law which could subject a staff member of Kentucky Homeland Security to a Class A Misdemeanor (carrying a 12-month prison sentence) if he or she fails to affirm the existence of an almighty God.[1][2] The Kentucky Supreme Court has refused to review the constitutionality of the law,[3] though a dissenting opinion was recorded by Judge Ann O'Malley, stating that while the organization "American Atheists lacked standing based on its claim for damages," statute KRS 39A.285 nonetheless "places an affirmative duty to rely on Almighty God for the protection of the Commonwealth,"[4] which would put it in contention with the Lemon Test.

The bill became law in 2008.[5] American Atheists have asked the US Supreme court to review the constitutionality of the law.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Ian Urbina: Lawmaker in Kentucky Mixes Piety and Politics. In: The New York Times. January 3, 2009
  2. ↑ Laura Gottesdiener: A Year in Jail for Not Believing in God? How Kentucky Is Persecuting Atheists. In: Alternet. November 21, 2012
  3. ↑ With friends like Caesar, the church doesn't need enemies
  4. ↑ SHAKE, Senior Judge, Concurs in Part and Dissents in Part and Files Separate Opinion
  5. ↑ Atheists can be jailed in Kentucky for not acknowledging God
  6. ↑ American Atheists ask U.S. Supreme Court to Reverse Kentucky Law Requiring Belief in "Almighty God."

External links