What June at the Supreme Court meant for church and state—in plain English.
The Supreme Court ruled on a number of cases this month that will significantly reshape our country. There’s been a lot to keep track of, so here’s the roundup of the top ones impacting our movement and what they mean: Continue reading
6 Big Things to Know About the Future of Abortion Rights in Arizona
Today, June 24th, 2022, the United States Supreme Court has overruled nearly five decades of precedent, striking down the landmark Roe v. Wade which established the constitutional right to abortion. The horrifying decision comes in the wake of a Trump-installed court that is decidedly right-wing, underpinned by conservative political ideologies unrepresentative of the politics f the American majority. The consequences of this case are immense, including the future of the court and its legitimacy in the public eye, the legality of abortion in states, and future rulings on issues from gun restrictions to same-sex marriage.
On a webinar, Secular AZ Legal Director Dianne Post shared insights into what the overturn of Roe v. Wade means for the state of Arizona. Continue reading
An Open Letter to Doug Ducey
Dianne Post, Legal Director June 13, 2022
Governor Ducey went to Israel at the beginning of June for a five-day visit purportedly to strengthen economic ties. But from his tweets it appears that he spent most of his time touring religious sites – on the taxpayer dollar. Continue reading
The “Appeal to Heaven” flag has been removed from the AZ State House
We are excited to announce some positive news: the “Appeal to Heaven” Pine Tree flag has been removed from the State House. Continue reading
Let the Flags of Intolerance Fly
Shurtleff v. City of Boston is the flag case recently decided by the “Supreme Court” (I put it in parenthesis because it’s no longer supreme or an impartial body as a court is required to be). The city has three poles: one for the American flag, one for the flag of Massachusetts, and one for the city flag. Often, the city pole was used by groups having events in the City Plaza, a “public forum.” The city had no rules about the flags and had never rejected an application for a group to fly its flag before — including a Pride flag and a cooperative bank – until a Christian group asked to fly a Christian flag. Continue reading
Legislative Roundup 3/11/22
Secular AZ is continuing to work against numerous bills granting harmful religious exemptions and . Here’s a breakdown of what happened last week, and what’s coming up: Continue reading
Legislative Roundup 2/26/22
Secular AZ is continuing to work against numerous bills granting harmful religious exemptions, attacks on minorities, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what happened last week, and what’s coming up: Continue reading
We Are Not in Revolutionary America: Take Down the Damn Pine Tree Flag
During the first week of the legislative session, Secular AZ learned that a Christian nationalist Appeal to Heaven flag is being hanged in a public area of the State House building. The Pine Tree Flag dates back to the American Revolution. Colonists disobeyed orders disallowing the cultivation of pine trees, which Britain wanted for the construction of their navy fleet. The tensions exploded into what is known as the Pine Tree Riot, in which 20 men tortured a British official and maimed his horse. The flag became a symbol of independence.
A white Christian nationalist flag is flying at the Capitol
This week — the first of Arizona’s legislative session — Secular AZ received word that on the second floor lobby, there is a “Pine Tree” flag — a symbol of the Christian nationalist Appeal to Heaven (ATH) movement. Continue reading
New Year Remarks from Secular AZ’s Executive Director
As the year comes to an end, I have found myself feeling a mix of despair and optimism. A new year brings new beginnings, but also uncertainty. I remember last New Year’s Eve thinking “thank goodness 2020 is over!” and then, less than a week later watched as Christian nationalists violently staged an insurrection at our country’s Capitol. Continue reading
The New Definition of Religious Discrimination
This article provides context for a series of forthcoming articles discussing a proposed Arizona law. Continue reading