Official News

What Do You Miss (and Not Miss) About Religion?

Secular AZ Board member and activist Sami Al-Asady was recently featured in Secular Symphony, a series in which secular voices spark discussion around intriguing questions.  This week’s question: What do you miss – and not – about religion? “I do not w …

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 fo …

WANTED: Owner/operator of her own uterus!

Read Secular AZ Legal Director Dianne Post’s article, “WANTED: Owner/operator of Her Own Uterus” on Blog for Arizona.  

Women’s Bodies, Ducey’s Choice

By Sami Al Asady | March 30th 2022 Governor Doug Ducey just signed three bills violating constitutional principles: SB1164, banning abortion after 15 weeks; SB1165, prohibiting trans girls from sports; and SB1138, restricting gender transitions. Each i …

Arizona’s Reproductive Rights Coalition Responds to Governor Ducey Signing Bills that Attack Abortion, Trans, and Voting Rights

Phoenix, Arizona – Today, Arizona’s Reproductive Rights Coalition condemns Governor Ducey’s signing of Senate Bill 1164 into law, a medically  unnecessary ban on abortion care after 15 weeks of pregnancy. This bill is one of many signed by the Governor …

Secular Speaker Series, Presentations & Events

COMING NEXT: Friday, May 20, 12p: Legislative Update with special guest Chalice Blythe from The Satanic Temple on reproductive rights register here Wednesday, May 25: 6p: Peoria Unified School District Governing Board Candidate Forum Hear from the cand …

Disinformation About the “Free Exercise” Bill HB2507

I  have written three articles about this bill and its predecessor, and you can find them here: The New Definition of Religious Discrimination New “Essential” Religious Services Bill Threatens Public Health Beyond COVID-19 HB2507 Puts “Religious Freedo …

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: Movement on priority bills: HB2507, which we have described as “religious privilege …

Legislative roundup 3/4/22

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: Movement on priority bills: Four big Christian nationalist bills are scheduled for …

Demand a vote on Wendy Rogers’ expulsion

Republican State Senators sent a flashy message to Wendy Rogers by censuring her over remarks at a white nationalist conference, where she praised a Holocaust denier, called for the hanging of political opponents, and led a chant praising Vladmir Putin …

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: Major religious privilege bill HB2507 passes House HB25 …

HB2507 Puts “Religious Freedom” on Steroids

HB2507, titled “religious services; essential services,” goes way beyond declaring religion an essential service in a pandemic (see the previous article in this series). It makes the practice of one’s religion an allowable defense in any civil or crimi …

Legislative update and action alert 2/11/22

Secular AZ is continuing to testify against numerous bills seeking to undermine democracy and advance the interests of Christian nationalism. Here’s a breakdown of what happened last week, and what’s coming up: Top secular bills for the week of 2/14/22 …

The Startling Truth About Religious Refusals: What Your Healthcare Providers Aren’t Telling You

The intersection of law, medicine and so-called “morality” in the U.S. healthcare system poses a serious threat to patients’ access to healthcare and information. That’s the overarching message sent by a panel of experts in medicine and law we convened …

Bills in Committee Feb. 7th and 8th

We’re continuing to watch several dozen bills of interest moving through Legislative committees. Here’s the full list of what’s on our radar next week:   In House Health & Human Services: Monday, 2/7/22: HB2086: schools cannot require COVID or Huma …

New “Essential” Religious Services Bill Threatens Public Health Beyond COVID-19

On Wednesday Feb 2nd, the State House of Representatives will begin hearing HB2507  which states that “during a state of emergency, religious services are declared essential services and are deemed necessary and vital to the health and welfare of the p …

Legislative Update

Secular AZ testified in committee about the below bills last week, each of which sought to advance the interests of Christian nationalism. Here’s what each bill did and what happened: Bills stalled in committee (which may return later): SB1049 – lettin …

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 di …

Legislative update: bills restricting youth rights head to committee

As we enter the fourth week of  Legislative session, we’re looking at a barrage of bills looking to kill public education in Arizona; oppress minority groups; suppress critical thought in schools; and politically entrench the extreme religious right. A …

Secular Day at the Capitol: March 14, 2022 (Pi Day)

  Eight years ago, we were told that legislative leadership and members thought that our advocacy group for people who believe in separation of church and state was “just a few people sitting in a room” and not to be taken seriously. We decided it …

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.  According to their website, the miss …

Our View From Opening Day at the Legislature 2022

On Monday, Governor Ducey delivered his final State of the State speech, and Secular AZ Board Member Sami Al-Asady and I were able to attend as guests of Representative Andrea Dalessandro. This was not the first SOTS I’ve attended, and it wasn’t much d …

The Biggest Corrupter of Young Minds Are…Books?

Socrates, the famed ancient Greek philosopher, was put on trial for failing to acknowledge Athenian gods, introducing new deities, and corrupting the youth. The consequence of these actions was a death sentence. In The Apology of Socrates, he charges A …

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 watc …

Why we’re collecting banned books

Efforts to ban, censor, or even burn literature are the current political gimmick being exploited by the extreme religious right. The most frequent instigators in nearly all censorship cases have historically been extremist religious groups. Many books …

The New Definition of Religious Discrimination

This article provides context for a series of forthcoming articles discussing a proposed Arizona law. During the pandemic, the United States Supreme Court handled many cases in which religious institutions objected to executive orders intended to prote …

For God’s Sake, Keep Religious Dogma Out of Public Schools

Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC) has introduced a resolution to the United States Senate, supported by 17 Senators, that would designate the week of October 3rd to 9th as “Religious Education Week.” This Senate resolution, if passed, would affirm the impo …

Help Guard a Secular Holiday Display at the State Capitol!

Our friends at Freedom from Religion Foundation have a long history of helping local secular groups counter Christian displays on government properties. Last year, a nativity banner was displayed on the AZ Capitol lawn. This year, FFRF’s local chapter …

Secular AZ activists help shut down illegal rally by Christian nationalist figures

Secular AZ attorneys helped shut down an illegal campaign event planned to be held at a public school last week by right wing gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and GOP Senate hopeful Jim Lamon. The candidates —  who have received recent press for their …

Overview and Status of Crespin v. State of AZ

A case about religious freedom was appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit* on April 22, 2021. The appellant in that matter is represented by like-minded Tucson civil rights attorney, Stacy Scheff. Ms. Scheff’s client, Mr. Crespin, pr …

Hear from Experts at the Dec. 11th 2021 Secular Summit!

 Do you support secular public policy in Arizona? Meet Arizonans that share your beliefs and be part of the discussion how Secular AZ will fight for them in 2022! The event will feature a keynote address from US Rep. Jamie Raskin: chair of the Subcommi …

SB8 is a Gambit to Circumvent the Constitution

Charlotte Perkins Gilman wrote about a culture in which women who want to escape men’s violence flee into the country for women-only communes.  When they attempt to escape, they are chased by helicopters dropping nets from the sky and then men on the g …

Hatred, Bigotry, Anti-Science and Conspiracy Theories Do Not Belong at School Board Meetings

At the October 27, 2021 Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board meeting, several speakers gave public comments regarding mask wearing in schools. While this topic wasn’t up for vote or discussion on the agenda, such comments from commun …

Announcing Secular Summit 2021 w/ keynote speaker Congressman Jamie Raskin!

Do you support separation of church and state in Arizona? Meet others who do, hear from experts, and be part of organizing for 2022! The event will feature a keynote address from US Rep. Jamie Raskin: chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil …

Now Available: Our Guide to Legislative Invocations

If you’ve been following us, you may already know that it’s common in Arizona for lawmakers to open government meetings with a prayer. Inadvertently or intentionally, many of these invocations have the effect of marginalizing religious minorities and e …

Aftermath of the Brutal 2021 Legislative Session

As predicted, the brutality of the 2021 legislative session has led to a plethora of lawsuits against the many unconstitutional bills attacking voting rights, women, education, and public health. You, the taxpayer, will be paying the bill for the lawye …

Do You Know Who is Delivering Your Reproductive Healthcare?

In 2016, MergerWatch reported an alarming growth in Catholic-dictated health care. The number of hospital mergers went from 66 in 2010 to 112 in 2015 and the pace is increasing. In 2016, the American Civil Liberties Union reported that 1 in 6 hospital …

Constituents’ Letters Published About Legislative Prayer, 1st Amendment

Updated 10/21/21: Last week, Secular AZ constituents Ralph Atchue and Deborah Broome each individually contacted us to share letters to the editor they had published in their local newspapers. The topics: prayer at government meetings and the purpose o …

A Christian Nationalist Blitz is Still Assaulting Your Civil Liberties — Just Under a Low Profile

As U.S. Church membership falls, pushback is growing from traditionalists across the country. Christian nationalist groups remain at the forefront of this culture war. These coalitions dump massive amounts of money into state and local governments to i …

Meet Our New Executive Director

Secular AZ is proud to introduce you to our new Executive Director, Jeanne Casteen! Among other things, Jeanne has been a lifelong educator and advocate, mother of four, middle and high school teacher, and school board president. We’re excited to benef …

No, “In God We Trust” is Not Our Founding Motto

Since its widespread adoption, conservative Christians have used the slogan “In God We Trust” to justify opposing abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and even expansions of voter rights by suggesting that they violate the principles represented by thos …

Meet Three New Secular AZ Board Members!

Secular AZ is proud to introduce you to three new members of our Board! We’re looking forward to more of the fresh energy and perspectives they are already bringing to our movement. Sami Al-Asady SAMI AL-ASADY is a first-generation college student and …

Bounty Hunters Chasing Rogue Uteruses

The Supreme Court — sequestered in its shadow docket after midnight on Sept. 1st — made several things clear with Whole Women’s Health v. Austin Reeve Jackson. First: the court has zero credibility. They no longer decide legal cases based on the Consti …

Let’s Talk About Christian Nationalism

Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo. Fulton v. Philadelphia. Tandon v. Newsom. Whole Woman’s Health v. Jackson Throughout the pandemic, the highest court of the land has favored religious adherents to the detriment of public health, LGBTQ+ peop …

Legislative Prayer in Arizona

by Beth Houck, Secular AZ Legal Committee volunteer attorney This summer, Secular AZ’s Legal Committee has been reviewing the invocation policies and practices in every county’s board of supervisors’ meetings, and in the city council meetings of the ci …

Secular AZ is Seeking an Executive Director

Secular AZ is seeking candidates for an Executive Director position. Since 2010, Secular AZ has been working to ensure that Arizonans have a secular state government by educating lawmakers and the public about the importance of secular issues.  We advo …

Read the Secular AZ 2021 Legislative Wrap-Up and Scorecard

After each legislative session, Secular AZ publishes a Legislative Wrap-Up and Scorecard to highlight state legislators’ actions on issues of religious extremism and government. Our goal is to give you a valuable tool to analyze lawmakers’ actions ahea …

Banning Political Use of Religion: A Clear and Simple Approach

By Adriana Lujan-Flores, Secular AZ Legal Intern On January 31, 2019, British-Iraqi journalist Salam Sarhan wrote an opinion piece for The Independent calling for a new, international approach to prevent countries from using religion for political purp …

Children cannot be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance

State lawmakers worked hard this session to figure out ways to impose groupthink on students. Representative Fillmore from the far east valley and Pinal county introduced HB2060, requiring school children in grades 1-4 to recite the Pledge every mornin …

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act as a Gun

By Matthew Adler, Secular AZ legal intern In a recent unanimous decision, the Supreme Court held that government officials may be sued in a personal capacity for money damages when they violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). This decisio …

Urgent: final votes imminent on dangerous religious exemptions bill

On short notice, religious exemptions bill HB2648 has been fast-tracked for final votes at the State Legislature today. Proponents of HB2648 claim that the bill merely protects the right to worship during public emergencies. But the bill is much more e …

52 years after Stonewall, a new call to action

We believe that Pride — observed this month to mark the Stonewall Uprising of June 28th, 1969 — is both a celebration and a call to action. We delight in the size and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community while coalescing around the struggle for justice. 5 …

State budget set to reflect Christian nationalist priorities

Voting resumed at the State Capitol this week after a long deadlock over the state budget. This was an intense week. The majority party pushed through a budget that was neither discussed with nor vetted with the rest of the Legislature. This included s …

Breaking Down Fulton v. Philadelphia

Last week, the US Supreme Court once again ruled in favor of forcing Americans to fund religious organizations — and handed those organizations another special license to discriminate. Under Fulton v. Philadelphia, the Court ruled that the city could n …

On Pride

Intersectionality is at the heart of activism. That’s why we’re taking this month to commemorate June 28, 1969 — the day police raided the Stonewall Inn, a New York meeting place for LGBTQ+ people. When police demanded to do “sex verification” checks o …

Press release on extreme legal immunity bill for religious groups

Secular Coalition for Arizona – www.secularaz.org Contact: Tory Roberg, Director of Government Affairs – tory@secularaz.org – 623-570-6396 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Extreme legal immunity for religious groups decried by community organizations (Mon., Mar. …

Christian Nationalism is Coming for You

“[Christian Nationalists’] 20-year court packing scheme has resulted in decisions that imprint Christianity in society as privileged, and they use the court system to create exceptions for them. The recent decisions allowing churches to violate public …

HB2648: Unprecedented Legal Immunity for Religious Groups

HB2648 is the single most dangerous piece of Christian nationalist legislation introduced at in years. (Click here to read the bill’s text.) Proponents of HB 2648 claim that the bill merely protects the right to worship during public emergencies. But t …

8th Annual Secular Day at the Capitol

Curious about what happens at the legislature? Want to meet your lawmaker and connect with other people who care about secular government? Tired of religious intrusions into state statute? Then we have the virtual event for you! Join us Monday, March 1 …

“Warriors for Christ” Fight Against Racial Equality

By Sophie Carney, Secular Communities for Arizona Legal Intern On June 5, 2020, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser had “Black Lives Matter” painted in block letters two blocks long and the entire width of 16th Street NW in Washington D.C. leading …

Does Separation of Church and State Mean Kids Can’t Pray in Public Schools?

Myth: Thanks to separation of church and state, kids can’t pray in public schools. Some Arizona lawmakers have made headlines claiming that we don’t need to keep guns out of schools; we need to bring more prayer in.  Once again, a legislator has introd …

Virtual Memorial in Honor of Mark Nisski

Please join us at a virtual memorial service for Secular AZ Board Member and friend Mark Nisski. Late last year, Arizona’s secular community lost a bright light. Mark’s enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, energy and kindness are sorely missed. On Satur …

Does This Communion Come with COVID?

Does This Communion Come with COVID? by Sophie Carney, Secular Communities for Arizona Legal Intern New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.68 on March 7, 2020 which, in part, placed limitations on the capacity allowances for houses o …

No, Children Cannot Be Required to Recite the Pledge of Allegiance

Children cannot be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Let the shenanigans begin. Now that the state legislature has started, lawmakers are working hard to figure out ways to impose group think. Representative Fillmore from the far East Valley …

A Message from the Interim Chair Re: Zenaido Quintana

During Executive Session of the January 9, 2021 Secular AZ Board Meeting, Zenaido Quintana tendered his resignation effective immediately.  Not all Board members were present at the time so the remaining members scheduled a meeting on January 10 so all …

No Religious Test for Public Office

No Religious Test for Public Office Today’s political campaigns, from president on down, often include references to the religion of the candidate and how pious the candidate is. This should not be a political bellwether. The only mention of religion i …

Dianne Post: Update

Earlier, I reported on the pages of Black Collar crime from FFRF; one of the cases reported in that edition was two Amish brothers who had impregnated their 13-year-old sister.  They were given a 15-year-suspended sentence with 5-years probation, commu …

Are Mormons Christians? The Question and its Implications

Are Mormons Christians?  The Question and its Implications by Matthew Adler, Secular Communities for Arizona Legal Intern In a recent Arizona appellate case, the court was confronted with the age-old question of whether Mormons can be considered Christ …

My Dad’s Bigger than Your Dad: When Favorable Treatment isn’t Enough

My Dad’s Bigger than Your Dad: When Favorable Treatment isn’t Enough by Adriana Lujan-Flores, Secular Communities for AZ Legal Intern On November 25, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to stop New York Governor Andrew Cuomo from limiting church capacit …

2021 Legislative Agenda: Biden has a Big Job Ahead

Biden has a Big Job Ahead of Him:  Legislative Agenda for 2021 Dianne Post, Secular AZ Legal Director The Americans United for Separation of Church and State group has put out an ambitious agenda for President-Elect Biden. The Christian nationalists ha …

In Memoriam: Mark Nisski

Secular AZ mourns the loss of Board Member and friend Mark Nisski, who passed away this week from Covid-19. Mark was a bright light in Arizona’s secular community. A true secular champion, Mark broke new ground when he founded the Kingman Freethinkers, …

AZ Code: Chock Full of Religious Favoritism

In preparation for what we hoped would be a very different legislative session in 2021, the Secular AZ legal department scoured the entire Arizona code to find all statutes related to religion and determine what needed to be fixed.  We searched for “re …

Not a Christian Nation: Constitution and Democracy Mandate Separation of Church and State

The claim that this nation was founded on Christianity directly contradicts the Constitution and more than 200 years of history.  The First Amendment says: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exe …

Secular Summit 2020

The Secular Summit has gone virtual! Click here to join the event on Zoom. Join secular supporters from around Arizona at our annual Secular Summit on 12/5/2020 for presentations, networking, education, advocacy and more. Because we’re meeting online, …

“The Power Worshippers”: Post Reviews Katherine Stewart’s Latest (Terrifying) Book

The Power Worshippers”: Dianne Post Reviews Katherine Stewart’s Latest (Terrifying) Book She’s done it again — she’s terrified me. Katherine Stewart has another great book in The Power Worshippers:  Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism. I …

Can Religious Exemptions Trump Public Accommodations Laws?

Can Religious Exemptions Trump Public Accommodations Laws? On April 12, 2019, a man in west Phoenix, Arizona, shot and killed his wife and two children. Then he drove to another location and shot and killed a man there. When the police stopped him, he …

Phoenix New Times Names Secular AZ “Best Activist Group” for Best of Phoenix 2020

“If you see a state official promoting the Holy Ghost, who you gonna call? The Secular Coalition for Arizona, that’s who. This freethinking organization celebrated its 10th anniversary in the state this year, and many Arizonans are glad to have it. The …

Revival of the Free Exercise Clause

Revival of the Free Exercise Clause Dianne Post, Secular AZ Legal Director In a follow up to the previous webinar about the decline of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, the American Bar Association’s next topic was the revival of the Fre …

Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, PA: “Let Me Have My Cake and Eat it Too”

Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, PA is another case in which a religious group, in this case Catholic Social Services, seeks to receive money from the government for foster care services but also seeks to ignore laws that prohibit discrimination i.e. le …

The Decline of the Establishment Clause?

The Decline of the Establishment Clause? Dianne Post, Secular AZ Legal Director The ABA sponsored a 90-minute seminar on October 8 on the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Marc Stern, general counsel of the American Jewish Committee, moderat …

INVEST IN EDUCATION ACT: An Initiative for 2020

INVEST IN EDUCATION ACT: An Initiative for 2020 After more than three years work, teachers and their supporters, parents and their children have succeeded in getting the initiative on the ballot for November when the Supreme Court so ruled on August 19 …

AZ Primary Election Analysis: August 7, 2020

AZ Primary Election Analysis – August 7, 2020 AZ’s primary election delivered some surprises, with a handful of incumbents losing in the primary. Competitive districts to watch in November are LD 6, 8, 17, 18, 20, and 28. Check our Secular Scorecard fo …

Supreme Court to Arizona: Discrimination is Legal

Arizona’s charter school system isn’t just defunding public education, it’s opened the door to discrimination in the name of “religious liberty.” It’s been decades in the making as the State created a wild west culture of charter school profiteering, b …

Espinoza vs Montana: Dianne Post Weighs in on SCOTUS’ Judicial Activism

June 30, 2020 Dianne Post, Legal Director Secular Communities for AZ The Supreme Court decision in Espinoza v. Montana illustrates the height of judicial activism and the length to which this politicized court will go to enshrine their religious philos …

Letter to Bullhead City, AZ Mayor & City Council from the Kingman Freethinkers

The Honorable Tom Brady, Mayor Bullhead City, and Council Members, Secular people, including atheists, agnostics, deists, humanists, skeptics, freethinkers, and other nonreligious people, are everywhere. They are your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and …

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Announcement

In light of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation, we wanted to let you know that Secular AZ is following the guidelines issued by the CDC and echoed by the Arizona Department of Health. We have suspended Secular AZ meetings and events until further notic …

Christians Only: Nonbelievers Need Not Apply?

The AZ Legislature has a long history of discrimination against atheist legislators, who have been repeatedly hazed, harassed, and belittled for opening legislative sessions with secular invocations. It happened again this week, at our annual Secular D …

Tucson Presentation: David Tamayo

Hey Tucson! Join Freethought Arizona and Secular AZ on Saturday, February 22, at the Murphy-Wilmot Library, for a presentation with David Tamayo, founder of Hispanic American Freethinkers, the first and only national Latinx 501(c)(3) educational organi …

Sunday Speaker at HSGP: David Tamayo

SUNDAY SPEAKER DAVID TAMAYO: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, SECULAR HUMANISM, AND OTHER SCARY THOUGHTS This talk connects A.I. to Humanism, especially about the near future for humanity. David Tamayo is president and founder of Hispanic American Freethinkers …

Secular Day at the Capitol: February 24, 2020

Secular Day at Capitol Map and Short Agenda Final Save the date: Secular Day at the Capitol is February 24, 2020. Calling ALL who support separation of church and state to join us on February 24, 2020, for our 7th Annual Secular Day at the Capitol. Her …

Sunday Speaker at HSGP: Mandisa Thomas of Black Nonbelievers

Join our friends at the Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix on Sunday, December 8, for Sunday Speaker Mandisa Thomas: “How Religion Has Crippled the Black Community.” While the Black community in the United States makes up approximately 12 percent of t …

Secular Summit 2019 Tickets Available

Join us on December 7 for the 5th annual Secular Summit! This members-only event is a day of secular networking, education, advocacy and action, including updates from our legal team and our Director of Government Affairs. (Not a member yet? Become one …

Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix Presents An Evening with Matt Dillahunty & Seth Andrews

Seth Andrews and Matt Dillahunty team up for a one-night event hosted by the Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix. Join us for a fun evening of conversation and plenty of interaction with Seth and Matt, with the option of a VIP Dinner with Matt and Seth …

AZ Supreme Court Upholds Bigotry in the Name of Religious Freedom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Secular government supporters decry Supreme Court decision upholding religious discrimination against LGBTQ customers (Wed., Sept 17, 2019) Phoenix, Ariz. — The Arizona Supreme Court decided 4-3 yesterday that business owners who …

Happy Hour with the Secular Stars – RSVP Today!

Join us in Phoenix/Tempe or Tucson (or both!) for our annual Happy Hours with the Secular Stars Enjoy drinks and appetizers as you learn about Secular AZ’s successes, meet our Secular Star lawmakers, and mingle with other Arizonans who want church and …

Eat Pizza, Support Separation of Church and State

How? Simply eat at Blaze Pizza on Thursday, August 29th between 4 and 8 pm! Show the flyer (below) when you pay (you can pull it up on your phone or print it), and Blaze will donate 20% of the bill to Secular AZ. It’s a great way to support separation …

2019 Legislative Scorecard and Wrap Up are Here

To provide constituents with an accurate picture of how AZ state lawmakers represented their interests, Secular AZ monitored dozens of legislative issues and bills of interest, and assigned each AZ state legislator points for pro- or anti- secular acti …

Happy Hours in Tucson and Phoenix/Tempe

Join us in Phoenix/Tempe or Tucson (or both!) for our annual Happy Hours with the Secular Stars Enjoy drinks and appetizers as you learn about Secular AZ’s successes, meet our Secular Star lawmakers, and mingle with other Arizonans who want church and …

In Memoriam of Mike Steiner

Secular AZ mourns the loss of our dear friend Michael Steiner, who passed away last week. Mike was a constant presence in the Arizona secular community, serving on the Boards of Secular AZ, Freedom from Religion Foundation – Valley of the Sun Chapter, …

We Did It!! Bill Funneling Taxpayer $ to Fake “Women’s Health Clinics” Defeated

GOOD NEWS! Late night, the AZ Senate voted down a terrible bill that would have funneled taxpayer money into fake “women’s health” clinics that were, in reality, fronts for pro-life groups that seek to thwart access to safe, legal abortion.   HB 2 …

TAKE ACTION NOW Against Bills That Funnel Taxpayer $ to Anti-Choice Fake Health Centers

Mirror bills HB2759 and S1547  just passed committee and will likely be heard on the floor this evening. We need your voice to stop them on the floor. Please contact your own legislators as well as targeted Republicans Rep. Steve Pierce (LD-1) [602-926 …

#StopTheBans National Day of Action

Georgia. Ohio. Kentucky. Missouri. Alabama. ALL of these states’ Republican majorities have voted to effectively ban abortion in their states. And there are other states lining up to the be next state to “nearly or effectively ban abortion.” Abortion b …

Secular AZ Asks AZ Congressional Delegates to Support Do No Harm Act of 2019

The Secular Coalition for Arizona requests that Arizona’s Congressional Delegates sponsor and support the Do No Harm Act of 2019, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Kamala Harris (S. 593) and in the House by Representative Joseph Kennedy (H.R. 1450). W …

Religious Messaging on the Governor’s Official Social Media

Why does Governor Ducey appear to be using an official government Facebook page to promote explicit religious messaging? The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits government sponsorship of religious messages. Al …

“Be the Curators of Inspiration”: Listen to Robert People‘s Secular Invocation

Follow this link to watch Robert Peoples of the Affinis Humanity Coalition deliver a moving secular invocation before the AZ State Senate as a guest of Sen. Andrea Dalessandro and Secular AZ. https://youtu.be/xHvVnrprETQ For a transcript, visit Patheos …

“Be the Curators of Inspiration”: Listen to Robert People’s Secular Invocation

Follow this link to watch Robert Peoples of the Affinis Humanity Coalition deliver a moving secular invocation before the AZ State Senate as a guest of Sen. Andrea Dalessandro and Secular AZ. https://youtu.be/xHvVnrprETQ For a transcript, visit Patheos …

Your Donations Doubled & a Grant Competition

Right now, you have two unique opportunities to support Secular AZ!  Thanks to a generous Secular Supporter, all gifts will be matched up to $40,000 and We’re participating in the “A Community Thrives” grant competition. Each week until April 12, non-p …

Secular AZ Responds to Camp Verde H.S. Bible Instruction

Please read Secular AZ’s letter to the Camp Verde Unified School District re: proposed bible instruction at Camp Verde High School. It is well-settled that public schools may not advance or promote religion; the government must not encroach on personal …

Why is AZ Taxpayer Money Funding a Hate Group?

Hey Arizonans… Ever seen those “In God We Trust” license plates? Did you know that $17 for each plate sold goes to the Alliance Defending Freedom, an anti-LGBTQ, anti-reproductive rights organization designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty …

Meet FFRF’s Dan Barker

Meet FFRF’s Dan Barker Please join Freedom From Religion Foundation- Valley of the Sun Chapter and Secular Communities for Arizona for a special event featuring Dan Barker.  Thursday, March 14 6p-9p Humanist Community Center 627 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Mes …

Executive Director Position at Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix

The Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix, one of Secular AZ’s liaised organiztions, seeks an Executive Director. Please see attached file for more information. If you are interested in this position, please email your resume and any additional informati …

Secular Day at the Capitol

Secular Day at the Capitol  MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2019, 9a-3p ARIZONA STATE CAPITOL LAWN 1700 W WASHINGTON STREET PHOENIX, AZ Join hundreds of Arizonans who support secular public policy and make your voice heard at the State Capitol! We’ll enjoy tours, …

Secular Summit: RSVP Today!

Join secular public policy supporters from around the state for the 4th annual Secular Summit! Get inspired and engaged during this day of networking, advocacy training and education as we prepare for the 2019 Legislative Session.   When …

YOU DID IT! AZ Science Standards to be Based on Actual Science

Give yourselves a hand, Secular Supporters! You spoke out en masse, and your voices were heard.  Thanks in large parts to your activism, the AZ Board of Education voted 6-4 to adopt science standards that recognize evolution and climate change, re …

Board of Education Rally – Superintendent Douglas Complains About Secular Response

Secular Supporters, your voices are being heard! At the Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Diane Douglas gave us her opinion. Take a look at this video to see her comments… and our response. (Here’s a hint: She’s not happy with us!) …

2018 AZ Legislative Voter Guide

Want to know where the candidates stand on the issues? Before you vote, peruse our 2018 Arizona Legislative Voter Guide. Candidates running for Arizona State Senate and State House of Representatives  received the Secular Coalition for Arizona’s “ …

Candidate Surveys for November, 2018 Election

We want you to be informed before November’s election! The Secular Coalition for Arizona offered each candidate the opportunity to respond to a survey about their views on secular-related issues. We’ll publish each survey as we receive it.    …

Secular AZ Lauds Decision Limiting School Board Prayer

Secular Coalition for Arizona www.secularaz.org Contact: Tory Roberg, Director of Government Affairs – tory@secularaz.org – 623-570-6396 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Secular AZ lauds decision limiting school board prayer (Thurs., July 26, 2018) Phoenix, Ariz …

Reverend Speaks Out Against Removing Evolution from Science Standards

Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas is attempting to limit the use of the word “evolution” in Arizona high schools’ science curriculum, in spite of more than a year of work by 100 educators, parents and community members who drafted …

2018 Legislative Scorecards

Our 2018 Legislative Scorecards are here! How did your representatives vote on the issues?

Evolution Under Attack in AZ Science Standards

We believe that the science education in Arizona schools should be based on scientific fact, not religious dogma… and science teachers from around the world agree! That’s why we’re concerned about Superintendent Diane Douglas’ attempt to cast doubt o …

Secular AZ: Public Schools Should Not Actively Promote Belief in God

The AZ House voted to allow the phrase “God Enriches” – an English translation of the state motto that references the Biblical book of Genesis – to be posted in Arizona’s public schools. Secular AZ’s Tory Roberg has some thoughts on why this violation …

Do We Need (Yet Another) Religious Endorsement in AZ Public Schools?

The Friendly Atheist can’t understand why the AZ Senate passed SB1289, allowing teachers and administrators to post a translation of the AZ state motto, Ditat Deus, in classrooms…. and Secular AZ agrees. Historically, the motto has alw …

Secular AZ in the Media: Jewish News

Secular Day at the Capitol Featured in Jewish News Secular AZ”s annual Secular Day at the Capitol event was featured in Jewish News, including interviews with BOD Chair Zenaido Quintana, Director of Government Affairs Tory Roberg, and Kent Barrabee Vi …

2017 Legislative Wrap Up is Here

The Secular Coalition for Arizona (Secular AZ) ignited our 2017 legislative work in a charged political environment colored by the general election. We started strong, locking arms in solidarity with over 40 anti-discrimination groups during an Opening …

“Nones” Now Largest Religious Demographic in 20 States

A September, 2017 study from the Public Religion Research Institute found that those identifying as non-religious are the largest demographic in 20 states, including Arizona. (Here in AZ, “nones” make up 26% of the population.) Of these, six in 10 iden …

Fighting Against the Unconstitutional Use of Taxpayer Money to Endorse Religion in Fountain Hills

Secular AZ Board member and attorney Dianne Post joined concerned Fountain Hills residents to bring attention to the town’s improper and unconstitutional use of taxpaper money to promote a religious event. At a June 1 Town Council meeting, FH resident …

Phoenix New Times: Whose Higher Power?

The Phoenix New Times published an article on Republican House members’ overreach after Rep. Athena Salman offered a secular invocation on the House Floor earlier this week.  As Salman noted, “The Arizona House of Representatives is the people’s h …

Regarding official government prayer

On April 18th, 2017, State Representative Athena Salman offered a humanist invocation written by a member of her community, the Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix. House leadership then ruled that, despite Salman’s assertion that her higher power is “ …

Religious Preference in the House: Rep. Salman and Secular AZ in “The Nation”

Secular Coalition for Arizona was featured in The Nation magazine this week. The article — entitled An Arizona Legislator Gave an Invocation that Didn’t Mention God. You Won’t Believe What Happened Next — detailed the controversy that er …

Deadline: March 8 – Sign into “Request to Speak” against SB1439

Speak up for End-of-Life Choices- DEADLINE: MARCH 8 @ 2PM – SIGN INTO THE LEGISLATURE’S “REQUEST TO SPEAK” SYSTEM IN OPPOSITION TO SB1439 We invite you to join us on March 8 at 2pm at the Arizona House of Representatives, Judiciary and P …

Step-by-step guide on Legislature’s “Request to Speak” System (RTS)

You’ve heard us ask you to sign into the “Request to Speak” system in support or opposition to bills we are following at the Arizona State Legislature.  Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use this system from the comfort of your own home. …

Weekly Update from the AZ Capitol

First: we’re continuing to fight two subjective morality bills that just passed the Senate. The CAP-written S1367 forces doctors to perform life-saving procedures on aborted and preterm births, even when it is clear resuscitation is futile an …

Secular AZ to Corporation Commission: All or nothing when it comes to prayer

In a January 10, 2017 press release, the Corporation Commission announced that it will start a new practice: starting meetings with a prayer. Contrary to the statements of Chairman Tom Forese, prayer in any form does not encompass all faiths and belief …

Opening Day Rally & the Anti-Hate Pledge

On Monday, January 9, 2017, Secular Coalition for Arizona stood in unity with over 40 groups at an anti-hate rally for the opening day of the 53rd Arizona State Legislature.   Watch video of our Government Affairs Director, Tory Roberg, as she rep …

AZ State Legislature – A Look Into 2017

The Secular Coalition for Arizona is dismayed about the results of Tuesday night’s election.  We’re especially concerned about preserving secular public education, equal rights for all, safe and affordable access to women’s reproductive health ser …

The Religiously Unaffiliated: An Important and Growing Group

Read more or click here to see the original post written by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) about their latest national survey that highlights an important and growing group: The religiously unaffiliated. This is why secular activism and …