The Secular Coalition for America recently sent out emails to their members in Maryland inviting them to send an email to their Delegate and Senator requesting that Articles 36 & 37 of the Declaration of Rights be amended to comply with a 1961 Supreme Court decision, Torcaso v. Watkins, that Article 37 violates the first amendment. Articles 36 & 37 allow a religious test for qualifying to be a juror and a witness and to hold public office. The first two links below quote the laws, the next link describes the issue, and the last link displays the SCA form to send the email.
- Laws: Theistic oath of office.
- Laws: Nontheists juror and witness disqualification.
- Issue: Declaration of Rights, Articles 36 and 37.
- SCA Action Alert: Ask Your Legislator to Repeal Antiquated Laws! Request amending Maryland Declaration of Rights Articles 36 and 37.
As of this week, the Secular a Coalition for Maryland has given a Model Secular Policy Guide to 19 Senators and 28 Delegates. Our goal is to give a copy of the Guide to most of the Senators and Delegates prior to the start of the 2015 General Assembly session.
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