Tom Riner
Tom Riner | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the 41st district | |
| Assumed office 1982 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 7, 1946 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Centre College |
| Occupation | Minister |
Tom Riner (born October 7, 1946) 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
- ^ Ian Urbina: Lawmaker in Kentucky Mixes Piety and Politics. In: The New York Times. January 3, 2009
- ^ Laura Gottesdiener: A Year in Jail for Not Believing in God? How Kentucky Is Persecuting Atheists. In: Alternet. November 21, 2012
- ^ With friends like Caesar, the church doesn't need enemies
- ^ SHAKE, Senior Judge, Concurs in Part and Dissents in Part and Files Separate Opinion
- ^ Atheists can be jailed in Kentucky for not acknowledging God
- ^ American Atheists ask U.S. Supreme Court to Reverse Kentucky Law Requiring Belief in "Almighty God."
External links
- Kentucky Legislature - Representative Tom Riner - official government site
- Tom Riner - Kentucky State Representative
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