When Belief And Office Collide In American Law
A Claim That Sounds Unconstitutional: It often surprises people to learn that several U.S. states still have language in their constitutions that bans atheists from holding public office. On paper, these provisions say that officeholders must believe in God or a higher power. While these clauses exist in writing, they are not legally enforceable. Federal constitutional law overrides them, but their continued presence raises important questions about civil rights and legal clarity.