First a little background. I'm sure most of you know about this "controversy" as I have seen a few diaries about it on DailyKos, but for those you haven't, here's the gist of it:
North Carolina's constitution is clear: politicians who deny the existence of God are barred from holding office.
Opponents of Cecil Bothwell are seizing on that law to argue he should not be seated as a City Council member today, even though federal courts have ruled religious tests for public office are unlawful under the U.S. Constitution.
In 1961, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Maryland's requirement for officials to declare belief in God violated the freedom of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Additionally, Article VI of the U.S. Constitution says: “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”
Pretty cut and dry, right? The Supreme Court has already spoken on the issue. The U.S. Constitution overrules whatever foolish clauses might exist in North Carolina's. That should be the end of any argument related to whether Bothwell should be allowed to serve on the City Council.
But of course Fox News can't let reality stand in the way of creating an exploitable controversy and furthering the Republican anti-atheist agenda. On their website, they put up this poll:
Nevermind that 30% of respondents think atheists should be barred from serving, just take a look at the wording of the "yes" answer:
Yes. The law may be inappropriate, but if it’s in their constitution, it IS law. Step aside, councilman.
When you can ignore that the Supreme Court has already set precedent, I guess that answer makes sense. But you can't ignore that! That's the most important part of this controversy; it isn't even a controversy!
But Fox News doesn't care. Whatever advances the rhetoric, use it. Stick to the gameplan and don't deviate from the script. Christians good. Atheists bad. Laws don't matter.
What a joke.