Atheists Plan to Send Books to Georgia State Parks

American Atheists, an atheist organization based out of Cranford, NJ, say they plan to send books on atheism to Georgia state parks.

In a recent press release the organization stated the following:

American Atheists announced Friday that it will send the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) enough popular atheist books to place one in every state park cabin in the state. The atheist books will be placed alongside Gideon Bibles already in every state park cabin as directed by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on Wednesday.

The Bibles were initially removed following a complaint from former American Atheist President Ed Buckner who found nine Bibles in a cabin he had rented last month. But on May 15 Gov. Deal ordered Bibles to be returned to all cabin and lodge rooms at Georgia state parks.

Related News: Gov. Deal Orders Return of Bibles to Rooms at State Parks

In a statement by the governor he said, “These Bibles are donated by outside groups, not paid for by the state, and I do not believe that a Bible in a bedside table drawer constitutes a state establishment of religion."

"In fact, any group is free to donate literature.”

In response to Gov. Deal's statement, Amanda Knief, the managing director of American Atheists said, "We appreciate the governor’s invitation to place atheist books in the cabins and look forward to providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about atheism when they visit Georgia’s beautiful state parks.”

Read the full press release by American Atheists here.

“American Atheists does not believe the State of Georgia should be placing Bibles or atheist books in state park cabins; however, if the state is going to allow such distribution, we will happily provide our materials,” said President David Silverman.

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