The group American Atheists says it will send the state Department of Natural Resources enough “popular atheist books” to place in every cabin in every state park in Georgia.
Last week, Gov. Nathan Deal confirmed that in order to avoid a lawsuit, Bibles had been removed from cabins and lodges in state parks — and he promised the religious tomes would be “quickly” reinstated.
Deal indicated that a broadened policy would accompany the returned Bibles. “I do not believe that a Bible in a bedside table drawer constitutes a state establishment of religion,” he said. “In fact, any religious group is free to donate literature.”
The complaint to the DNR was lodged by Ed Buckner of Smyrna, the former president of American Atheists, after he rented a three-bedroom cabin at Amicalola Falls State Park in April and found nine Bibles.
“That’s comical, but the quantity is not what caused me to complain,” Buckner said Monday.
Buckner said he wasn’t involved in American Atheists’ offer but supports it.
“If the state is going to allow such distribution, we will happily provide our materials,” David Silverman, the group’s current president, said in a news release.
Titles to be donated include “Why I Am Not a Muslim,” by Ibn Warraq and “Why I Am an Atheist,” by Madalyn Murray O’Hair.
Deal spokesman Brian Robinson said the governor’s office is working on regulations for distribution of religious works with the DNR and the state Attorney General’s Office.
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