An Alabama atheist who spoke out against a proposed “In God We Trust” display at Mobile’s Government Plaza is facing the sort of vicious backlash that has become far too common for those who challenge government-sponsored religion.

Amanda Scott, a 21-year-old paralegal student at Faulkner State Community College, has twice testified against the display before the Mobile County Commission. On June 19, Scott and eight others, including Americans United Alabama Chapter President Vivian Beckerle, asked the commission not to approve the overtly religious display. The commission was not swayed, however, and voted in favor of creating it.

On August 7, Scott again testified before the commission. She offered a proposal that would create a public forum in the Mobile Government Plaza, allowing other people or groups to put up their own messages. That, too, was rejected by the board.

For her effort to make everyone in the community feel included, Scott has been rewarded with a steady stream of hate. Some of the vile comments left on her personal Facebook page were misogynistic. Others went so far as to include death wishes or suggestions that she commit suicide.

The news site AL.com reported just a few examples, including: “I hope you go to Hell you filthy Atheist”; “I think this lady is just trying to get some attention, because no guy wants to go out with her”; “Whatever happened to stoning people in the city square?” and “Get a rope.”

Scott isn’t giving up despite the stiff resistance to her words and ideas. She told AL.com that the comments directed at her are disappointing, but she isn’t going to quit because of some awful remarks.

“I will not allow the hatred to discourage me from continuing to defend the constitutional principle of the separation of church and state and the civil rights of atheists here in the city of Mobile and the state of Alabama,” she said.

In a “Wall of Separation” blog post, AU Assistant Director of Communications Simon Brown praised Scott’s mission.

“Government should never exclude anyone, certainly not by favoring religion over non-belief. Scott knows this well; perhaps one day those around her will know it, too.”