Religious coercion on full display in Oklahoma

Yesterday was the sixth annual celebration of Draw Mohammed Day, an event that will be necessary for so long as some Muslims try to threaten or coerce non-Muslims into following Islamic prohibitions on free expression. I fully support those who contributed (like our own Ðavid Osorio) but today I’d like to point out that religiously motivated threats and coercion are not remotely limited to the practitioners of Islamism. Here in the United States, Christianists pose an ever-present threat to religious liberty and, on occasion, personal safety.

When their political hegemony is threatened, a certain sort of Christian will lash out in anger. You have probably already heard of Lea Fisher-Lane, an atheist mother from Duncan, Oklahoma who stood up for her constitutional right to be free from government interference in matters of religious education, after a government employee decided to hand out free bibles in a public school classroom. Last month, Chas and I interviewed her about her experiences. As a direct result of standing up for her constitutional rights and her son’s freedom from religion, Lea has been subjected to a barrage of hate and several threatening messages.

I’d like to reshare some of the pious hate and the implied threats of violence here (originally posted by Koni) in accordance with Christian Scripture.

Cory alludes to gutting and hanging, Keith blames the victim for assuming the risk of getting killed if they dare to speak out against religion, Don fantasizes about horse-whipping people who deprive children of the Biblical learning experience, Jerry considers drastic measures to stop progressives, Jen claims that snitches wind up in ditches, and Brittany ominously foretells that Lea “will get what’s coming to her.”

God’s love on full display here, folks. I bet the pastors and Sunday School teachers of Duncan, Oklahoma are just beaming with pride at this lot.

After seeing this sampling, you may not be surprised to learn that Lea is trying to move away. To that end, That Atheist Lady is running a GoFundMe to help Lea’s family get a fresh start. If you have money to spare, please consider helping them out.