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The speech of Michael D. Rivers: Utah State Director, American Atheists.

Article Excerpt
To most of you it would be hard to imagine a place where:

* A jury is instructed by a judge to pray and speak to their bishops for guidance in the decision of a trial.

* Entire school systems are shut down as parents pull their children out for religious home schooling.

* Being gay or lesbian is one of the ultimate crimes of the church. They are excommunicated and the family is coerced to sever all ties with them.

* Television, radio, and especially the Internet are viewed as an evil threat in polygamist communities.

This is a place where people's livelihoods can be threatened when they do not share the same beliefs as the majority. People are often shunned by neighbors, friends, and, in a number of cases, the entire community when they leave the Church. In some outlying communities physical threats are made against the non-believer.

Utah is a place where the believers are working to establish the "Kingdom of God." Listening only to the hissing of their spiritual leaders, people are taught from birth -- "when the elders have spoken, the thinking is done."

A woman was cited for weeding her front yard on a hot summer day in her bikini. A police officer inspected her bikini bottoms to insure they met minimum decency standards -- so as not to corrupt those easily led astray?

On a drive through the countryside you notice a sign declaring the township you are entering a "UN Free Zone Violators Will Be Detained."

A State appointed Porn Czar (Our own State Virgin) determines for you what is pornographic. This office was spared during budget cuts when other necessary services were terminated.

Could you imagine reading in the newspaper that the "faithful" were being asked to fast and pray for rain?

A state legislator introduced a bill, which would have exempted proposed legislation from judicial review. Why? "Because We know what's best for the people...