Atheists seek removal of Pennsylvania park bench with inscription that mentions God

Jardine Malado Tuesday, January 03, 2017

Atheists are seeking the removal of a park bench that contains an inscription that mentions God. | Pixabay/Unsplash

An atheist group is calling for the removal of a bench in Justus Park in Oil City, Pennsylvania due to an inscription of a quote that mentions God.

The American Atheists sent a letter to the Oil City Mayor William Moon requesting the removal of the bench that was donated by a local branch of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in 2003, Christian News reported.

"Men who aren't governed by God, will be governed by tyrants," the bench reads. The inscription is a paraphrase of a quote that is often attributed to William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.

The American Atheists argued that the inscription violates the U.S. Constitution, and it also deems the quote to be disrespectful towards non-Christians.

"[T]he Tyrants Bench contains an overtly religious message which endorses one particular religious viewpoint: Christianity. The statement that 'Men who aren't governed by God will be governed by tyrants' not only has absolutely nothing to do with honoring our service members, but is derisive toward the all non-Christian American service members who have served and died for this country," the group stated in the letter.

The group offered to provide a new bench with a different message honoring those who served in the military.

City council members have agreed to replace the bench, but some residents have fought to keep it in place. Over $17,000 in pledges has been raised to cover the costs of legal fees in case the matter is taken to court.

The religious liberties group Liberty Counsel have also indicated its intentions to provide free legal services to the city.

Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver wrote a letter to Moon to explain that the bench does not violate the U.S. constitution, and he maintained that the quote is part of a tribute to the veterans and founders of America.

He also contended that the quotation does not "advance religion" as claimed by the American Atheists. He pointed out that the bench is surrounded by numerous secular symbols.