Alma mater Centre College Education Centre College Name Tom Riner | Religion Baptist Occupation Minister Political party Democratic Party | |
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Born October 7, 1946 (age 77) ( 1946-10-07 ) | ||
Kentucky state rep tom riner tries to kill domestic violence bill
Tom Riner (born October 7, 1946) is a Democratic member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing the 41st District.
Contents
- Kentucky state rep tom riner tries to kill domestic violence bill
- Tom riner sponsored kentucky law tramples 1st amendment
- Disputed statute
- References
Tom riner sponsored kentucky law tramples 1st amendment
Disputed statute
In 2006 Riner sponsored a Kentucky law which could subject a staff member of Kentucky Homeland Security to a Class A Misdemeanor (carrying a 12-month prison sentence) if he or she fails to affirm the existence of an almighty God. The Kentucky Supreme Court has refused to review the constitutionality of the law, though a dissenting opinion was recorded by Judge Ann O'Malley, stating that while the organization "American Atheists lacked standing based on its claim for damages," statute KRS 39A.285 nonetheless "places an affirmative duty to rely on Almighty God for the protection of the Commonwealth," which would put it in contention with the Lemon Test.
The bill became law in 2008. American Atheists have asked the US Supreme court to review the constitutionality of the law.