Atheists for Liberty (AFL) Joins the Fight Against CRD, Defending Fundamental Freedoms
Atheists for Liberty, a nonprofit dedicated to defending fundamental freedoms, joins the fight against the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). On July 10, 2024, at FreedomFest, President Thomas Sheedy and Sundar Iyer, a secular entrepreneur wrongfully labeled as Hindu by the CRD, highlighted this injustice. Together, they are challenging the CRD's unconstitutional actions, which misrepresent caste as a solely Hindu practice. This landmark case emphasizes the importance of First Amendment rights, uniting Americans in pursuing a secular, unbiased government.
Atheists for Liberty, a nonprofit educational organization, is committed to upholding the essential freedoms that fuel humanity’s pursuit of knowledge and the distinction between religion and state. On July 10, 2024, during their fourth successive participation at Freedom Fest, Thomas Sheedy, the president of Atheists for Liberty, was accompanied by Sundar Iyer. Iyer, a secular American, a serial entrepreneur, and a former Cisco Systems employee, had previously faced discrimination from the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) in 2020.
Despite being aware of the contrary, the CRD intentionally labeled Iyer as a follower of the Hindu religion. The CRD also attributed the supposed religious practice of caste to several individuals, including atheist colleagues, thereby infringing upon the constitution by categorizing caste as an exclusive Hindu practice. In a bid to uphold their dignity, Iyer has joined forces with a group of atheists and Hindus to file a lawsuit against the CRD in a rapidly expanding Establishment Clause case. Regardless of the state we reside in, we, as American citizens, are protected by a robust First Amendment that encompasses both the Freedom of Religion and Freedom FROM Religion. This battle strikes a chord with liberty enthusiasts everywhere. It underscores the necessity for our judicial system and representatives to respect the First Amendment and acknowledge the evolving religious demographics of our nation.
Sheedy stated that this blatant display of bias against Iyer not only highlights the damage that religion can inflict on people’s lives but also underscores the desire of Americans, both believers and non-believers, to live without the burden of faith and fear hindering their entrepreneurial endeavors and family life. Iyer and others like him should not have their rights violated, either culturally or legally, by a "woke-rogue" agency that protects those who endorse a politically tainted bureaucracy and breaches of the First Amendment. For this reason, Sheedy urged the Liberty Movement to pay attention, support Iyer's cause, and uphold the American Constitution. Sheedy founded Atheists for Liberty, a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that champions Liberty, normalization of atheism, and a secular government.
