Jessica Ahlquist's RI ACLU Press Conference January 12, 2012

[Noxictyz]

Ahlquist is a Swedish surname :D She might be of swedish heritage, go Ahlquist!!

[Moonawrathic]

I agree that Church and state should be separate. I also know that this country, without God, will be destroyed. Lets hope that keeping God out of school doesn't demoralize the Country.

[Live2Win200]

@Moonawrathic So you "KNOW" that this country without a fictional being will be destroyed? How do you "Know" this? Actually the more this country overcomes it religious problem the better it will be. To have religious people stop trying to pin this country into an unproven belief sytem and into the denial of logic would be a giant leap forward for Americans.

[ChestonORChezszun]

"My political views are that church and state should be separate." ~ Jessica Ahlquist .... Umm so American law should be able to be influenced by the Quran or the Veda then?... Psst... Hey Jessica... "church" is only for Christianity... silly atheist =D

[WatchTheTitles]

Very brave of her to stand up against this, in these religious crazed times! Especially now that the ReichWinger are now defining "reliogious liberty" as getting as much women pregnant by way of making it harder for ALL women to get contraception!

[guwest2]

US has Jessica, UK has Eric Pickles (he overturned the court decision to ban prayers in local council meetings) so maybe the US has a saner approach to religion in public life than the UK after all. Congratulations Jessica.

[disandthat]

Young and intelligent, I like that. Jessica knows her Sh*t...

[Dye6666]

Atheists are such pathetic whiners. They are sad and empty on the inside so they enjoy taking away things happy religious people enjoy. They scream they are having religion pushed upon them and then go do stupid shit like this. Atheism is turning into a religion. You have your own Atheist meetings and organizations. It consumes your life. Get out and have some fun you pathetic people.

[disandthat]

@Dye6666 Wow, really? I reside in the ghetto (NY) on every city block or 2, there's a church, not an atheist meeting. What have the religions done for Black people? Nothing. Religions are like drugs/narcotic to Black people; religions don't allow Black people time to think about their situation; yeah, I said, I'm a Black and agnostism is it for me.

[zodiusracemosis]

@JustAddLogic HAH! Yeah exactly the MAJORITY!. No one is forcing you to do shit faggot. Youre such a cry baby, if the MAJORITY wants to celebrate something, its their right, if you dont like it fuckin dont look at it!! Bunch of pussies you are.

[kissahh1]

GO Constitution! Great job Jessica !

[01Letitia]

Why do Words that have no meaning offend so many people? And if the prayer doesn't have any power why was it so necessary to take it down? If they are just mere Words they should be able to be over looked like the homeless and etc. Something about that prayer catches the eyes that can not deal with the truth in the prayer..Jesus is about spiritual, religion is the unknown concept of that to a blind people..freedom of speech is great! Thanks for letting me share..

[qualityrkc]

@01Letitia the constitution! the constitution and americas founding principle are more important to us than christianity.

[newtonscat]

Seeing as IESOUS CHRISTOS anagrams to OSIRIS SET CHOUS (CHOUS means "grave") maybe God wants us to study the pre-Christian Egyptian myths about Osiris & Set's exploits in the "underworld"? Also, these myths make reference to Osiris' penis (it got eaten by a fish) maybe that's why SIMWN PETROS (St Peter) anagrams to MORTWS PENIS (Mortuus penis is Latin for "dead penis")? There are other anagrams in the New testament Greek texts. Why would God (if he exists) play such games with anagrams?

[alive4ever1]

Wonderful amazing person.

[LordSirpiko]

@alive4ever1 yeh wonderful she cost the city of cranston 130,000$

fucking morons... nothing like taking away 130k that could of ben spent on the students.

selfish attention grabbing bitch.

[MrLoui318]

@LordSirpiko they shouldn't break the constitution and calling a child out of her name is very mature sounds just like a jesus freak

[drjrich222]

@LordSirpiko You don't think upholding the constitution is deserving of expenditure? Imagine if we let the loony super-naturalists dictate the law. You need only look at Saudi Arabia, Iran etc. to understand the consequences. Perhaps you are jealous of her because she is attractive and she has a brain?

[LordSirpiko]

@drjrich222 attractive? she needs an eyebrow job them caterpillars look like they getting ready to riot.

[drjrich222]

@LordSirpiko I rest my case.

[LordSirpiko]

@drjrich222 and it didnt even cost the school system $130,000.. good boy

[drjrich222]

@LordSirpiko What about all the tax that isn't being collected on the $100,000,000,000 of worthless church property? I imagine that could be put to good use, no?

[paleflarelight]

What a great role model, she has a bright future ahead of her

[utoobasimo]

Thank you, Jessica, for pursuing what is right and just. You are not alone. We are not alone.

[italiancarsworck]

is canada a secular society?

[ScienceFictionHairdo]

What nonsense. Get a cause. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, donate money to the poor. Getting a banner removed from a school auditorium is bullshit. Get a life. Losers.

[joshuajmv1]

@ScienceFictionHairdo I would like to give that same advise to the priests at churches, oh, never mind they're too busy molesting little children.

[knethrea]

So. What's the hold up. I know someone in Crawton has a Home Depot card. I suggest a nice "antique white" to preserve the historical value of secularism. Hehe:)

[InfernoRed08]

She is a media whore that wants attention!

[gothgirl1213]

@InfernoRed08

And so are you. :)

[InfernoRed08]

@gothgirl1213 lol Thanks...

[InfernoRed08]

She is not a hero! She is a stupid little girl!

[Bjtafoya7]

@InfernoRed08 u mad?



[InfernoRed08]

@Bjtafoya7 Is your mother for having you?

[Bjtafoya7]

@InfernoRed08 yea....u are mad. lol

[InfernoRed08]

@Bjtafoya7 LOL :)

[BRm2008]

i agree with her let they put that thing they took down in a religous school

[tp19361]

"I'm proud of her." What an awesome dad...

[hammeringallday]

Good for you, Jessica! Separation of church and state is constitutional and supports what you have done. A secular humanist is behind you as well.

[theshadowify]

Because of all of the hatred shown to this girl, I am taking a sharpie and crossing out IN GOD WE TRUST on all my dollar bills.. Or, I might change it to NO GOD WE TRUST.

[IrenaPrude]

@theshadowify Moron, it's illegal to deface a US currency. When she gets older she'll probably file more frivolous lawsuits to get the "Law Givers" ornaments sand blasted off the Supreme Court facade and "In God We Trust" removed from the US currency.

[theshadowify]

@IrenaPrude Moron, that law is for people who deface it to change the value or make it unfit for circulation. I am not changing the value and I want it to circulate. The more the merrier. I would love for them to even try to arrest me for such a thing.That action would surely result in a court ordered removal of IN GOD WE TRUST.

[BRm2008]

@IrenaPrude it should be removed

[italiangerry]

Kudos and cheers to you, Jessica, from a retired schoolteacher in neighboring Johnston.

I hope you become a model and inspiration to all who seek to do what is right.

[IrenaPrude]

@italiangerry You're an asshole. "to all who seek to do what is right", by winning a frivolous lawsuit?? You asshole. Getting an banner removed? You really are an asshole.

[kubush]

@IrenaPrude It's not frivolous if it is UNCONSTITUTIONAL!

[tnfan2007]

Your brave and strong you deserve praise not hate keep going strong and never give up down with injustice #religion is sin down with religion

[alo754]

@JustAddLogic EVERY soldier and American should support her. Unless those soldiers that SWORE to protect the constitution were lying.

[davidblaster]

I like the way she talks. Slow and precise.

[quantumleap8824]

Congratulations Jessica.....a job well done! We stand behind you!

[IrenaPrude]

Jessica is an asshole.

[hongyewu]

@IrenaPrude you mad? lol

[IrenaPrude]

@hongyewu No, she is just an asshole.

[hongyewu]

@IrenaPrude I think she is lovely and awesome

[randomusername202]

@IrenaPrude Why, is she an asshole?

[MsHyde1]

@IrenaPrude: And you are just a homophobic fundie christian with a vile and bad character. ^_^

[tomturbo1]

@IrenaPrude

As one, you would know an asshole when you see one, huh?

[theshadowify]

@IrenaPrude Jessica is a hero for standing up for the constitution.

[xBeardxCorexFTW]

amazing how this 16 year old girl has the courage, not just to bring it to attention, but to carry this issue through court,through all the harassment, astounds me. It's people like this who make proud to say i'm an atheist. Maybe this world isn't doomed after all

[withoutadout]

Thomas Jefferson an Paine would be proud :)

[FathomLordKarathr]

*clap* *clap* *clap*

[rowan771]

It is rare to see a 16 y/o so eloquent...

[matt510245]

go jessica!!!

[onionknightt93]

I can honestly say I couldn't have done what she did. She's brave. YOU GO! (A) ;D

[BatcaveDilemma]

Love you, Jessica!

[yuirrr]

She is an atheist-jew?

[fatkat444]

@yuirrr Cultural Jew.

[Waltz707]

@yuirrr Dose that really matter?

[ThatGamerGuyNL]

We support you Jessica!!

greating from the Netherlands!!

[wulfsragar]

@ThatGamerGuyNL indeed we do!!!

[LiberalJerseyman]

An intelligent teenager and assholes are threatening her.  Christians are great people!

[radelta]

dat nose

[barbarabeats9]

The ppl who attack you are those that call themselves Christian people, And Christian people says that they are right, full of love and respect. And they do ALL the opposite they say: They call bitch a teenager just to think different! They attack what they say we must love and respect: a Human Being. And students against her? that is even funnier! You go girl!!!! You doing what you think best and Legally speaking not insulting everyone, that's way to "christian" for a smart teenager like you

[slickman911]

what i wanna know is when she turns 18!!

[oscarxns]

You go girl!



[barbarash]

One small step for a girl, one giant leap for a secular American society.

[FallibleMan]

Jessica is a patriot, being attacked by terrorists. Where is Homeland Security when ya need 'em!?

[chasevs1]

it doesnt matter if your athiest or christian. even though it is the christians who threaten a 16 yr old girl for knowing the difference between right and wrong. clearly that just show that the christian community tends to be barbaric towards "heratics" aka commen sense.

[Algonquin81]

Suck on it Christians. Another victory for the Atheist's:)

[kubush]

@Algonquin81 Not just for atheists. Its a victory for EVERYONE including Christians. They just don't realize it.

[Algonquin81]

@kubush Very true

[lucasathus]

@Algonquin81 lol... religion is not a sport

there is no victory, its not a competition

religion is not about reason, it shouldnt need discussion, since its about faith, that some have, and some dont, its like discussing skin color...

the only thing christians and atheists should have in comon is respect, wich unfortunetly nor the christians (that should love the next, not fight it), or the atheists (that claim to be smarter, but still argue with something beyond reason)

[alo754]

@lucasathus Not badly said ! *cough* atheism is not a religion XD.

[qualityrkc]

@Algonquin81 its a victory for americans actually and not atheists

[Algonquin81]

@qualityrkc Its a victory for Atheists, since American policy affects all, and its a victory for the free thinking Americans that want to take their country back.

[qualityrkc]

@Algonquin81 take it back? haha when did free thinkers have control?

[disandthat]

@qualityrkc Precisely, you're correct.

[jercraigg]

the only problem is the dumb journalists trying to put tacky quotes in her mouth

[dillinger9999]

This is a huge WIN! for Atheism. I love this. How awful that religion is even in Public schools. I hope other students will be inspired by her.

[Chowderbags]

Was the reporter at 19:25 even listening to anything said?

"Do you think it oughta be removed right away?"

[batmanpronz]

My hat is off, young lady. We need leaders like you.

[ahermit]

Congratulations to a bright, articulate and courageous young woman.

[PhyzzixMan]

@BillyBawb

It's not a concentration camp, it's an area of ground with various concrete structures on it.

[Axcalzia]

She clearly did what many of us wish we would do, but don't have the courage to. Because to stand up for what you believe and to be consistent, even when receiving death threats, is worthy of endless admiration. A true hero.

[codethis]

Jessica you are my hero!!

It is people like you that make changes for the good.

You are so young and intelligent.

You are amazing.

[venomous424]

I find her lack of faith attractive.



[MikeHeath1]

Thank-you Ms. Ahlquist for defending our individual rights in court. Thank-you for limiting the government's power only to its delegated authorities and reminding them of their obligation to defend our freedom rights, not work to deny them. It's sad the opposition is either dishonest or clueless about the fact we enjoy a government with limited powers which come only from the people and where that gov't is also constitutionally obligated to defend our individual freedom rights.

[wortwechsel]

I just watched some clips of the public hearings on Mirani2's channel and i can hardly imagine what Jessica had to put up with. She's very brave and deserves our respect and thanks.

[BillyBawb]

This poster was not violating anyone's religious freedom, was not costing any money, and was completely and entirely nondenominational. Anyone who thinks that something like this is a threat to religious freedom is a true idiot.

[feralpandy]

@BillyBawb Then it shouldn't have been addressed to "Our Heavenly Father".

[MusicMissionary]

@BillyBawb Love that word, nondenominational. All we got out there is Catholics, Baptists and a few Lutherans, right? Atheists and other non-christians are tired of having to stay in the closet and get treated like crap. What if it was a "non-denominational" Muslim banner? You would freak out.

[vivalasoccer11]

@BillyBawb It cited the "heavenly father" and ended with "Amen". It was clearly religious. Nice try, though. It was the public establishment of a religion, which is strictly prohibited. Christians have the right to practice their religion, but you can't force your religion on others. Especially in a public school setting...

[BillyBawb]

@vivalasoccer11

It's not an "establishment of a religion" and it isn't "forcing your religion on others." It's an inanimate object.

[Kloborgg]

@BillyBawb

Religion doesn't belong in any publicly funded environment, regardless of its scale or significance. I vehemently hate religion, and I will not allow my tax money to go anything that sponsors it at all. You don't go easy on the law. Jessica is a hero.

[StojanSR]

You go girlfriend! ;)

[TheAikenHead]

The atheist/secular community stand right behind you, Jessica! What a brave young woman!

[ThatGamerGuyNL]

@TheAikenHead true that!!

[daniboi87]

The students and people that are making the disgusting threats against Jessica Ahlquist...obviously have never read the banner that was taken down. Quotes from banner. "To be kind and helpful to our classmates." "To smile when we lose as well as when we win." and most of all "Help us all conduct ourselves so as to bring credit to Cranston High School West.

[bigdollars99]

@daniboi87 doesn't sound very religious to me. doesn't mention God, Jesus, or worship

[Waltz707]

@bigdollars99 No, but it dose mention a heavenly father. Wiccans (to name one religious group) believe in both the god and the goddess, not just a heavenly father.

[Waltz707]

Its christian slanted and against the Establishment clause

[italiancarsworck]

@daniboi87 WOW! they may have read it but definitly don't follow it.

[AlanCanon2222]

Jessica Ahlquist for the win, and "Ahlquist decision" has such a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

[NeedsEvidence]

Brave girl. A true American.

[GrecoWrestlerNJ70]

It's victories like this that count

[ion010101]

Because of her, I am no longer just an arm chair atheist. Because of the primitive, disgusting, vile and base ugliness directed at her, I am no longer a passive, arm chair atheist.

[SuperGodless666]

We are all so grateful to this courageous young lady for her efforts to protect our First Amendment rights.

[Lolaschannel100]

Congratulations, Jessica, and thank you!!

[wimsweden]

Great work, Jessica! :-)

[svanhoosen]

Way to go, Jessica! You are one of my heroes! Thank you for standing up for what is right and what is true.

[dilbadoon]

Awesome work! Judging by the christian hate this has inspired, love thy neighbour was an optional commandment.

[Iceyyouthere]

Despite the threats, harrassment and bullying thrown at her by Christians, she has stood strong. It was a violation of America's First Amendment, she stood against it and she won.

She is an amazing person and it is wonderful to see powerful people like her standing up for her rights, rather than getting oppressed by religous views.

[TheZeroAssassin]

Sad that it took a student taking a stand to show that the school was violating the law, and their Constitution. But in the end, sanity (and reality) prevailed. Much kudos to this brave young woman. You did well, and right, young Jessica. :)