Raw Story

An atheist U.S. Air Force member is being denied the opportunity to reenlist because he refuses to swear to God to uphold his duty.

The Air Force Times reported that an unnamed airman at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada was denied reenlistment in August because he crossed out the words ‘so help me God” on his contract before submitting it.

American Humanist Association attorney Monica Miller wrote to the generals of the Air Force and of Creech AFB on Sep. 2 saying that the airman should be able to sign up to serve his country without having to pledge to any deity. The AHA believes that a secular enlistment form should be available to enlistees.

The organization is prepared to sue the Air Force if it doesn’t make the options available for secular servicemen and women. The AHA said that on Aug. 25, the airman was presented with only two options, sign the oath as written and recite it aloud upon his reinstatement or leave the service.

‘The government cannot compel a nonbeliever to take an […]