Re: [Phys-l] Off topic (14th Amendment)

[John Denker <jsd@av8n.com>]

On 10/24/2006 05:11 PM, Rauber, Joel wrote:

> Which part of the 14th amendment is construed to invalidate such
> anti-atheism laws?

The key passage is:
  "the equal protection of the laws"

More particularly, the first amendment says
  "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion ..."

and the equal-protection clause is construed to extend this (and other
constitutional protections) to the several states, so that now in effect
  'no state shall make any law respecting an establishment of religion ...'