galiel

You simply say you wish to "affirm", and the same oath is given with out "so help you God" and iwthout putting your hand on a bible. That is what I did in exactly the same situation you were in, Shake.

I would be a violation of the trustee's oath of office to react in any way or have it affect your case.

I don't mean to sound judgemental (although I know the PC police will crucify me for saying this), but, for me, if I only stand up for principle when it is comfortable, then I don't stand up for principle at all. I know it is easier to say than to do, but I can honestly say that since I decided to do it, I have felt much better about myself.

When I feel like wavering or doing the expedeint thing, I just imagine I am being asked to voice support/swear allegiance to apartheid or pedophilia or whatever you find most abhorrent. What if you were asked to place your hands on a copy of "Mein Kampf"?

Anyway, I don't mean to be critical of how you handled an unexpected situation in a tough situation, just to support you in the future in taking a stand. Obviously, it bothered you to "pass", otherwise you wouldn't be talking about it here, would you

DMB

In the UK one has been able to affirm instead of taking an oath for a very long time. IIRC, it was Charles Bradlaugh who fought for the right to affirm in the 19th Century.

I have affirmed on the few occasions I have been in court.

In the States, it appears to vary depending on where you are. Since most of us appear in court at some time in our lives, I would suggest that the prudent atheist should find out about this before the need arises.

galiel

I do not think this is correct. The right to affirm rather than swear an oath by God is guaranteed by the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.

Federal law and judicial precedent in this matter supercede state law. Just as their are still a couple of states with laws on their books that prohibit an atheist from holding public office, but they are nullified by federal statute.