Dr. Wil Jeudy Leads First-Ever Secular Lobby Day in Texas to Promote Secularism in Politics

In a significant move to promote secularism in Texas politics, Dr. Wil Jeudy, founder of Secular Houston and Texas Director for American Atheists, has organized the first-ever “Secular Lobby Day” at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Scheduled for February 10-11, 2025, this event aims to provide a platform for atheists, agnostics, and individuals unaffiliated with any religion to engage with lawmakers and advocate for the separation of church and state.

Background

Dr. Jeudy, a family medical physician practicing in Houston, has been an active advocate for secularism and the rights of nonreligious individuals in Texas. He founded Secular Houston to unite local secular groups and give a voice to secular politics in the area. His efforts have included organizing events, endorsing candidates who align with secular values, and educating constituents on how to influence change through a secular perspective.

Purpose of Secular Lobby Day

The “Secular Lobby Day” is designed to bring together secularists and interfaith groups to meet with both Democratic and Republican legislators and their staff. Participants will discuss issues such as the separation of church and state and the challenges posed by ultraconservative religious politics. Dr. Jeudy plans to engage with lawmakers who have shown receptiveness to secular views, including Rep. James Talarico, Rep. Jon Rosenthal, and Rep. Erin Zwiener.

Key Legislative Support

During the event, attendees will support specific legislative measures:

• House Bill 1390: Proposed by Rep. Erin Zwiener, this bill seeks to require school districts to notify guardians of curriculum or instructional material containing religious content. chron.com
• Senate Bill 168: Sponsored by Sen. Molly Cook, this pro-LGBTQ measure aims to discipline mental health providers who attempt to change a child’s behavior or gender identity, or eliminate or reduce the child’s sexual or romantic attractions toward individuals of the same sex. chron.com

Challenges in Texas Politics

Texas has seen a significant influence of ultraconservative Christian views in its political landscape. Notable figures such as Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Attorney General Ken Paxton have been associated with policies and actions that reflect strong Christian conservative values. For instance, Gov. Abbott has been criticized for using public funds to support private and religious schools, while Lt. Gov. Patrick has advocated for the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.

Secular Advocacy in Texas

The “Secular Lobby Day” is part of a broader effort to ensure that nonreligious individuals have a voice in Texas politics. Dr. Jeudy emphasizes that the goal is not to oppose Christianity or religion but to advocate for the rights of secular individuals and the importance of maintaining a separation between church and state. He believes that many people, both religious and nonreligious, share concerns about the blending of religious influence with governmental policies.

Community Engagement

In recent years, secular groups in Houston have made strides in engaging with local government. For example, in July 2024, Secular Houston was invited by Council Member Abbie Kamin to deliver a humanist invocation at the Houston City Council meeting, which was well-received. Additionally, the group has published endorsements for candidates in the 2024 primaries and general elections in Harris and Fort Bend counties, further demonstrating their commitment to secular advocacy.

Looking Ahead

The “Secular Lobby Day” represents a significant step toward greater representation and advocacy for nonreligious individuals in Texas. By engaging directly with lawmakers and promoting secular values, Dr. Jeudy and Secular Houston aim to ensure that the voices of atheists, agnostics, and the religiously unaffiliated are heard and considered in the legislative process.

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