‘Nones’ get their first congressional caucus

WASHINGTON — Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and organizations promoting atheism, agnosticism and humanism recently announced the creation of the first Congressional Freethought Caucus.

Ron Millar, political and PAC coordinator at the Center for Freethought Equality, said in a statement that the caucus will “help end discrimination against nontheist candidates and elected officials, allow candidates and elected officials to be authentic about their religious beliefs,” and encourage atheists, agnostics and humanists to consider runs for political office.

The Congressional Freethought Caucus was founded by four representatives, all Democrats: Jared Huffman of California, Jamie Raskin of Maryland, Jerry McNerney of California and Dan Kildee of Michigan. It will be chaired by Huffman and Raskin, who identify as humanists. (RNS)