Source: The Oklahoman
http://www.newsok.com/laws-against-atheists-stir-controversy/article/3426686#comments
Pat Smith was surprised to hear that a clause in the Texas Bill of Rights bars atheists from office.
Smith, the president of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Lubbock’s board of trustees, said the law is outdated.
"There is separation of church and state, and which church someone belongs to or whether or not they attend a church should not affect their ability to serve,” she said.
While it appears that Texas candidates have never been challenged based on the clause, a similar law in North Carolina is causing controversy regarding one Asheville city councilman.
Cecil Bothwell assumed office on Dec. 14, only to hear an outcry from a group of conservative activists. Those activists are requesting Bothwell, an atheist and member of the Unitarian Universalist Church, be removed from office based on a clause in North Carolina’s Constitution that disqualifies officeholders "who shall deny the being of Almighty God.”