This isn't a new story, but since I haven't found any evidence of her having retracted her statements, it's worth bringing up again. Back in 2002, Start Jones suggested that atheists cannot be patriotic and are unqualified to be President of the United States. Imagine if she had said this about Jews or Catholics.

The Ethical Atheist quotes Star Jones:

"But everyone was mad when I said on the television that I wouldn't vote for an Atheist, but it's interesting that the Oath of office of the President is with 'so help me God.' So who would the Atheists be talking to if they weren't given the Oath? I mean you gotta have someone. I think it is absolutely important for you to be led by a higher power so you feel as if you have some responsibility -- not just to man. I would never even consider it. Anybody got a problem with it, is your problem. I didn't say you [an atheist] weren't a good person, just you wouldn't get my vote. I mean you could be a nice person -- you could baby-sit my kids -- possibly -- but that doesn't mean you would get my vote because you got your finger on the button. I want you to feel like there are long term, everlasting ramifications." (Star Jones, Transcript from The View, Jan 22, 2001)

Another time:

"And I said that I would never be comfortable voting... for an Atheist for President." (Star Jones, Transcript from The View, Feb 13, 2002). She continues, "Well, they [atheists] were very up in arms and, as I explained to them; I respect your opinion, I respect what your position is, but God died for me and I’m standing for him and you’ve got a problem, it’s your problem.".

The Ethical Atheist wrote her a a letter about this and her response... well, she completely ignored the issue and chose to go on at length about her belief in God. She also talked a lot about terrorism, apparently unaware of that the terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks had a faith in God at least as strong and valid as hers.

Is Star Jones a bigot? If she thinks that a person is less qualified for public office simply because they are an atheist, then she is every bit as much of a bigot as someone who holds that same view about Jews, Catholics, Asians, or women. With any of those last categories, most people would immediately recognize the position as one of bigotry. It's only because bigotry against atheism is so common and accepted that people may hesitate to reach the same conclusion just as quickly in this case.

 

Read More:

• Atheism 101
• What is Atheism?
• Who Are Atheists?