Activism & Local Causes
Freedom of Religion is Freedom from Religion. We are a staunch defender of both Rhode Islanders' freedom to worship and believe along with the freedom from having others' beliefs imposed upon them. As an atheist nonprofit organization, our goal isn't to destroy religion or "convert anyone to atheism." We respect the rights of all Ocean State residents to practice their faith and we're proud to count many believers as allies & partners!
Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams on the principle of separation of church & state. This imperative democratic ideal was further supported by founding fathers such as Washington, Jefferson and Adams, all who adamantly warned the public of the dangers that mixing religion with government would create.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Equality are a critical issue for Rhode Island Atheists. We are committed to public education and testifying on all Rhode Island legislation that impacts human rights and liberties. In recent years, we have collaborated on some critical legislative campaigns and policy areas. Most recently, the Healthcare Provider Shield Act, which protects doctors who treat LGBTQ+ patients from persecution.
We have watched in disgust as other states enact book bans, censor education and even burn books. But not in Rhode Island! Headstrong in opposition to censorship and support of reading rights, Rhode Island Atheists joined a wonderful community coalition last year to pass the RI Freedom to Read Act. This new law protects librarians from persecution and fights back against book bans in our state.
Freedom of conscience is a core value for most atheists. By protecting the right to vote, we safeguard against any one ideology dominating public policy. We believe that protecting voting rights is the optimal way to promote societal fairness and reduce injustice. By ensuring broad access to voting, we guarantee that government is most accurately representing the needs and interests of the people. Our organization is currently working hard alongside our partners & allies in calling for the passage of the RI Voting Rights Act.
The right to control one's own body is paramount to our organization. Someone else's religion should never dictate when someone chooses to have children. Rhode Island Atheists has proud to testify on and help pass some amazing local bills over the years. With our partners, we witnessed the passage of the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act in 2023!
As a nonprofit organization full of Humanists, making a difference in the community is important to us. We regularly engage in charity, collection drives and efforts on behalf of the homeless. One of our projects, called "Sandwiches without Sermons" involves getting together in Kennedy Plaza giving out food to those in need.
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding the rights & freedoms of our local community. Whether it's testifying at the State House or standing against hate in local towns & committees, Rhode Island Atheists is committed to the cause.
We're promoting religious freedom in the Ocean State- whether it's Reproductive Freedom, Freedom to Love or Freedom to Read, you can count on us to be on the front lines in Rhode Island.
We're always looking for new partners to collaborate with on projects and events. If your organization shares our values and mission, let's work together to make a positive impact. Please let us know if you would like our support on a bill.
