Critics of Cecil Bothwell cite N.C. bar to atheists

ASHEVILLE — North Carolina's constitution is clear: politicians who deny the existence of God are barred from holding office.

Opponents of Cecil Bothwell are seizing on that law to argue he should not be seated as a City Council member today, even though federal courts have ruled religious tests for public office are unlawful under the U.S. Constitution.

Voters elected the writer and builder to the council last month.

Speaking of atheism, an interesting conflict of a state constitution with The Constitution is brewing in Asheville, NC. A duly elected City Council member is an atheist and his lack of belief in a deity is an outrage to theistic opponents.