A resolution introduced in the Oklahoma legislature by GOP State Rep. Sally Kern blames the nation's economic woes on gay pride celebrations, lack of public prayer, abortion and "debauchery."

Dr. Ed Buckner, president of American Atheists, said that the bizarre claim "betrays not only intellectual bankruptcy, but insults the intelligence of voters in Oklahoma and the rest of the country who want real solutions to the serious economic difficulties that face our nation. The resolution offered is not only counter-productive, it severely misquotes key founding fathers. Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, and probably Washington as well would be appalled at being falsely claimed by these anti-American yahoos."

The "Oklahoma Citizen's Proclamation for Morality" singles out President Obama for recognizing June as LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgendered) Pride Month, and charges that America is economic peril because of "abortion, pornography, same-sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse and many other forms of debauchery."

"With all of the recent scandals involving self-righteous politicians, I first thought this Resolution was talking about religious Republicans," quipped Dave Silverman, Communications Director for American Atheists. "Political leaders, especially those wrapping themselves in the rhetoric of the religious right, are the last people who should be trying to dictate how Americans should live their lives."

Mr. Silverman expressed skepticism that the measure would be approved, though. The Religious Right is in their last throes of life, and this is just their latest attempt to make news and get attention. This is unimportant, not only because it means nothing, nor because it will do nothing, nor because it will promote yesterday's bigotry, but rather
because it is just plain ridiculous. This is not an issue to fight, but rather one to watch with amusement, and to remind us of how far we as a country have evolved.

The Resolution ends with a call for God to "have mercy on this nation, to stay His hand of judgment and grant a national awakening of righteousness and Christian renewal as we repent of our great sin."

Edwin Kagin, National Legal Director for American Atheists, said that Rep. Kern's Resolution "is all about Demagoguery, not debauchery."

"Once again, we're blaming complex social problems on the religious right's idea of sinful behavior," said Kagin. "It appears that Rep. Kern and her supporters know less about economics than they do using religion to promote a theocratic social agenda."