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Five members of the Wonderful Atheists of Central Florida
gave of their time during the middle of a business day (and braved the rain as well) on Thursday, May 3, 2001, to protest the NDOP, otherwise known among many non-religionists as the "National Day of Browbeating Lawmakers to Endorse Evangelical Protestantism and Giving Them Bad Press If They Don't".
The Orlando version of this unconstitutional harangue was held on the public steps of City Hall.Orlando Mayor, Glenda Hood and Orange County Chairman, Richard Crotty both made appearances. These charlatans encouraged the religious zealots into fits of uncontrolled shouts of religious gobbledygook with lots of arm flailing straight up towards their god through the wet precipitation (apparently, they all seemed to believe the wherabouts of he/she/it is "up"). Crotty participated in some sort of blessing or voodoo type ritual. We were not close enough to hear all of what was being said.
After the media left, we stood on the street corner in front of City Hall and received many encouraging car honks and waves from passers-by.
Unfortunately, both the local television news station and the local newspaper snubbed us, though both carried coverage of NDOP.This was our first protest since forming the group, and were pleased with the turnout, given the time of day, the weather, and the short notice. Thanks, everyone!
Members of the Wonderful Atheists of Central Florida were thrilled to join visitors from across the country at the 27th Annual National Convention of American Atheists here in Orlando. On the evening before the convention officially opened, the composition, "I AM AN ATHEIST" was read as part of a memorial to the Murray/O'Hair family. We heard from a great lineup of speakers from around the world. The 2001 convention was held at the Airport Marriott from April 12, through April 15. It was a great experience for all!