1. United States
2. W.V.
3. Letter

Petition to Oppose House Resolution 3020 and House Joint Resolution 31 We, the undersigned citizens of West Virginia, strongly oppose House Resolution 3020 and its refiled version, House Joint Resolution 31, which propose amending our state constitution to declare the Christian Bible as the “divinely inspired, inerrant foundational document” for our government and society. This proposal is not only a violation of the separation of church and state but also a direct assault on the religious freedoms enshrined in both the West Virginia Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. Our state motto, “Montani Semper Liberi” (Mountaineers Are Always Free), reflects our deep-rooted commitment to individual liberty. The West Virginia Constitution’s Bill of Rights, specifically Section 15, “Religious Freedom Guaranteed,” offers one of the strongest defenses of religious liberty in the nation. The proposed amendment contradicts these founding principles by attempting to impose religious adherence through legislation. This resolution raises serious concerns: 1. Government Overreach into Religion – Declaring the Bible as the ultimate legal and moral authority sets a dangerous precedent where government dictates religious belief, violating the core principle of religious freedom. 2. Exclusion of Religious Minorities – Non-Christian West Virginians, including Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, atheist, and other faith communities, would be marginalized. Would they lose recognition as equal citizens under this amendment? 3. Undermining Education and Law – Would this require replacing history and science textbooks with religious teachings? Would Biblical laws override our legal system? Who would determine which religious interpretations are valid? 4. Erosion of Civil Liberties – If a religious test is codified into our constitution, what other freedoms will be next? Freedom of speech, press, and assembly could also be at risk. This amendment is a direct violation of our democratic principles and an alarming step toward theocratic governance, reminiscent of authoritarian regimes that have historically persecuted religious minorities. We cannot allow a political majority to dictate religious belief or strip away the rights of others based on faith. We urge our legislators to reject House Joint Resolution 31 and stand in defense of religious freedom for all West Virginians. This is not just about one faith—this is about ensuring that all citizens, regardless of religious beliefs, remain equal under the law. We call on the West Virginia Legislature to uphold the Constitution and reject this dangerous amendment.