Article 37 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights seems to prevent atheists from holding office in this state:
Art. 37. That no religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God; nor shall the Legislature prescribe any other oath of office than the oath prescribed by this Constitution.
An amendment that removes the text "other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God" would update the Maryland Constitution to be more in line with the true spirit of America's separation of Church and State.
Why is this important?
I do not believe that this article [Article 37] as written agrees is within the true spirit of the Federal constitution. I believe belief or non-belief in God (or Gods) should not be a factor in qualifying a person to hold office in the state of Maryland.
