Tom Riner (born October 7, 1946) is an American politician and pastor who served as a Democratic member of the Kentucky House of Representatives for the 41st District from 1982 until 2017. He was defeated by Attica Scott in the 2016 Democratic primary for the seat.[1]The New York Times once wrote regarding Tom's stance of political discourse, "He looks for God everywhere, and in places he does not find him, he tries to put him there."[2]
An anti-revenge porn bill sponsored by Riner and fellow Democrat Joni Jenkins passed the Kentucky House unanimously.[4]
Disputed statute
In 2006, Riner sponsored a Kentucky law which could subject a staff member of Kentucky Homeland Security to a Class A Misdemeanor (carrying a 12-month prison sentence) if they fail to affirm the existence of an almighty God.[5] The Kentucky Supreme Court has refused to review the constitutionality of the law,[6] though a dissenting opinion was recorded by Judge Ann O'Malley, stating that while the organization "American Atheists lacked standing based on its claim for damages," statute KRS 39A.285 nonetheless "places an affirmative duty to rely on Almighty God for the protection of the Commonwealth,"[7] which would put it in contention with the Lemon Test.
The bill became law in 2008.[8] American Atheists have asked the US Supreme court to review the constitutionality of the law.[9]
