Atheists say Army Secretary nominee should clarify position on religion

03.08.09, LOS ANGELES CHRONICLE (US). An Atheist public policy group said today that despite "smooth sailing" during his confirmation hearings, Rep. John M. McHugh -- President Obama's nominee for the next Secretary of the Army -- still needs to clarify his position regarding the role of sectarian religion in military ranks. McHugh, five term Republican from New York, testified last week before the Senate Armed Services Committee. A committee vote, and possibly confirmation by the full Senate, could take place before the August recess. Kathleen Johnson, Vice President and Military Director for American Atheists, expressed concern over Rep. McHugh. "The fact that this nominee is religious is not the problem," said Johnson. "The problem is that his voting record clearly indicates opposition to the church-state separation principles that protect the rights of all Americans. A person who votes in support of prayer in schools might see nothing wrong with directing mandatory prayer in military units".