Illinois Rep. Monique Davis finally called Rob Sherman to apologize for her hateful remarks (audio) directed at Sherman and atheism in general, and made on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives. The following from Sherman’s website:

Yesterday, State Representative Monique Davis (D-Chicago) called me from the Floor of the Illinois House of Representatives to apologize for what she had said to me at last Wednesday’s hearing of the House State Government Administration Committee. Rep. Davis had said, among other things, that atheism is dangerous to the progression of the State of Illinois, that children should not be allowed to know that my philosophy (atheism) exists, and that I had no right to testify to any Illinois legislative committee because the People of Illinois believe in God. She concluded by ordering me to “Get out of that seat!”

Some bloggers have asked what I said to instigate Rep. Davis’ comments. I was testifying about why the Governor’s proposal to donate one million tax dollars to Pilgrim Baptist Church is unconstitutional. Specifically, I was reading, in a very calm manner, from my laptop computer, the words in the March 4th “Latest Update,” which appear below and which explains why the proposal to give money to the church is unconstitutional.

Rep. Davis said that she had been upset, earlier in the day, to learn that a twenty-second and twenty-third Chicago Public School student this school year had been shot to death that morning. She said that it was wrong for her to take out her anger, frustrations and emotions on me, and that she apologized to me.

I told her that her explanation was reasonable and that I forgave her. I also suggested that if she really was concerned about public school students dying needlessly, she should look into helping me to get passed legislation to get lap and shoulder seat belts on school busses that is pending in the House and in the Senate.

She thanked me for forgiving her and said that she would look into those two pieces of legislation.

Rep. Davis’ apology was a direct result of the pressure put on her by the thousands of bloggers from around the globe who commented on the various news sites and the hundreds of people from around the world who contacted her office by telephone or e-mail.  Each and every one of you really did make a difference.  Your comments didn’t just go out into thin air and get forgotten about and ignored.  By each one of you taking the time to carefully craft your intelligent message, pressure built up on Rep. Davis.  Meanwhile, more pressure built as additional news outlets picked up the story, including the Countdown show with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC, which gave Rep. Davis the Worst Person in the World award; the Capitol Fax in Springfield, Illinois; and a half-hour appearance on WTDY radio in Madison, Wisconsin.  Blogs and direct contact with the offending party really do make a difference.  They may not get read everywhere, but they are read by people who matter, so I thank each one of you for your efforts.

(via Friendly Atheist, emphasis his)

I agree with Hemant that her excuse doesn’t really explain it all. It explains why she made the complete non sequitur concerning guns in schools, which is I suppose understandable, if regrettable. But that doesn’t explain the rest of it, and the deep seated misconception she obviously has concerning atheism. Likely though, she has learned her lesson, and if not I’m sure she has at least learned to keep her mouth shut and not spew this nonsense at others.

Note Sherman’s comments that it was the blogging community that forced this apology. While I certainly claim no major role in this as the only person who seems to have read my post on the subject was someone who supported her, this is exactly what we need to do and exactly what Dawkins means when he talks about a consciousness raising. In another day and age this event would have gone largely unnoticed, but the blogging community is essential in making sure that these things get heard and that people are forced to admit that they are wrong when they make comments like this.

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