Christopher Hughes (politician)

Senator Christopher Hughes (born April 11, 1962) was born to Rev. James and Gloria Hughes in Dickson City, Pennsylvania. Rev Hughes was serving as the pastor of the Dickson City Church of God of Prophecy. Hughes grew up in a very strict environment that at times bordered on abusive. In High School, Hughes met Martin Washington, a Social Studies teacher and an avowed atheist. Washington became a mentor to Hughes and was later named by Hughes as “the most influential individual” in Hughes’ life.

Hughes went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, where he served as the president of the campus “Free Thinkers Society.” After graduating, Hughes attempted and failed at a number of businesses. The most notable was his attempt to start an atheist Publishing Firm called Free Thinker’s Press.

In 1988 Hughes began his career in politics. He was elected to the Olyphant County Board of Commissioners where he developed a reputation as an atheistic hardliner, voting against every building petition submitted to the board by any religious institution.

In 2002 Hughes was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate. During his term he authored and submitted Senate Bill, Act 2005-174. The bill was primarily directed at the state’s religious educational institutions. Hughes stated that it was designed to “repeal the degree granting authority of any institution in Pennsylvania which was not accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education." The Bill was defeated. In 2006 Hughes was ousted from office. Hughes, undeterred, filed a lawsuit with the Pennsylvania Superior Court. In June of 2007 Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled in favor of Hughes and issued PA-1472-A-07-10-05 requiring many private and religious schools to “cease all operations.”

Now Christopher Hughes lives in Dickson City Pennsylvania where he self publishes the “Free Thinkers Journal.”