Atheist soldier has more time to file arguments

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Attorneys for an atheist soldier who's suing the government over alleged religious freedom violations have been granted more time to file arguments with the federal court.

A judge granted the request, giving attorneys for Army Specialist Jeremy Hall and the Military Religious Freedom Foundation until September 15th to file the documents.

Those arguments will respond to the government's motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which has been filed against an Army reservist and Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Hall and the foundation allege his religious rights were violated while he served in Iraq last year.

They also claim that Gates permits a culture of Christian fundamentalism in the armed forces.