Bush administration backs prayer services at library

[Kadie]

Posted on Fri, Dec. 02, 2005


Bush administration backs prayer services at library

DAVID KRAVETS
Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO - The Bush administration is siding with a Christian group in its lawsuit demanding rights to conduct prayer services at public libraries.

The case concerns a Contra Costa County policy allowing the public to use free meeting rooms at its libraries, but prohibits "religious services and activities."

snip...
The case started last year after the faith group told the county that it wished to hold a "prayer, praise and worship" service that would be open to the public. The group held one session last year at the Antioch library before the county banned it from having others.

snip...
The Bush administration is not a party to the case, but submitted a friend-of-the-court brief, which it routinely does in church-state cases. It said the government "has an interest in enforcement of First Amendment principles providing equal treatment of persons irrespective of their religious beliefs."

"Our policy says no religious services. That's where we believe the line is appropriately drawn," said Kelly Flanagan, Contra Costa County deputy counsel.

more...
http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/news/politics/13314317.htm

[chaplainM]

1. I think Flanagan is wrong on this

I think this is a clear "free exercise" case, where the county is allowing one type of speech, and prohibiting another type, because of its religious content.

[SkiGuy]

2. I agree

[Book Lover]

3. It's because of who's paying for it

Allowing a religious group to hold services in a library forces the taxpayer to foot the bill for those servcies. No-go.

[oneighty]

4. But

In my local library I donate cash and a new book now and then. I would resent the library staff if they allowed religious services in the library and I would stop donating.

Our local library enjoys wide financial support other than tax monies. Lets keep it so?

Our small village has enough church seats to hold hundreds of religious and they are seldom filled. Perhaps they do not need public tax supported facilities.

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