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NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. "The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt |
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RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
December 21, 2009
What is the Manhattan Declaration?
Over the last decade, there has been a movement in our society to exclude those of faith from the public arena. To equate Christian conscious with intolerance and adherence to Judeo-Christian values as extreme. The Manhattan declaration addresses the role of people of faith in our society, an expression of their values, and a call to stand for their convictions.
for more information.March 24, 2009
Court Again Rules Town of Oyster Bay Ordinance Unconstitutional
For the past two years, the Nassau County Civic Association has tried to work with the town of Oyster Bay to amend an ordinance relating to distributing literature in the public square. Initially a religious group handed out religious literature in a public park. The town demanded that the group obtain a permit but the town had no permit process in place. At some point, a summons was issued relating to this ordinance. Shortly thereafter, the initial ordinance was struck down as unconstitutional. The town then enacted an amended ordinance which was overly broad and unconstitutional. The US Department of Justice Special Counsel on Religious Liberty agreed that the amended ordinance was unconstitutional yet the town in its own arrogance dragged their feet when asked to amend the ordinance. Furthermore, our Executive Director an attorney testified that the law as written was unconstitutional before the town board in September 2007.
For the story, click here
May 6, 2008
Defending students right to express religious views at graduation ceremonies
The public interest law firm Liberty Counsel announced its annual "Friend or Foe" Graduation Prayer Campaign. The campaign involves educating and if necessary, litigating to ensure that prayer and religious views are not suppressed during graduation ceremonies across the Nation. To obtain a copy of their memorandum of law, click here. For more information, go to
Liberty Counsel.December 12, 2007
Defending Religious Liberty
On Monday, December 10th, a memorandum of law was sent to all 54 public libraries and over 60 Fire Departments throughout Nassau County addressing religious liberty. The memorandum of law (from the national public interest law firm Alliance Defense Fund) clarified what is legally permissible as to religious expression in the public square and at public buildings. The public libraries also received a copy of the Information letter on Equal Access to clarify when government can regulate or limit speech. The intent of our effort is to ensure that all Nassau residents have the freedom to express their faith by way of speech and not suffer from discrimination based on viewpoint.
November 7, 2007
Federal Court upholds equal access for a Bronx Church
The Bronx Household of Faith church which waged a ten year battle for the right to use a public school for church services was granted a permanent injunction preventing the New York City Board of Education from blocking their use of school buildings. The NYC Board of Education has repeatedly tried to bar the church from using the school citing "separation of church and state" which is not found in the constitution. The ruling is consistent with Good News v. Central Milford School District-US. Supreme Court, 2001 which held that the government must give equal access to religious groups as it would for other groups with a secular viewpoint in the use of government buildings. Click here for more information.
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The Constitution, How Firm a Foundation Information letter on Equal Access December 5, 2007
The War on Christmas For specific legal questions regarding religious discrimination, click here
Important Update
12/26/06:
Defending Religious Liberty Judicial Nominees and the Use of Religious Tests Philosophy and faith versus competence and qualifications August 26, 2005
The Constitution and
Religious Liberty
How We Can Help
Announcement by the Liberty Counsel
Religious Liberty- The View from the Founding
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