NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. "The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt

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RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

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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.

From Newsday; "Supervisor John Venditto said that to "prevent any controversy," the town board would change the ordinance immediately to specify that permits would be required only for special events and demonstrations". The Supervisor obviously ignored the controversy for more then two years even though he was aware that it was unconstitutional.

"I'm very satisfied with the decision to the extent that it recognizes the town's right to regulate the distribution of literature at town events," he said. "I believe our ordinance will soon pass constitutional muster." The town tried to regulate all speech while requiring a permit and a bond prior to exercising freedom of speech in a traditional public area such as a park. John Venditto was certainly aware of the distinction between regulating a demonstration or a public event versus all speech.

The actions of the Town of Oyster Bay show a disdain for religious liberty and arrogance for the people they claim to serve. To knowingly defend an unconstitutional ordinance with taxpayer funds is disturbing.

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.

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.