An Indiana public high school will not be allowed to portray a Nativity scene with live performers as part of the 2015 Christmas Spectacular, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.
U.S. District Judge Jon E. Deguilio granted a preliminary injunction in a federal lawsuit against Concord Community Schools, writing in the order that the show "conveys a message of endorsement of religion, or that a particular religious belief is favored or preferred."
"Accordingly, the court finds that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits on their claim that the inclusion of the living Nativity scene in the show, as currently proposed, violates the Establishment Clause," the judge wrote.
The suit was originally filed with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana and Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a not-for-profit that advocates for the separation of church and state, on behalf of a student who participates in the performing arts program and his father.
John Trout, the superintendent for Concord Community Schools, said in a statement that the decision is disappointing.
"The Concord High School music department is working overtime to insure that this year's Christmas Spectacular performance complies with the Court's order," Trout said.
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Okay, so have equal treatment, rather than banning one religion. On Ramadan, the Muslims can have a pilgrimage to Mecca play, the Buddhists a recreation of Himself under the tree becoming enlightened, agnostics a depiction of a total religious vacuum, Rastafarians a week-long smoke-in and Love the Earth celebration at the city park, etc.
ReplyDeleteWonder how the"father" was paid to do this....
ReplyDeleteShould have worn your Muslim garb...King Obama would have came to see it too...
ReplyDeleteThis high school has a massive music program, with marching bands, concert choirs, etc. so I'm sure this was a big deal.
ReplyDeleteIf I was them, I'd do everything that was planned -- EXCEPT -- leave the manger empty.
Then look those atheists in the eye and just smile.
What part of "Separation of Church and State" don't you idiots not understand?
ReplyDelete"..What part of "Separation of Church and State" don't you idiots not understand?"
ReplyDeleteThe part about it being in the Constitution. It isn't in there. Idiot.
No religion above any other is pretty clear. No state religion. No religious test to hold office.
ReplyDeleteThe First Amendment actually says:
ReplyDeleteCongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech...