Written by Don ByrdOne reason among many to oppose government displays that are overtly religious, even during the holidays, is because the appearance of religious endorsement by the government marginalizes those who don’t share in the beliefs. In recent years, those marginalized citizens have adopted a new tactic, akin to: “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” Adherents of minority faiths and proponents of atheism are asking for equal space to spread their own message alongside the rest.
In Florida, that means a “Festivus” pole (from a holiday celebration invented by writers of the TV show Seinfeld), made of empty beer cans, has joined the Nativity Scene and other religious displays at the state capitol in Tallahassee.
Written by Don ByrdIn Florida’s Pasco County, the battle over prayer at high school football games has been heating up, after House Speaker WIll Weatherford weighed in, arguing that coaches should be able to lead their team in prayer. An editorial in today’s Tampa Bay Times takes him to task and reminds readers what is at stake.
Written by Don ByrdThe official seal of Deland, Florida includes a heart, an anchor, and a cross. The seal has been in place for 131 years, apparently without complaint, until now. Americans United for the Separation of Church and State has sent a letter to the city on behalf of a resident, requesting the religious symbols be removed from the insignia.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports that city officials insist the symbol has great historic significance and does not give the appearance of religious endorsement.
Written by Don ByrdIf you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. That’s the new strategy of a group of atheists who object on church-state grounds to Ten Commandments monuments on public land. The New York Times today profiles the effort, which recently erected its first atheist monument in Starke, Florida.
Written by Don ByrdThe 11th Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday overturned the dismissal of a Florida prisoner’s lawsuit demanding kosher meal options. Florida’s Department of Corrections announced a policy change that would allow for such meals, but the appeals panel ordered the hearing to proceed because nothing prevented the state from undoing that change.
